i've got the jamis nova, too. great commuter. i've fitted racks to mine because i hate to have stuff hanging from my body, especially so because my commute is pretty long. i prefer to have the bike hold my stuff.

i'd love to find brake pads that attenuate the avid shorty brake squeal. if anyone knows a pad that does this (or a canti brake that squeals less), i'd be very grateful.