Jamis Nova vs. Fuji Cross Comp for commute
 

What do you think? Both are '06 leftovers. The Fuji is selling for $899 at one LBS, and the Jamis is at $1100 negotiable at another LBS. I think the Jamis has a little more sex appeal, with the 10 speed cassette and steel frame. But, the price is significantly different.

In terms of components they are pretty similar, making the Fuji a better deal ( a pretty good deal). If it were me though, I'd want the steel frame on the Jamis. The prices aren't far enough apart to warrant buying a bike you don't want. If you're on the fence, get the Fuji and put the money you saved by not getting the nova into accessories. Aren't they both 10spd full 105?

are you set on a cross bike?
check out the Aurora
Has a slightly less agreesive geometry
same great steel frame

at one time I was leaning towards a cross bike, but for some reason, some aspect of it didn't fit my MO... might have been too agressive or something... but cool ride

I ride a Kona Jake the Snake cyclocross for my commute and love it. I was able to find an '06 for $875 from a shop in the middle of January this year. With 28mm road tires, fenders, rack and light kit, it does an awesome job on the commute. Great combination of speed and ruggedness.

If you're looking at the Fuji Cross Comp, also check out the BD Fantom Cross - it's $795 from the BD site, and I've seen it as low as $695 on sale, and from one of the other frequent BD bike sellers on eBay. You don't get the LBS backing (which is a debate that's been held lots of times), but it's essentially the same bike as the Fuji Cross Comp.

I think you'll find that the component difference on the Jamis more than makes up for the $200 difference. If it's the 06 Fuji Cross Comp, it has only Tiagra on it, including the shifters. The Jamis has 105. Big difference in performance and value.

I've got 2 Jamis bikes made of 631 steel. They're both great rides.

That's right....the Jamis is a full 105 10 speed drivetrain with 105 shifters - the Fuji/Motobecane cross bikes are Tiagra shifters/FD with a 105 RD and 9 speed SRAM cassette. The Jamis also has Avid Shorty 4 brakes (same as on my Kona), and a better wheelset.

With the 631 steel frame, it's going to be a more comfortable ride than the Fuji - and the price difference will likely be forgotten after just a couple rides. If you like the Jamis better, it's clearly better equipped than the Fuji/BD cross bike.

Thanks for all the responses. The sharp eyes have it, the 105 upgrade in the brifters and fd almost make up for the price difference alone.

Sigurdd50: I have taken a look at the Aurora. It does appeal to me, but it seems that no shops in my area regularly stock this model. Also, the slightly more aggressive ride in the cross bike will likely come in handy in my weekend loops. I am literally trying to find the one bike for all seasons.

Question: it seems the 55cm Jamis is the rough equivalent to the 58 cm Fuji, but with a shorter seat tube length? I am right at 6'0" with a 34" pant inseam. The 55 cm Jamis looks to be my fit. Any comments?

If you do buy the Jamis, I suggest you buy an extra, lighter wheelset/cassette down the road for your weekend rides. That way you can also put smaller tires on it than what you commute with. Open Pro/Ultegras are very durable and fairly light. Mavic Askiums are a little slicker looking and will work well too.

That is probably the right size. The shorter seat tube is because the bottom bracket is higher off the ground than a regular road bike. Hence the wacky sizing. Most people say to buy a CX bike based on the top tube, not the seat tube (which is how bike sizes are measured/stated). Still, make sure you ride one and are comfortable on it.

I've got a Nova and I love it... great bike. I'm about 5'11" (32" pant inseam) and ride the 53cm -- thought it would be too small, but it's just right. I'd say go for the Jamis... on the other hand, $1,100 seems a bit pricey for an '06. How negotiable is "negotiable"?