tshsieh

I am new to cycling. Have been to a couple of stores to try out some bikes. I have narrowed the bike selections to Jamis Nova, Bianchi, Surly and Fuji. Both Jamis and Fuji has better parts (shimano 105) than the Bianchi and Surly. But, everyone that I’ve talked to rave about the Bianchi and Surly bike. Is the Jamis Nova and Fuji Cross comp much lesser bikes? They are all about the same price regeon. Can anyone make a suggestion? I would mainly use the bike to ride around the city and trails in Mount Tam on the weekends.

thanks

newbie

mikdes

Of the Jamis and the Fuji I'd lean toward the Jamis as it's a decent steel frame vs. aluminum on the Fuji.

DogBoy

Do you want this bike for cyclocross racing or something else?

crosscommuter

I'm with MikeDs...go with the Steel...steel is real, especially if you're gonna be hitting the dirt off of mt tam. Cyclocross bikes rock!

amahana1

My crosscheck has been the best bike I have owned to date. Hands down the most versatile bike I have ridden. I have owned cannondales, giant and raleigh and now Surly. It does everything well.

oldskoolboarder

from that selection, i'd go Surly. I like the company and prefer steel.

DRLski

If you're not racing then I'd go with the Surly or Nova, I'm a big Jamis fan so I'd go with the nova, plus it's a little lighter than the Surly. But the Surly is a great bike as well, and cheap.

Dave

tshsieh

I am not going to use the bike for racing at all. But, I’ll be use the bike for the Aids ride from SF to LA next year. So, I guess it's down to Surly and Jamis. How much difference is there between the shimano 105 and Tiagra. My avid cyclist colleague suggested that I would need at least shimano 105 parts for the bike to last.

mgwadz

I have a Surly cross-check and ride it on a daily basis. it's a very handy, fun, versatile bike.

that being said, I think the parts spec on the Jamis is superior. With my Surly I changed the brakes (came with very cheap tektros, not sure what is spec'd now) and changed to STI shifters ( a personal preference that has some trade-offs- STIs are very convenient but have a penalty in weight, cost, and fragility), and eventually changed the rear derailleur.

I think 105 is a lot better than the tiagra, especially over the long haul.

if the price is comparable, I would say the Jamis is a better buy parts-wise. the Surly is thoughtfully designed to accomodate a lot of set-ups- mtn or road hubs, fixed gear, extra wide tires, etc.

either bike will be great for a variety of uses.

marc

mikdes

My 2003 Jamis has Tiagra and so far it's been ok. The 2004 upgraded to 105. I wish I had 105 but, like I said, so far so good.

tshsieh

I went on the MTB review and found that some owners of old 2002 Jamis nova had problems with paint chipping off easily. Does anyone own a 2005 jamis? Do you have any problem with it?

mikdes

I have an '03 Jamis and haven't had these problems, but also haven't put a lot of miles on it.

Also, have you considered a Redline Conquest or Conquest Pro?

tshsieh

I thought about the Conquest Pro but it is out of my budget.

thanks everyone for your input.

MrEWorm

I bought the Cross check frame and had it built up with 105 components. I also speced out 36 hub open pros (I ama clydesdale). It has stood up to my weight , and abuseIt. In my opinion, it is a great all around bicycle.