Obviously it is an entry level bike due to the way it's equipped, but you're right, the frame offers enormous opportunities for customization.

I think this model is selling quite well for Downtube so I believe you're correct that it could make good business sense for them to offer a higher end model too.

I hope Downtube sells a lot of Novas. As a customer, I want them around for a long time.

Yes, this would suit me also, but I wonder what the market would be like fro such an option,very small I would imagine. I have plenty of folding spares being a folder enthusiast. I would love to get hold of a Birdie,bike friday, dahon speed tt, Diblasi frame + specific bits only option.

I just bid on one on Ebay. If I win it, I'll give a full review once it arrives.

after disappearing from the market for some time, (maybe due to shipping delay), the novas are now flooding the market.
some friends prefered the nova, only because of the stiffer handlepost. (compared to dahon eco3)
and the fd hanger is really a plus.
otherwise you must pay some 25 dollars for an fd adapter...

When you say "the market", are you referring to local bike shops in Indonesia?

thar she is with $100 Brooks saddle. These are awesome saddles, I am sure much better then thudbuster. Accessories cost more then the bike! Good deal. Now just waiting on my front Tourney derailler and SIS gear changer for left handlebar.

How's that rack holding up rubberbandito?

Its holding up great. No heel strike, never had to readjust. Have had about 20 lbs on it so far. Its rated at 55. Solid. Only one little thing, My panniers have U hooks at bottom and a normal rack you just hook it where too tubes come together in V. Here you can't do it but there is a hole in bottom of tube so you can put the U hook in there. Only thing is sometimes it take a couple seconds to take it out. You can't just grab the pannier and go. Sometimes you have to fiddle with the U hook. Very small annoyance though.

Updated pics of mine

Wow! The modifications you made to your Nova makes it look "high end". Maybe this bike is destined to have an almost cult like following due to it's upgrade, and customization potential. Dr. Yan would be proud.

Thanks!
Next on sight to modify........the tires. ' not sure yet which to get.

hi dvc, do you have 52 up front and 11 on back?
nice pics. i like the end shifters.
how do you post those pics in the site, all i can do is add tiny images in the image link. html wont work for me.

Hi Rubberbandito! Yes, 11 at the back, 52/39 front. I got the rear freewheel from Edwong's link. Thanks Ed!

Sign up on Picasaweb or Photobucket and paste and post photo's all you want.

Great, thanks for the response. I ordered the same rack, just waiting for it to arrive now.

Is this the correct rack:

https://www.meijer.com/s/m-wave-unive...ier/_/R-124225

I believe rubberbandito paid around $15 for it, but now its down to $6.71 !!!

Hi DVC45, want to ask your opinion.

Can I use a single-pivot caliper brake on the Nova. I'd like to use a dropbar as well on my nova, but here in Indonesia, it's hard for me to get a hold of a Travel Agent Cable Pull Adjuster

Hi Equinox!

No, I don't think it has provisions for a caliper brake (fork fender hole is too high). I know I've seen some conversion kits, but they are hard to find.
I think cantilever brakes is the only other option. Or maybe this https://2btherapy.com/index.php/bikes...conversion-kit if you like disc brake.

Great, you did get that freewheel! Glad it worked for you!

No horizontal drops though.

Surly Singleator to the rescue:

https://surlybikes.com/parts/singleator/

Glad to be of help.

No, its not that one for $6.71. The one i bought is still about $15, here https://www.meijer.com/s/m-wave-alloy...ier/_/R-124226

I have no idea if the cheaper one will fit.

hey you guys. i bought the 11-32 from comcycle. i think this was your link too. https://store.comcycle-usa.com/Produc...spx?id=5904743

i put about 150 miles on it. and past 100 miles it has been making a thumping sound especially in gear 5. so i took it off and it rattles inside. so i called the guy there and he said right away, he is sorry for not catching it because it is sold wihout grease packed in the bearings. he said he thought he fixed all of them or warned the buyer but i must have fallen through.

so he said, he thinks there should not be any damage to it, and that i can just pack it with grease along the o ring. if this does not get rid of the thumping or if there are any problems he will replace it for me.

just an FYI out there.

i just bought some nice ortleib back packer plus rear panniers, their biggest one.

on image 602 you can see one of the bags is way far back and this makes it a little off balance. so the other bag i adjusted the up a little which causes a wee bit of of heel strike but its very well balanced. i am currently testing both scenarios. so far it only gets a little strike if the bag is fully loaded though, not when half full. and honestly, you can live with that heel strike by adjusting your feet on the pedals.

honestly, you could easily fashion two longer extensions to get this rack back even further, but I am satisfied with it as is. I don't think you could get any better other then those racks with the extra tubes for panniers.

being a newish member, every time i try to post pics from links they don't work, so my account must not be premium. so all i can do is post these thumbnails you see below.

The freewheel listed on that link is an 11-30, though I vaguely remember that there is a 7 speed 11-32 available somewhere. Also noticed that they sell 8, and even 9 speed freewheels in the 11-32 range. That's amazing to find those as Shimano discontinued making freewheels with an 11 tooth in the cog set.

Good to know that ComCycle's customer / tech service is willing to help out with the issue on your unit. Please keep us informed how it goes.