I went on a search this weekend to check out the Sputnik at two bike shops in the area.

One had it for $655 no brakes, but were unable to help me with changing the cranks from 175 to 170mm. (said that a swap would require a new botton bracket cartridge for a square taper crank) I asked if Jamis would help with an exchange, but the shop told me no. I also want a fixed/fixed hub, so I'd probably have to use my 'old' Surly/Open Pro rear wheel, which is fine, but wouldn't match the front wheel of the stock Sputnik. Really no big deals.

The other shop has them for $825 no brake.

But neither is a shop I'd really desire to do business with.

My favorite shop carries the Lemond Fillmore - but only the 2007 model, not the 2006 which I prefer.

Al

IMHO, you have an oversimplfied interpretation of what is relevant to long distance comfort. Track frames are made to be stiff...not to absorb road iregularities. Sorry, but 30 miles is not a long ride. Try 100+ miles...it will not feel the same as doing that distance with a good road or touring bike. I ride my track bike for up to 70 miles, but for longer rides I usually opt for my road bike. Depending on the quality of the roads, I'm usually comfy on my track bike until about 60-70 miles..then it starts to get to my wrists and hands...I don't have this problem on any of my road oriented bikes, and in terms of saddle/bar height, they are all set up nearly the same. If you ride in any position other than completely erect, there will be some weight on your hands. I often do the same rides with road bike and track bikes and I can tell you that the same bumps and waves in the road are more intense on the track bike, sometimes practically throwing me off the saddle when hit at high speed. My Alu roadie and my steel conversion eat up the same bumps.

You want the ox-plat steel, I presume? Is there a tangible difference?

I don't know, but the 06 comes with a better fork and wheels too I understand.
The list for the '07 is $300 less so Lemond/Trek are either offering better value (equal performance/quality at lower cost) or have reduced performance/quality

Al

I would suggest digging around and finding a 05. Mine is a pretty solid ride.