Josh Olson’s Blog

My bike computer odometer hit 50 miles today, it is time for a brief 2008 Jamis Nova Pro review.

The carbon fork and carbon fiber seat stays make for a very comfortable ride, especially on rougher terrain. Not having to stand up while riding over small bumps makes commuting enjoyable. The bike has a very comfortable geometry, and is quite light (21 lbs). The Tiagra shifting is still smooth, but I have used a Park Chain Gang Cleaning System and Park Chain Lube to maintain the chain and cogs.

I have not yet had any major mechanical problems, but I did have the bike shop remove my “dork disk”, as it rattled while riding. The dork disk is a small cog-like plastic ring that will prevent a misaligned rear derailleur from forcing the chain into the rear wheel spokes.

I have not yet mounted fenders, but I believe I will next spring. I look forward to trying Cyclocross in the fall!

Friday I purchased a 54cm 2008 Jamis Nova Pro from The Bike Shop in Houghton. I’ve been shopping for an all-purpose bicycle since March, and believe the Nova Pro best suits my wants and needs. I plan to ride to work, and attempt at least one cyclo-cross race in the fall.

The Nova Pro has the following attractive selling points:

• Carbon Fork
• Carbon fiber seat stays
• Fender capable
• Comfortable geometry
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Full overview and specifications

The Bike Shop threw in caged pedals, a water bottle, bottle holder, a free tune-up after 30 days, free “adjustments” for the lifespan of the bike, and 15% off MSRP.

Update: I wrote a brief 2008 Jamis Nova Pro Review.

In preparation for the bicycle purchase, I ordered a SIGMA BC 1606L DTS bike computer. I haven’t opened it yet, but it looks quite neat. I look forward to obsessing over my speed and distance, and will probably buy the add-on cadence monitor. No bike-shopping updates yet, I’ll be test-riding James’s 2006 Trek 1500 tomorrow after work.

Never have I felt the need to wear a helmet while riding on asphalt - until today. During lunch I experienced my first trip on a cyclocross bicycle, the Kona Jake specifically. I’ve been shopping for a new bicycle for almost a month and am now enticed by ‘cross bikes. The Jake was fast, responsive, and I felt comfortable riding it. I can’t wait to test the 2008 model. Cross country sports should have one built by the end of the month.

I’m open to suggestions.