I just purchased a new 54 cm 2007 Jamis Supernova. It's hard to find a better cross bike for the money (about $1800 w/out pedals). The Easton fork alone is $500! The bike weighs about 20lbs as shown, although Jamis claims 18.5 lbs for a 54 cm. This bike handles great on and off road, although I think it really shines off road. Although this is a all out race machine, I plan on using it for a foul weather training bike and to ride on rough/dirt roads. As with most cross bikes, you need to pay close attention to the geometry. I ride a 54 cm compact road frame, so traditional cross geometry takes a little while to get used to. I am 5'-9" w/ a 30" inseam. I contemplated getting the 53 cm (53 cm TT), but it had toe overlap, a short head tube, 170 mm cranks, and a 40 cm bar. The 54 cm has a 54.5 cm TT, 172.5 mm cranks, and a 42 cm bar. I had the shop swap the stem from a 100mm to a 90mm and the bike fits great. The only other modification I might make is a shorter reach bar. The Ritchey bars it comes with have a long reach, so I am a little stretched out on the hoods. A Richey biomax bar looks like it has as short reach. Does anyone else have any recomondations for short reach bars? I think I might add some Salsa cross levers too.

I use Salsa short n shallow bars. Others like the Moto aces. Both have short drops and won't cost you a bundle. Nice bike. Hope yer gonna cut that steerer:p

Another vote for the Salsa Short 'n Shallows. They feel a little roomier to me in the drops than the Biomax. Enjoy the new ride!

do you knwo the frame weight of the supernova?

The 2008 frame is listed (http://jamisbikes.com/canada/bikes/08_bikes/08_frames/08supernova_frame.html) at 3.5lbs if that helps.

http://jamisbikes.com/canada/bikes/08_bikes/08_frames/images/08_SUPERNOVA_FRAME.jpg

As far as bars are concerned, I went with an FSA Omega Compact this year and so far they are pretty sweet. Price is nice too at under $50

Nice looking bike by the way. :thumbsup:

Toe overlap is overrated, it only affects handing at low speeds and is something almost everyone on a cross bike has unless you like the longer stretched out geo. From the look of the stem height if you moved down a size that thing might be well over the recommended 2 inch of stack height for a carbon steer tube and safety might be compromised, since you are running Shimano take a look at the Deda Super Natural bars they are designed around the Shimano levers and are quite comfortable. Either way good luck and work on your flexibility to get those bars lower for better handling. Be well!

awful routing for the rear brake cable near the seatpost...

mind explaining why its awful?

The rear canti stop is attached to the seat collar thus creating a noodle in the cable with poor braking performance. Crosschecks had the same problem. A welded canti stop bridging the rear triangle is the best option IMO!