Jamis Bosanova or Jamis Coda Elite?

[moosensquirrel]

I'm new to bike riding, but I'd like to get something nice enough to keep and stick with.

My rides will be for fitness and fun, likely 20 miles. I don't expect to ride more than 50 miles at a time often. Since the roads adjacent to my street are a bit rough, I think I'll do better with 28mm tires, not 22mm or 23mm.

I have yet to make up my mind about flat bars or road bars; maybe you can help me decide?

Would you recommend the Jamis Bosanova or the Jamis Coda Elite?

 

[moosensquirrel]

My local bike store has a great discount on a 2010 Fuji Cross Comp, an aluminum cyclocross bike with a carbon fork and Shimano 105 parts. I'm tempted by it.

Any thoughts?

 

[Scotty_Dog]

Component-wise, the Jamis Bosanova is more like a road bike (higher gearing, road bars), whereas the Jamis Coda Elite is more like a mountain bike (lower gearing, flat bars). Road bars give you many more hand positions, and flat bars give you more control on rough terrain.

For me, a cyclocross bike is the "do anything" urban road bike. A great mix of (almost) road bike speed and (almost) mountain bike durability. As you have pointed out, the Fuji Cross Comp drivetrain is better than the Jamis bikes with a well regarded (10 speed) 105 drivetrain. One potential downside is the stock crankset has a more limited gear range with a 36/46 compact chainring combo. Not as great for very steep climbs or very fast descents.

 

[moosensquirrel]

Do anything bike, that is what I was hoping to hear. And if I ever decide I want to try more adventurous non-paved trails, I can put wider tires on the cyclocross bike.

My state is, for the most part, flat. So I'm not to worried about hills. /img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

 

[davereo]

Just my .02. If I only had one bike it would be a cyclocross. If you find that the bike is not quick enough to keep you happy you could always upgrde to a 50/39 compact crank.

 

[moosensquirrel]

Thanks.

Does the Fuji Cross Comp look like a good choice to you?