Novarra (REI Brand) Bikes?

[tangentgirl]

Does anyone have experience with Novarra bikes? Those are the REI house brand ones.

I want to get my bf a bike for his upcoming bday - woohoo! He's been eyeing the Novarra Buzz - their commuter bike. Pretty much every time we've been at the REI, he'll go get all excited over it.

Thanks!

[pooks]

I don't know, but that is a great looking bike! Love the color!

[stella]

my brother rides a novarra and loves it.

If I recall correctly, they get good reviews as a good "bang for the buck" bike.

an acquaintence of mine owns 2 novarra bikes and loves them.

if he likes it, then go for it! My experience with REI has been good, they have folks test their products out that are knowledgable cyclists.

[colby]

I bought one last year. They downgraded the components on the road models (except at the high end) this year, but I'm not sure that carried over to the other models -- they DID reduce the price on those models, which compensates for that affect anyway. Since we had an REI member 20% discount at the time (last spring), we bought three of them at 20% off (which was significant on $1400 bikes!). My husband has the Express, my dad the Strada, and I the Carema Pro. All are 105s all around, and road bikes (the Express is flat bar).

Components for components, it seems to be a lot of bike for the money. The problems I've had have been fit and tune related, which are problems with any bike. I haven't read any negative reviews or anything of them myself. We debated before buying them, and decided getting into riding on a good bike for the money was more important than debating the benefits of one brand or another. If I wanted another bike and they had what I wanted, I'd test ride and consider it just like any other candidate. If I were buying another bike, I'd probably have different requirements this time, though.

I'd say, if he likes the bike, it's a nice ride, and it's got the components you want/need... go for it. If it gets him out there... it's good!

I am curious as to other opinions.

[michelem]

I have an OLD Novara mountain bike (it's about 11 years old) and it's still going. It's definitely sturdy. Of course, the newer bikes are going to have much better brakes, shifters, drivetrains, etc. The biggest problem with my bike, besides bottom of the barrel components for this day and age, and heavy weight, is fit. REI did not do a professional fitting for me. We've done everything possible to adjust the bike to fit me, but it's just not going to happen - the frame itself is too big. So, more important than anything, is to have your boyfriend get a professional fitting so he can make sure he buys the right bike!

I believe the first two weeks of May REI is running a special for 20% off any one full-price item (for members). So, you may want to take advantage of that!

Good luck!

[stella]

michelem is right! it can be a great bike, but if it doesn't fit...it doesn't matter...

make sure that the person helping you can also do the fit on the bike.

[tangentgirl]

Yes, fit is super-important, I'll definitely get it fit for him. It's good to see so many positive impressions - thanks!

[CycleChic06]

I agree with all of you. My dad rides a Novara touring bike from REI last year. The people there are usually so helpful and knowledgeable. It's really the perfect bike for him and for what he wants it for. He's really happy with it and with the support he gets from REI.

My main complaint, which you all mention, is that they didn't do a fitting. I kept telling him that standover height is not an accurate way to tell if the bike fits. He, of course, won't listen to me.

I'm not sure if they do fittings or not, he's never asked them. But they might if you ask. If not, you can take it to your LBS and they can do it for you there.