Commuting - REI Novara Fusion vs. Specialized Sirrus Comp

I ordered a Fusion last week during the sale for $635, but some friends encouraged me to try out the Sirrus Comp, and I liked it. It seemed quick and nimble. However, to equip the Sirrus Comp comparatively would cost roughly $1000. Is it worth it? I have to go back and ride the Fusion again... I thought I liked it. Any Fusion reviews? Pros/Cons besides price?

Thanks,

Howie

I rode a Novara Transfer this week and I really liked it.

You've probably seen the recent post I made, but just in case.

It was comfortable, stable ride with good low-speed handleing. The sitting position was comfortable without being fully upright like a cruiser.

I don't like the lack of a chain guard. The transfer has the 7 speed hub and it didn't shift as well as I would have liked, but the Fusion has the 8 speed, which if I'm not mistaken, is supposed to be better.

Be sure and post a review when you get it.

Where did you find one for $635? That's about $110 less than the tag at REI.

REI was having their annual sale, and all bikes were 15% off.

I'm happy to hear you say you liked it. I actually went in to look at the Transfer based on the recommendation in bicycling magazine (are they believeable?), but I got hooked on the wider range of the 8 -speed ,and the generator hub, and the lighting, and the rear disc on the Fusion.

I have a friend who was trying to get me to try the Sirrus and was encouraging me not to settle for the Made in Taiwan frame (of course, I don't know where the Sirrus frame is made). I just wish I could try them right after one another.

Howie

Oh, and I agree about the chainguard... I'm assuming I'll be able to add one on.

Also, I just called REI because of the question in another thread about whether the Nexus hub is the premium version or not. And I learned something else.

The model number is SG8R20, and the Nexus writing is in red, leading me to believe this is the premium version. It is also, however, the version that has the integral brake. Does anyone have an opinion about this integral brake?

Don't know about the Fusion, but the Sirrus model is a damn fine ride. Nearly bought one before store loyalty asserted itself and I went with the Trek instead.

I bought the Transfer during the same sale last week and love it!
It's comfortable and fun to ride.

Dan

I bought the Transfer during the same sale last week and love it!
It's comfortable and fun to ride.

Dan


How is the chain tension adjusted?

REI was having their annual sale, and all bikes were 15% off.

I'm happy to hear you say you liked it. I actually went in to look at the Transfer based on the recommendation in bicycling magazine (are they believeable?), but I got hooked on the wider range of the 8 -speed ,and the generator hub, and the lighting, and the rear disc on the Fusion.

I have a friend who was trying to get me to try the Sirrus and was encouraging me not to settle for the Made in Taiwan frame (of course, I don't know where the Sirrus frame is made). I just wish I could try them right after one another.

Howie

Re. your decision, I certainly wouldn't let 'made in Taiwan' or not influence you one way or the other. Don't know 'Novara'; the Sirrus series is great, but make your decision on other bases. The FACT is, fwiw, that ALL Specialized frames are made either in mainland China or in Taiwan. In the Sirrus, the two 'low' models (base Sirrus and Sirrus Sport) in mainland China, the rest (e.g. Sirrus Comp) in Taiwan: there are stickers clearly stating that on each frame. You're simply not going to find a frame made in the U.S., Canada, or Europe on a complete bike at anything under pretty high zoot prices (although we have an exception here in Canada with Devinci), and anyway the quality of Taiwanese frame building is second to none. Cheers.

I was wrong about the Nexus premium... after a little more research, and looking at the Breezer and Harris websites, it appears that the premium hub has a red band around it and does not have the integral brake. Anyone have any opinions on the integral brake (not a coaster brake, but apparently a drum-like weather sealed brake). The REI guy didn't know if you had to replace the brake pad (or even if there was one) at some point or not.

Hopefully I'll go ride them both tonight.

Beware of REI service/repair capabilities. Some poeple, including myself, have had bad luck getting an REI brand bike serviced at their store.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=193536&highlight=novara+fusion

I've got the roller brake on both my Surly conversion and Milano. I'm not exactly sure what's inside,but from my understanding,they just need to be greased periodically. Here's the manual:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/nexus8/index.htm

I kinda like the roller brake. It's heavy,and it's not that strong,but it works well enough for the rear and you can drag it down hills without eating up pads. Just make sure you carefully read the proceedures for removing the rear wheel before you get a flat.

The fusion is a sweet commuter bike and REI has such great customer service I would try it first - you can always return it and get the sirrus later if you decide the fusion isn't right for you.

I have had my eye on the sirrus for a long time, but I decided I would rather have a road bike for my long hwy commutes (25kms each way) and a mtn bike with slicks for my short city commutes and errands.

If I didn't have the mtn bike I would probably jump on the fusion since it is such a great deal.

safe riding,

Vik

Thanks!

I rode the Fusion again tonight, then a Cannondale hybrid, not sure what model, then the Fusion again. I think the Fusion ride is just fine for me. The Nexus was noisy in third, and a bit twitchy going into fifth. The bike guy said it could be adjusted... I guess I'll see what the one they build for me is like when it's ready.

I loved it the first minute I rode the Fusion-- bought it and took it back home to Santa Fe. Unfortunately, much to my dismay, the shock absorbent frame wasn't absorbent enough for the rough roads of Santa Fe-- I had to return it a week later. I ended up with a Specialized Crossroads Elite-- not as fun or lovely to ride but it gets the job done. I emailed REI to ask them to please consider adding front suspension to the Fusion for 2007- they replied and said it will be considered.

So... if you live in a nicely paved city I guess it wou;dn't be a problem, but be wary if you live out yonder!

:eek:

Sounds like you have some unpaved roads? My commute is 95% converted rail bed bike path (in Lexington, MA for the locals), with occasional excursions off the path for groceries, maybe an occasional foray across the river into Brookline.

BTW, I rode the Breezer Uptown 8 today. I didn't like it quite as much... it felt more upright than the Fusion. Although the premium 8 was noticably smoother than the regular 8 on the Fusion.