Touring - Those looking for a new touring bike

Since someone seems to e-mail the forum looking for advice on a new touring bike, I thought that I would jump the gun and point out that REI just put their Novara Randonee Bike on sale for $750. You do not even have to be a member of the cooperative.

It is a steel bike with Tiagra/LX components. A triple up front and an ultra wide cassette on the rear. Comes with a rear rack.

Just in case you are wondering, I have no connection with REI other than shopping there occasionally.

Take care.

It looks like they only have 59cm frames left?

How does the Novara Randonee match up to the Fuji Touring?

To find other sizes, you probably need to go to the store. The REI by Baily's Crossroads in VA had a few in stock.

EDIT: A buddy just stopped by REI Bailey's Crossroads and they had a smaller one (~52cm top tube) on the floor plus a few hanging up on the ceiling. Of course, I would just call the local REI if you are interested in a particular size.

Does any one know what size headset the Randonee has 1 inch or 1 1/8 inch???

It's a 59 cm only. And I see by the pre-order for '07 the randonee is'nt listed.:(

Does any one know what size headset the Randonee has 1 inch or 1 1/8 inch???

1 1/8"

I checked out this bike at my local REI, and I didn't get it because it has racing bike rear spacing, and racing bike short chainstays. I'd rather have mountain bike rear spacing and longer chainstays, so I didn't get one. The components seemed good for a bike of this price.

I got one because I picked it up for 300, not knowing anything about bikes, just knowing I wanted a commuter. I got REALLY lucky. I love these bikes, though I havent done any touring on it yet, just commuting.