Touring - Novara Randonee - good tourer?

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View Full Version : Novara Randonee - good tourer?

Haptown
07-13-07, 02:44 PM
Has anyone had any experience with these bikes? I haven't bought a touring bike yet but plan to do so. I'm looking at this one, a C'Dale T800, Trek 520 and maybe a Jamis Aurora. Who is really making the Novara frame? Any other thoughts appreciated.

Cornchops
07-13-07, 07:35 PM
I have a Randonee, and like it well enough. I've got about 1600 miles on it. Not even a flat tire. I would have loved to get a 520 from my LBS instead, but a 20% off coupon and my REI dividend made the Randonee about $600, which was too good of a deal to pass up.

Only issues are toe-fender strike, a little bit shortish chainstay for a tourer, and that no bottle will fit in the third cage (especially with fenders). So I watch my sharp turns, slide my panniers back, and go with two waters. Ta-da!
madopa
07-13-07, 07:58 PM
I ordered a Surly Long Haul Trucker and am in the process of building it up. Looks to be a pretty good tourer and came fairly highly recommended on various sites. Hopefully I'll be done with it next week.

robmcl
07-13-07, 08:24 PM
no bottle will fit in the third cage (especially with fenders).

Yeah, the Safari has the same problem. I got the adapter from Nashbar to attach water bottle cages from the saddle rails. That added two more.