Classic & Vintage - What year is this Novara Randonee?

I have a Novara Randonee that I am trying to figure its age. The guy I got it from said it is only 7 years old but I think its closer to 17. Frame is Purple and the seat tube and fork are Silver. has Biopace triple chainrings and 6 spd out back. Shimano Deore group with 600 brakes. Araya rims (27 x 1 1/4), CR Sakae aluminum bars, SR stem, seatpost and pedals with Christophe foot traps. Vetta seat. 3 bottle mounts.
Anyone got any ideas? Thankshttp://C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\My Pictures\novara

Not seeing your photo (got a little red x there), but 17 years does sound more like it.

Oh, and Welcome to Bike Forums!

East Hill

I was trying to find the exact period that Biopace was offered this morning and failed.

I have a Panasonic MTB with Biopace Deore XT and I am fairly certain it is from the 80s.

My ex had a Novara Randonee and it was from the 80s, probably between 87-89

Biopace was pretty much gone by 1990. My 87ish Trek originally came with them, but my 90 Fisher didn't. I remember taking the Biopace off the Trek about 89-90 and it was falling out of favor then.

My guess, if it's original, is your bike's from the 87-88 time frame

There's no way an 18 speed is 7 years old. I agree with the late 80s assessments.

But we need pics. :)

The BioPace cranks were available since 1983 and were pretty heavily marketed during the mid-1980s. And, even SEVEN-speed freewheels had came out quite early [1980 (Suntour) and 81 (Shimano)]... although a 6-speeds remained common for quite a while with triple crank sets. So, the bike could easily be well over 20 years old - or at least the main part of your drive train :o

Best way to date the bike accurately would be to check the base of your seatpost for a two-digit date code and also look for very tiny two-digit letters on any of the Shimano components which are also date codes.

Since you got the bike used, the guess the frameset could actially be newer... and just built up with the guys old discarded junk components when he was selling it. :rolleyes:

Ahem! http://www.animationer.dk/2/c/camera.gifPlease?

Thanks for all of the replies. I did put a pic in the original post but for some reason it didn't come up. I'll try again later. I doubt this bike was built up by the owner as this thing was definitely going to meet a slow rusty demise. I'm thinking late 80's myself as I also have a Spalding Blade RE 12 that I bought new in 87 and the bikes are pretty similar. Off to go riding.... to work, ugh.

I'm not very good with the photo deal. I am trying to get the pics up on here but it's not working. Any of you tech types care to enlighten me. I know about the "insert image" button but the pics I have aren't hosted on a url and I think that is why thy aren't showing up. Any ideas. thanks

It's a lot easier if you use a photo hosting site such as Photobucket.

But I can host them for you if you'd like.

East Hill

All right, here are The Pistol's photos:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/novara_003.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/novara_002.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/novara_001.jpg



The [pseudo] Pistol

So Tange #2, Made in Japan, BioPace.

My guess would be 1987...looks to be in nice shape :) .

East Hill

Thank you very much East Hill. it's a shame that these pictures didn't come out a little brighter as it was a beautiful day out when I took them. The bike isn't too bad considering that it sat outside for quite some time, a few scratches and nicks here and there but overall not too bad. I spent half an afternoon going through it. Trued the wheels, installed some almost new tires and tubes, adjusted and lubed everything. I rode it around the neighborhood and it all worked pretty good. It just needs some fresh bar tape and maybe a seat and it will be a fair commuter or casual bike. Maybe a neighbor might pick it up to help with the New Years resolutions. I think most of you are right on the 1987 to 1990 guess. I looked for a 2 digit code but was unsuccessful, thanks again for the help.

After rereading Stronglight's post i took another look at it. On the inside of the front derailleur I found the initials "KL", does this sound like anything? Also the bike has Suzue hubs. Thanks again.

Actually, if you go to http://vintage-trek.com you should be able to date the bike rather closely.

I'm betting 1987 though :) .

East Hill

The Randonee is Novara's touring bike. Would be an excellent candidate for loaded touring or commuting, also good for casual riding.

Better check the minimum insertion marks on the seatpost and handlebar stem - both look as if they've been raised to an unsafe height.

Update on the Novara, put some new bar tape on and decided to take it for a spin. Old bomb rides pretty nice although I think the frame is a tad small for me. I was amazed at how solid the shifting was though. The Deore group is pretty dang good. Put about 30 miles on it without any problem. Made it from the 7-11 in Deerfield to my place in 53 min.(Florida locals will know the one) not record pace but about 15 mph average. No computer on it but it does have a bell, lol. Anyway, take care all and enjoy the ride regardless of what it is.

Update to the update. This bike has been posted on craigslist for $65 if anyone is interested. Under West palm Beach florida. Excellent bike but I have too many, (is that possible, too many bikes?) Take care and ride safe.