Cyclocross - New Novara Bike

While this doesn't come with cross tires, I wonder if this replaced the Element in their line-up? It looks like a pretty good deal and with the discs, I bet you can put some meats on those rims...
http://www.rei.com/product/779985
http://media.rei.com/media/oo/e8a71313-980b-4f1f-b676-d40df42783e5.jpg

I was looking at it, too. Yes, I believe it replaced the Element & Rivet, both bikes I've seen still hanging from the ceiling at my local (San Jose) REI. They just don't seem to be selling, even with their markdowns.

What makes me leary of the Road Buzz is the aluminum fork. The Big Buzz has it and I've read many people attributing the bike's ride harshness partly to it. I guess they have to do something to keep the cost inside of $1K, though. Then there are the Alex discs- not to sure about them- and the Kalloy post and stem but those latter two are easily replaced.

It's an interesting ride, for sure. I like the 50/34 + 12-26; I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of flatlander Big Buzz owners long ago replaced their wide ratio cassettes with closer ratios. Just a solid setup.

What makes me leary of the Road Buzz is the aluminum fork. The Big Buzz has it and I've read many people attributing the bike's ride harshness partly to it. I guess they have to do something to keep the cost inside of $1K, though. Then there are the Alex discs- not to sure about them- and the Kalloy post and stem but those latter two are easily replaced.


You could always replace the fork if it was that big of a deal. The Alex discs are just the rims that disc compatable. The brakes are actually the Road BB7 Road.. I had an Element, very nice bike. What kind of mark downs do they have on them?

Can't remember, you'd have to call them up. Probably 20% off though maybe lower now. I thought you had problems with your previous Element- I read some of your posts when I was researching/considering getting the Element.

Well, I did have a couple of issues but I think I've decided that it was mostly with how it was put together and not the bike itself... Now that I have a little more knowledge and confidnce in my wrenching skills, I'd give a Novara another go...

it has the WTB dirt drop. also, it appears it can handle much bigger than the x28 tires it is spec-ed with.

The current holiday season coupon doesn't apply to bikes unfortunately. The spring time coupon does however apply to Novara bikes.

If this would have been available earlier this year, I would have probably gone this route instead of the Divano. I've been happy with it, but I'd probably should have gone with a more commuter-ready bike. Originally, I was looking for a drop-bar style bike with disc brakes, but nothing was at this price point. With that spring time 20% off coupon, this bike becomes $800.