Touring - I just bought a Novara Safari

I just got home and am setting up my bike for my commute tomorrow. I got several things that I knew I would need, but they didn't have the fenders I wanted in the store so I am going to order them online. Also, before Friday I will have a smaller set of tires on this beast. It came with 700x44s and I want to use something in the neighborhood of 700x35. Shoot, I also need a bicycle lock now. Does anyone know of a good, bright, and rechargable headlight I can start saving for before the winter months?

Here is some of the other stuff I bought while I was there.

http://www.rei.com/product/604989

http://www.rei.com/product/786534

http://www.rei.com/product/793233

Pictures or it didn't happen!

I am in the process of building up my 2010 Raleigh Sojourn. It has about 75 miles on it now... I just ordered some Conti's and I am removing the nearly new Vittoria Randonneur Cross 700C X 35 I would pass them on for a sweet deal if it is something you can use...

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad316/Giantbikeforsale/DSCN0563.jpg

As regards the light, I like the Cygolite MilIon. Meets all of your criteria.

I like my Dinotte 200L headlight (http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=109295070&Count2=26435494&ProductID=9&Target=products.asp). It holds a charge well and is incredibly bright. I have had some mechanical problems with it, though. (To their credit, Dinotte has fixed every problem without charging me a penny.)

I thought the Novara Safari came with 26" Wheels? Maybe I am not up to date on the latest model....

Today I replaced the horrible 700x44 with some 700x28s I had laying around. I have ordered some 32s to put on shortly.

Today I rewraped the bars, added the stem riser, and attached the new pannier bags. I also remembered how much I hate the twist shift crap. I need to add some trigger shifters or friction shifters SOON.

I also remembered how much I hate the twist shift crap. I need to add some trigger shifters or friction shifters SOON.

I never did like those when I tested it...I did like the butterfly bars....

Your bike looks great... very different for me to see it with the bags and the thin tires..

Enjoy
Mike

Good luck. I hope it fits.

New 700x32 tires, fenders, super grips on the pedals, and new trigger shifters.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4780117365_7e895e103a_b.jpg

That is a beautiful bike. Navara continued to make it better each year. Very sharp.

I'm a lowly part-time flunky at an REI and it amazes me that this bike doesn't sell better than it does. It's a well thought-out, hardworking mix of components at a great price.

Your bike looks very sharp, well done.:thumb:

I'm a lowly part-time flunky at an REI and it amazes me that this bike doesn't sell better than it does. It's a well thought-out, hardworking mix of components at a great price.

Your bike looks very sharp, well done.:thumb:

A friend was looking for a new bike. For the riding that he does, I suggested the Safari. But the local REI store does not stock it and he did not want to buy a bike without testing it first. Maybe it would sell better if more REI stores stocked it.

When I first started looking for one I noticed they don't even sell the Large and X-L online. I went to the store in ATL and they said it isn't online because they have made all that they are going to make for the year and the only way to get one is to see which store still has one in stock and they could send it to me. Luckily when they checked another REI about 20 miles away still had 2 in stock. The Large was on the floor and they Medium was not even put together and was still in the stock room. The guy who worked there said they usually sell out in the early spring and I was lucky any store had one left, but I am sure he would say that about any bike he was trying to sell.

Reluctance Catch of not having one to test Ride, in stock, at an REI store with a Bike Department.
should be overcome rationally, by ability to return any REI purchase for a Refund,
don't you think, ?? Seems Risk Free.. by design..
... won't be stuck with it , if the Ordering person who doesn't like it gets a money back refund, then there will be one in stock. for someone else to,test ride ..

I also bought a Safari this year. Pretty happy with the bike so far. One feature that attracted me was the offering of a "29er" wheels on the Large and XL frames. Ended up the Medium was the "correct" size for me. The M bike is spec'd with 26" wheels. Overall I like the bike. I did notice the extra weight of the wheels when accelerating the bike and so just as happy I ended up with 26 vs 29er wheels. I do notice the lack of a second water bottle mount on the compact style frame on the bike.

]Congrats on the new bike. I would like to get one also. Does your larger frame have 2 spots for water bottles?

My Safari has been go to commuter for 3 years now, I've put roughly 5000 miles on it and only replaced brake pads, chain and recently rear casette. I thought I would do more touring but that did not pan out. My only complaint is I wish they would make it with a steel frame like the Randonee. If it was steel, 700 tires, and disk brakes, it would be a great commtuer for me given the perilous poor quality MUPs and roads I ride on.

Congrats on the new bike. I would like to get one also. Does your larger frame have 2 spots for water bottles?


It does have two water bottle spots, I am adding the second today as well as getting my first Brooks saddle. I will post an updated piture later today.

My Safari has been go to commuter for 3 years now, I've put roughly 5000 miles on it and only replaced brake pads, chain and recently rear casette. I thought I would do more touring but that did not pan out. My only complaint is I wish they would make it with a steel frame like the Randonee. If it was steel, 700 tires, and disk brakes, it would be a great commtuer for me given the perilous poor quality MUPs and roads I ride on.

Wait, if you have almost 5k on it and it has held up perfectly then why worry about what it is made of? Steel vs Aluminum really would never come to my mind unless I was going to tour outside of the US and Canada. I am sure if needed, I can easily find someone who welds aluminum.

Wait, if you have almost 5k on it and it has held up perfectly then why worry about what it is made of? Steel vs Aluminum really would never come to my mind unless I was going to tour outside of the US and Canada. I am sure if needed, I can easily find someone who welds aluminum.

I think you misunderstood me. I'm not worried about what it is made of in terms of the bike holding up or in terms of it needing fixing. I just feel like the aluminum frame contributes somewhat to the jarring ride. The ride is jarring because the MUPs are very poorly maintained around here. If I had a smooth surface I was riding on all the time, it would not bother me.

As far as a headlight, Think about the magicshine its freaky powerful. I bought one and the tailight and it lights up the dark in a way I never saw in anything other than a car or motorcycle. You will be seen with the tailight too it blinks in several modes and the only drawback is that there are no markings as to which mode you are in the outer ring on the light serves as a switch so thats kinda cheesy but doesn't bother me. One of my co workers stopped me in the aisle the other day and says Holy (*&^ that $#$%^ tailight is bright I could see that thing a mile away. I say Good thats the idea.

New B17 as promised.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4800552042_81bf230187.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4800552226_6868f23b61_b.jpg

That is a really sharp looking ride. I ordered a honey b17 this week and it should be in tomorrow, I can't wait. Again though, I really like the Safari and yours looks really nice. Do the spokes that stick out from your fenders not get in the way? I know I had to dremel mine off because I kept hitting them if I was pedaling in a slow turn (size 13s).

That is a really sharp looking ride. I ordered a honey b17 this week and it should be in tomorrow, I can't wait. Again though, I really like the Safari and yours looks really nice. Do the spokes that stick out from your fenders not get in the way? I know I had to dremel mine off because I kept hitting them if I was pedaling in a slow turn (size 13s).

I haven't had any trouble with my feet hitting the fender spokes. Then again, I wear size 9.5 shoes.

Hey BestSportEver! I love what you've done with this bike!!! I may have missed this, but did you put new wheels on the bike, or just new tires? I'm kind of a newbie to touring. In fact, I'm just sort of researching it now. I've been riding a Specialized Roubaix for the past several years, but having dreams of a touring bike to load up and get out for a few days at a time (when work and family permit). I'd been looking at the Safari and have heard great things, and the price is definitely right, even if I want to make some changes like you did. Seems you've owned this thing for a few months now. How's it working out? Any complaints?

Also, I was looking at your pedals. What kind of shoes do you wear?

Sorry for all the rookie questions, but like I said, I'm just getting started here.

Thanks man! First let me say this bike is worth every penny and you won't regret buying one. So far I have put almost 700 miles on this thing between commuting and touring. The only major complaint I had when I bought it was the freakishly large tires that came with it (700x46) and the saddle. I did replace and add alot of stuff based on preference though. Oh, no I did not replace the wheels. As a matter of fact they are still running as true as the day I bought it. As far as the shoes, I wear whatever I have on at the time because I use this bike as transortation as well and did not want to have to carry extra shoes. The link below will take you to the Power Grip Pedal Strap page (you can order them from REI for cheap). For Touring/Commuting, these are the best thing since indoor plumbing.

http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/


Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hey, thanks a lot for that feedback. I may still be another year away from buying a touring bike, so I may message you again at some point for some more insight. Right now I'm really liking the Safari! It's tempting to just run out and buy one on my credit card because they're discounted down to around $700 right now! But, alas, my better judgment is getting the better of me. I know that my purchasing wouldn't end with JUST the bike itself. Like I said, I'd want to make some of the same adjustments as you, and I'll be needing some other things too as my current bike is not for touring. I guess the good thing about waiting is that there's no telling what the 2011 or 2012 model might have in terms of upgrades.

Thanks again!

I find myself in a position where I may be able to pick one up soon. I'm selling my Specialized Roubaix on craigslist, and it may be gone by this weekend! Then it's off to REI!!!

I'm looking at a 2009 or 2010 model because I'd really like to get the disc brakes, plus they're still running a bit cheaper than the 2011 models and they're in stock here in Denver. Do you know of differences (besides color) from 2009 and 2010. Also, how is sizing working out for you? I'm not sure of your height/inseam/reach and whatnot, but I'm just wondering how the bike is fit. I'm a short guy (5'6"), but I think most of my shortness come from my legs. I haven't done a test ride yet, but plan to in the next few days. I suppose I can always adjust the handlebars for a better fit if need be - did you need to at all?

Do you have any concerns/complaints with the bike that I should be aware of? I think you mentioned changing the shifters and maybe the tires (not wheels) too.

Thanks for any time you can give me.

I am 5'9" and got the "large" size so I could get the 700c wheels. Honestly, if I had a choice right now I would get the 2011 model and get a medium. The new ones are Steel instead of alum, don't come with a rear rack, and don't have disc brakes... and I would still rather have that instead of the 09. I test rode a 2011 size medium and fell in love. Besides, the price is still really good at $850. If you are set on getting the 09/10 there really aren't any differences between the two. This is a SOLID bike and you won't be disapointed either way.

Yes, I changed the tires and shifters ASAP. I use this bike for tours and for my daily commute so 700x46 was just too huge and slow so I switched to 700x32 and its like the difference between riding in mud vs on concrete. Also, the reason I changed the shifters is I hate the twist/grip shifters on any bike (hard to shift in the rain when my hands are wet). I switched to trigger shifters and plan to soon change to thumbies. Also, I am still working on adjusting my reach and have ordered an adjustable angle stem. I say buy the Size M, replace the tires to whatever terrain you plan to ride on and you will love this bike. It is a great buy for the money.

Thank you so much for all that great info. So you prefer steel to alum? Why is that? I'm undecided on that issue I suppose. Why did you love the 2011 so much more? Because of fit? I'll probably be changing up the tires too as I mostly ride on the road. I wonder if they'd do an even swap on the tires before I buy it???

I like the idea of changing the shifters too.

You don't like disc brakes? I think they seem like a pretty cool feature, but maybe I just think that because it'd be new (and fun) for me.

You've given me much to think about. Thanks again!!!

Also, it may just be the appearance in the picture, but is the top tube of the 2011 longer? I worry about being stretched out too much. Again though, I guess I probably need to just get to REI soon and test it out. Sorry for my pointless online blabbering... I think I'm a little excited about the possibility of a new bike!

Thank you so much for all that great info. So you prefer steel to alum? Why is that? I'm undecided on that issue I suppose. Why did you love the 2011 so much more? Because of fit? I'll probably be changing up the tires too as I mostly ride on the road. I wonder if they'd do an even swap on the tires before I buy it???

I like the idea of changing the shifters too.

You don't like disc brakes? I think they seem like a pretty cool feature, but maybe I just think that because it'd be new (and fun) for me.

You've given me much to think about. Thanks again!!!

It's not that I don't like them. They stop faster than any rim brakes I have ever used and they do look pretty cool. It's just I would rather have rim brakes and a steel frame than disc and alum... given that were the choice... and it is. It's not that I prefer steel over alum on every bike I have ridden, but with the long wheel base there is a clear difference in vibration reduction. Really though, you will be happy either way. I do again stress getting the Size M instead of the L, but go with what works.

Let me know what you end up with.

Also, here is another page on the interweb where someone made some upgrades to the 09 Safari.

http://www.velonaut.net/blog/?page_id=568

Okay, so turns out that the Safari won't work for me. The top tube length is too long for me on the size 15, though the 15 is good for me in terms of height. I must have an oddly shaped body or something(?) I discussed it with an REI employee, and even with making some stem changes I fear I'll be stretched out too much.

Sooo...I'm now exploring (and leaning towards) a Jamis Aurora.

I was also thinking about having a local bike shop custom build a Surly LHT for me, with some of the features I really want for my bike, but I just think that's going to cost too much. While the Aurora isn't 100% of what I want right now, it's about 95% there and I think over time I can modify as I see fit. I just don't have the money to get EVERYTHING I want in one place it seems.

Thanks again BSE. You were a huge help to me!

no prob man... I'd go with a custom LHT. It may be a bit more expensive, but it will be worth it in the long run. Remember this is a bike that will last a lifetime so it's okay if it takes you six months to gather the money and get what you need/want.

Good luck and let me know what you end up with.

Thanks, I think I might just do that - go the custom LHT route. There's a LBS here, and the guy was super nice and willing to help and walk me through that process. I'm getting excited (again)! Guess now I'll have to post something about suggestions regarding components and whatnot. Sometimes I get a bit lost in all that...which is probably why I've never done a custom.