StokerPoker

I haven't bought a NEW bike for myself since I was 15 and that was from Toys R Us. It served me well and was still good when I passed it on in October. I currently ride an old Trek 800 which I love, but I think I deserve a new bike. When I was at REI last week I saw a 2006 Novara Fusion and I really think I will like it. I like the fact that it has the Dyno-hub for the lights and the Nexus 8 rear hub. I know it's not the Nexus 8 premium, but I'm sure it won't be a problem. I like that it already has fenders, lights and a really nice rack (sorry, had to stop and giggle). I like many other things about it including the many tire options with the 700c wheels. The price has been dropped to $589 because it is last years model and I have about that much in my bike fund.
Now, the problems: I'm not fond of grip shifters and there really isn't another option. I'm also not sure about the internal geared hub. It seems that most here say opt for the Nexus Premium, but it's not available on this bike and if it was it would make the bike cost more. I have no "need" for an internal hub, but I am aware of the advantages. I also do not remember if it has eyelets for a front rack and at some point I would like to add one. I'm also worried about flat repairs and tire changes with the internal hub and drum brake. That's what's really keeping me from test riding it and falling even further in love with it.

I don't really care for road bikes with drop bars, so I'm not really looking at those. I like this bike and it's got everything I need. It is exacty the price I am willing to pay. I just worry about the added effort for tire changes and flat repairs. I also like the idea of a derailier so I can just throw another wheel on if need be.

so...what do I do?

PaulH

It's perfectly possible to fix a flat without removing the wheel. Furthermore, there are tires out there (Schwalbe Marathon Plus, for one) that are about as flat resistant as car tires. I've gone well over 10,000 miles without a flat. If I do get one, I can just take a cab, so why worry about flats? However, if you ride through a rural area, this may not be an option.

The Nexus Premium is lighter and more efficient. If this matters to you, it might be a deal breaker, particularly if you don't feel that you need an internal hub anyway. Being lighter, I'm not sure whether the Premium would have the amazing durability of the normal Nexus.

I'd advise you to test ride one, as well as some other bikes, and buy the one you like best.

Paul

StokerPoker

well, I am aware of the fact that I can repair a flat without removing the wheel, but I usually prefer to take the wheel off. I suppose I could learn to like the other way.

as far as weight and efficiency, anything has to be better than what I ride now. When I ride with my Dad there is a very large hill by his house and I like to have a fairly low gear (my excuse will be so I can ride at his pace) for going up.

I haven't taken any bikes for a test ride yet because the idea of a new bike started with this one. My other options are upgrading the Trek or the Continental in my shed.

thdave

Goofy! Why not test ride it?

I wouldn't worry about flats. It's not that hard to take off the rear tire. But, like Paul H said, you don't really have to and you can get liners, thick inner tubes, and/or puncture proof tires.

StokerPoker

Because if I ride it I'm afraid I will buy it. Yes, I know that may not be a bad thing and REI has the most ridiculously customer friendly return policy in the world, but I'm not sure. The money for the bike itself isn't the issue because I have saved every penny from flipping bikes from the thrift store and the trash and I have about that much in that fund. I know that if I have a brand new bike I won't want to wait till spring to ride it and that means new winter tires right away. I'd at least want knobbies but would more likely end up with studs for that bike. I use knobbies year round now, but I also wouldn't be heartbroken if the bike I ride now (that I have a total of $80 into) hits the ground

fender1

Buy it, ride it, crash/scratch and keep on riding. It is inevetable that you will scratch or damage something so the whole "its winter and I don't want to hurt the bike" argument is not valid in my book. It sounds to me that you have earned it the hardway, as I to pay for biking stuff for myself by flipping bikes on ebay etc. As one bike flipper to another, I command ( )that you treat yourself to something that:

1. You earned.
2. Is a purchase of quality/value.
3. You have researched and found it at a pricing less that at market rate.
4. If you hate it you can return it.
5. If in a year you hate it, you can get close to you money back by flippping it, more if you part it out.
6. You truly will use it and it is not an impulse purchase.

thdave

I know what you're going through. I have buyer's remorse over a car I bought last year.

I suggest you go shopping again and test ride it--but--remove your credit cards and don't bring enough cash. That will force you to go home and think about it.

StokerPoker

Well, I agree with you. I earned it and I will use it. I'm going to take thdave's advice in the post after yours and if I decide I like it, I'll get it. I will have to look into some studded tires though. I think it's got 700x35's on it. I'm getting more and more excited about this....

I-Like-To-Bike

My advice: get what you like and fits your needs. If the REI bike is the one - get it and enjoy.

Ignore what you read here about only getting the latest and greatest stuff prefered by the "experts".

StokerPoker

well, I decided on a 2007 (would have got the 2006 if they had it in my size) Marin Kentfield. I don't think I've ever been that comfortable on a bike. I came home to look for studded tires and I can't find them on Nashbar or Performance. Luckily the LBS has Innovas for $34 each (the LBS a mile from there has them for $44) I know the Innovas aren't the best studded tires but they will do. since I'm using knobbies now anything will be better.
The bike is $330, and the fenders (identical to the ones on the fusion) are $32. I can put my rack onto the Marin so that's not an issue. I prefer not to have the internal hub, and I can live without the dynohub so I'm getting a lighter bike thata fits my needs better for more than $200 less. Gotta love that!
I just want to say my local REI has great service and the gentleman that helped me spent a lot of time and had to answer many stupid questions but was patient and very helpful. I can't remember his name, but I will make sure to get it when I go back to pick up the bike. thanks to everyone and of course I will post pics!!

fender1

Looking forward to the pics! Congrats and enjoy!

fender1

Hey while poking aroun d at REI looking for a pic I found this:

https://www.rei.com/outlet/product/48022548.htm

Delivery is free to REI store. I don't know if 20.5 or 19 inch is the right size....

StokerPoker

I saw that too, but the 17.5 inch seems to fit me like a glove. they had a 19 inch 2006 that was black for $265, but it would have been too big.
I got it and I put the fenders (SKS chromoplasitics) and studded tires on. those tires make the coolest sound ever on pavement. (where it was showing through the snow) Sorry I didn't take before pics, but I will take some before I do anything else. I had to come in because my toes were freezing and it's past my bed time. I work in 7 hours and haven't been to bed yet. I'll be commuting on the Trek one last time tonight and tomorrow I will put my rack, lights and bottle cages on the Marin. For now, it's bed time

StokerPoker

I finally got some pics up. I posted them in the commuter bike pics thread

pj7

StokerPoker what are you going to do with the Trek now? If I'm not mistaken, the 800 is a mountain bike? Do you do any trail riding? If so, maybe we can head up to Stoney Creek some time this spring/summer, I live in Clinton Township... used to work in Livonia, right off the freeway between Marriman and Middlebelt.
PM me if interested.

StokerPoker

that is insanely close to where I live. I'm not sure about the Trek's fate, but I'd love to do some trail riding. Even if I let the Trek slip through my hands I'm sure I'll have a suitable bike. but just so you know, I'm not a speed demon and I like having a good time

pj7

no speed deamon here either, I'm an uberclyde, it's just that I don't know any other cyclists around here other than the elitist type who think I'm just a joke because of my weight and carefree attitude, even though I commute well over 5000 miles a year, which is probably more than they put on their bikes in a lifetime before they upgrade to the latest greatest thing.
I'll hit you up come "warm" time
yeah, I worked in that big white building that had "World Wide Net" on the front in big red letters, that was quite a few years ago now, and the company has since moved to Troy

StokerPoker

I'm still a clyde myself but I probably don't ride half the miles you do in a year. I'm looking to change that though. contact me when the weather/trails get better and maybe I'll bring my brother along too.

pj7

sounds cool to me
hey, with any luck we might find some body parts in Stoney Creek! (sick joke I know)
Honestly, I don;t think the bike trails are near the the place where that guy was hiding his wifes "pieces", I think that was in the hiking area.

StokerPoker

oddly enough, this ad was posted every day in the wanted section of craigslist, but was not re-posted saturday after he "disappeared".....https://detroit.craigslist.org/wan/287193826.html coincidence?? you tell me

pj7

ha
hahaha
hahahahahahahahahaha
my god, now THAT is funny

specq

Are you an REI member? I just got my dividend package in the mail this weekend. Included was a coupon for 20% any single item in the store.