LouB 

I looked at a Novara touring bike at REI. From what I understand its their brand made by Giant. Shimano Deore deraileurs, steel frame, disc brakes, all the braze ons and rear rack. Butterfly bars, bar end shifters and so on. Weighs about 30 lbs.. for $718.00.
I'd like to get some opinions.

escii_35

Ow, my brain hurts.

It's a bike with all the do-dads, get groceries, cruise on a bike path and tackle some double track.

At that price point I would not freak out too much is someone steals it.

Novara is ending as a brand name for 2017 let the deals begin.

Amigo_Frio

REI backs up their warranties pretty good. The REI Novara touring bike is well known for being a reliable touring bike. I'd say grab it, whilst you still can!

alan s 

What is your opinion? You go first after a test ride.

LouB 

The one on the floor is an x lg frame. They are building the large one and I'll test out in a day or 2. I'll update here. One thing I did notice compared to hybrid and road bikes-it's a long old thing!

indyfabz

Sounds like a Safari:


https://www.rei.com/product/874998/n...fari-bike-2016




As noted, REI is completely revamping their house brand bike offerings for 2017. I think they will be called Co-Op or something like that. The Safari is/was marketed as primarily for unpaved road riding that is also suitable for paved road touring.

indyfabz

Long wheel base provides a more stable ride when loaded and gives you more room for panniers. Don't want to be striking your heels on your bags. And assuming it's a 2016 model, those are Microshift thumb shifters, not traditional bar end shifters.

fietsbob

I have an Opinion, Yes I do. are you already an REI co Op member?

LouB 

I am. Is there an advantage Im not aware of?

fietsbob

rebates .. Bike repair classes .




Are you one to change things on bikes you Buy, or leave them as You Bought them?

If you choose other parts than the Pick out of the Box, do You work with the dealer at Point of sale to make those changes?



this would be In Peson, not thru Online/Mail Order Of Course.

LouB 

I tend to change some things. Saddles, pedals on new bikes. Just about anything on an older bike that I feel will improve the ride or performance (while still trying to maintain some vintage authenticity.) Yeah--I'm an in-person buyer...cant imagine ever buying a bike sight unseen over the net.

indyfabz

You joined without knowing why?


At the end of the year you get a dividend, which is basically a refund based on the total amount you spent on non-sale items. Since the bike is on sale, you won't earn a dividend if you buy it. Also, they have sales members can take advantage of. One--their annual spring sale--gets you either 20% or 30% off one full-priced item.


I have an REI Visa. It ups my dividend. I get 1% for every dollar I spend outside of REI, although until the end of 2017 they are giving 2% back for grocery purchases. I think I also earn a higher dividend when I shop at REI than I would if I used another credit card. When the dust settles, I usually end up with around $225 each year. Last year I dropped that coin on a nice Showers Pass rain jacket during the spring sale. Thinking about a new down sleeping bag for next year.

mstateglfr 

How has that admx poster not chimed in?

Its a great deal for that price.

FrenchFit 

And, you can get a membership for your dog, cat and goldfish and then get multiple 20/30% discount coupons each year. REI's non-human membership is substantial.

TDJ1776

I've worked on those, AND I tour...they're worth it...if it fits and feels good, jump on it.