wll

Just went on the REI web site and looked at the specks on the REI's Novara Safari Touring bike.

This bike has good components, is very well thought out, and sold at a heck of a price.

I have posted about wanting an tough commuter, very rugged bike. I was looking at the Surly Cross-Check, but by the time I put good components on it, it would cost me ~ $2000.00, (and lots of build time, I'm new at bike building), for that money I could buy the new Civia when it comes out.

How many of you have the Safari and what are your views. The new version out in November may have updated components compared to the older models but I'll get the idea. What are to down sides to this bike ?

The frame on the Safari is aluminum, the fork is steel. Is the aluminum frame a "bad thing", is steel better, going to last longer, etc, etc ?

Again, this bike looks pretty well built.

I can see me upgrading the saddle, a few lights, but thats about all :-)


wll

tacomee

It's a pretty kickin' bike. I've never owned one, but I've done lots of service on them. Most owners love them, many commute with them, some tour one them. I've seen Safaris get lots of miles piled on them with no real trouble. REI frames are good for life....just return the bike for a new frame if the old one breaks. Because of this policy. REI bikes tend to be heavy and over built. Good things for a touring bike!

The Figment

Mines not a Safari,but it has put up with anything and everything I have asked of it...and then some!! '05 REI Bonanza...Would I buy another REI bike? In a freakin heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!



This is an older pic,I've since added a new wheelset (Mavic 317 36 spoke Rims, DT 2.0 Spokes on XT Hubs) 12-32 cassette,LX rotors,XT 8-speed chain,Better bar ends,new Rear rack...I'll post pics after I finish my coffee!

wll

REI has some killer bikes, the Safari is a real winner and would be a great go aytwhere "survival bike". It has very good quality parts, a great looking heavy duty frame, and the handlebars are perfect.

For the money or +++ I don't think it can be beaten.

The Fusion is another killer city machine, again high quality parts, lights that run off the hub, drum breaks, fenders, etc, etc.

These bike's are not hip, and don't have a snob factor, but those who want a "working machine" these are VERY, VERY nice bikes - IMHO.


wll

markjenn

The only big drawback I see with this bike is weight: 32 lbs. Even by touring bike standards, that's a ton. A lot of folks like it, but there have been some reviews that it handles like a tank.

- Mark

littleal

I have the 07 model and used it on the Southern Tier .
The only thing I did was put my broken in brooks from my old Trek on it.
It was great.
Now I am commuting on it.
Love it

Jacobi

Novara Randonee owner here, love every bit of it! It's my first touring bike, but my third road bike. I absolutely love it! I've added brooks saddle, tape, and bag. The reflective tires are amazing and the stock rack holds up well.

-Barry-

markwebb

IMHO, a good steel frame or Ti are preferred for touring...I just never have liked aluminum. Lots of road buzz on my hands. I switched to steel and I am much fresher at the end of each day's riding. My sister switched to Ti and same thing - longer more comfy rides. I'd look for a good steelie. Heck, there is a Miyata 912 isteel lugged bike in mint condition ob eBay right now for only $300 complete that would be a great tourer.

brucewiley

Yeah, BUT Not all good lugged steel frames are great for touring. My '80s Nishiki "Custom" road bike (double butted, 4130, lugged) was fine for performance riding although I noticed a slight flexibility while clamping the saddle between my legs and moving the bars back and forth, not objectionable at all or too abnormal. Even my TCR flexes slightly.

This past summer I used it for touring and when just moderately loaded (I'm a weight weenie) that flexibility is magnified 10 fold, scary when I first started out! I got used to it but it is not good at all and I plan on getting another frame for next year. It was like the front end moves (twists) around almost independently of the rear.

Probably a couple of factors here, I would think it's a fairly light frame made more for performance. Also the flexibility showed up more with an upright and higher stem for touring giving more leverage on the bars.

Bruce

tacomee

The whole reason lugged steel bikes ride so good is that they do flex.....as Bruce brings up, flex isn't always a bad thing.

The Safari, on the other hand, doesn't flex much at all. It's great carrying heavy loads. Ride quality isn't a really an issue either becuase of the uber-wide conti tires and steel fork. It's not a fast or light bike...sort of the Ford F150 of the bike world.