my 2 cents

it seems like you have lost faith/confidence in the novara. That means you will never be happy with it, even if it never has an issue.

Before jumping to another bike becasue it seems to be a deal, determine your needs Commuting: how far, how often, all weather? utility: need to haul a grocery bag or two, need racks? Weather: need fenders.... want disk brakes?

Also list what you don't like about the novara and make sure you don't repeat....like component quality

it sounds like you really want to have some light non paved trail capabiliyt

budget

my thoughts based on a a prejudice for steel for bike that live and support your life, and on my take on you needs from overall posts, and with no budget considerations are:

Surly long haul trucker....touring.. enought clearance to get big tires on for light off roading lots of mount points..... you can buy complete or roll your own with your componenty choice

surly cross check.... more cx frame than the touring trucker.... lots fo versatility

and a kinda other there idea... if you can wait until july or so and it is in budget the soma san marcos http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-marcos/70-999