Update 6/17/15
The local REI called to ask if I had received a reply.....responded no.

I called REI to request an update. I received an email reply as quoted below:



Hello *****,

Thank you for the inquiry regarding the load limit sticker on your Novara Safari bike.

We posed your question regarding the perceived difference between the description of the bike on REI.com and the load limit sticker on the frame to the Novara technical services team.

Novara's direct written response was as follows: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Novara doesn't feel there is a discrepancy between the terrain warning on the category use sticker (the one on the bike frame) and the product information online. The next level up (i.e. going from 1+ to 2) specifically calls out "vertical dropsē such as those associated with traditional mountain biking which isn't the intended purpose of the Safari. I agree the word 'smooth' is very open to interpretation, but that's currently within the organizations interpretation.

We will ask if we can asterisk the words "heavy load" with the comment "subject to bike weight limit of 250lbs."

I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. You are a valued customer and I hope you will give us another opportunity to serve your future outdoor needs. Best wishes for a summer filled with outdoor adventure.

*****.
REI Product Information Specialist