Originally Posted by fthomas
No way, I found a properly sized Randonee, an '05 at 719.00 and bought it. I've been a member of REI longer than some of you have been alive and they have never failed me in the customer service area. Their bikes are much better than their panniers, IMO. To me, the Randonee's ride is sweet, the components solid and I do not believe that I could go wrong at the price. In addition to that, try taking a used bike back to your local shop for a refund. REI has 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! They actually live up to it.
I have a set of Novara Panniers that I bought at least 15 years ago. I have used them for commuting and grocery shopping and I cannot wear them out! I like REI gear too. I live a few blocks from an REI store and they know who I am by now. Their house brand stuff is pretty nice and their customer service is hard to beat.
I got an REI Novara Randonee frame, NOS, a couple years ago at one of their "garage sales". 13.5 inch (my size). I don't think they offer this size anymore. It's a nice steel road touring frame with downtube brazeons, and it takes 26" wheels. I got it for the huge sum of $15. I've kept an eye out online and on ebay and have never seen another of these frames. I have it built as a towner bike right now as my LHT fills tourer duty.