Novara Viaggio
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Lots
Novara Viaggio
Anyone familiar with this model? I picked one up a couple days ago, stripped it to prep for paint and am pretty sure the complete frame is chromed underneath the current paint. Wondering if anyone has dealt with this model before along with what group set came with the bike.
Mine was a hodgepodge of Superbe(brakes/levers), Nuovo Record( front/rear derails, crankset, pedals, hubs) and SunTour Symmetric shifters. Certainly not how it was originally purchased.
The frame is a Champion double butted lugged w/SunTour chromed drop-outs.
Any info is greatly appreciated. I plan to rebuild as dirt road/fire lane, randonneuring bike.
Thanks
KRhea
Mine was a hodgepodge of Superbe(brakes/levers), Nuovo Record( front/rear derails, crankset, pedals, hubs) and SunTour Symmetric shifters. Certainly not how it was originally purchased.
The frame is a Champion double butted lugged w/SunTour chromed drop-outs.
Any info is greatly appreciated. I plan to rebuild as dirt road/fire lane, randonneuring bike.
Thanks
KRhea
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 1
From: Örebro, Sweden
Bikes: Monark sportser 1970, Monark sportser 1970ish, Monark folder, Mustand 1985, Monark Tempo 1999, Monark 318 1975, Crescent 319 1979, Crescent 325 c:a 1965, Crescent Starren 2002 (hybrid/sport), Nordstjernan 1960`s cruiser.
Nope, havent heard of such a bike, but Champion bikes/frames are pretty hot here in Sweden. Pics maybe?
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Puyallup Washington
Bikes: Motobecane Mirage fixed gear, Nashbar Alpha Road 5000, Bianchi Grizzly, Coppi Fiorelli, , Schwinn Trike, , GT All Terra, Old Peugeot, Nishiki 3 speed, Bugatti, Cannondale Black Lightning, Dura All, Bianchi Touring, Bridgestone T700 & more
Isn't Novara REI's house brand? I've seen some pretty nice road and touring bikes from them.....
#4
Thrifty Bill

Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Check the date codes on components at the vintage Trek site. While it does have a mix of components, the codes on the seat post and some of the Suntour pieces could be original. Sounds like early to mid 1980s.
My 1984 Lotus is somewhat similar to what you describe: Suntour dropouts, Suntour symmetric shifters, Champion tubing. Mine has ARX derailleurs, Suntour sealed bearing hubs, and diacompe brakes.
Adn yes, Novara is REI's house brand.
My 1984 Lotus is somewhat similar to what you describe: Suntour dropouts, Suntour symmetric shifters, Champion tubing. Mine has ARX derailleurs, Suntour sealed bearing hubs, and diacompe brakes.
Adn yes, Novara is REI's house brand.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 1
From: Örebro, Sweden
Bikes: Monark sportser 1970, Monark sportser 1970ish, Monark folder, Mustand 1985, Monark Tempo 1999, Monark 318 1975, Crescent 319 1979, Crescent 325 c:a 1965, Crescent Starren 2002 (hybrid/sport), Nordstjernan 1960`s cruiser.
wrk101; what about Lotus bikes? Where from? I came across one some time ago but theres was no one with a clue!
#6
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
Its off the same line as the Centurion Pro Tour. Only difference is it doesn't have the unusual center pull or canti brake bosses that the Centurion used. In 1982, event the paint was the same color/scheme. Novara had a, shall we say, close relationship with the Centurion folk in the 1980's. Many models more or less identical frame and spec. Most likely made by Miki if it is fully chromed version.
Last edited by dgilber; 03-16-22 at 09:24 AM.
#7
Sunshine
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 18,729
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From: Des Moines, IA
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Its off the same line as the Centurion Pro Tour. Only difference is it doesn't have the unusual center pull brake bosses that the Centurion used up until about 1983/4. In 1982, event the paint was the same color/scheme. Novara had a, shall we say, close relationship with the Centurion folk in the 1980's. Many models more or less identical frame and spec. Most likely made by Miki if it is fully chromed version.
My '89 Novara Trionfo is the same geometry as a Centurion Ironman and made by the same company. Different lugs(long and thin on Novara), internal brake routing, and a straight brake bridge are the 3 differences I have found to subtly differentiate from an Ironman.






