I know it's not C&V, but in doing the MS150 ride this year, we decided to get my Fiancee a new bike. Price was a huge issue for us, after comparing Giant, Trek, and Specialized, we ended up at REI, and picked up a 2009 Novara Carema....Since we are REI members, we got an additional 20% off (a one time discount) plus our dividends from the past 2 years. It ended up being $665 out the door, with taxes and all.
https://www.rei.com/product/775743



Novara Carema Women's Bike - 2009 Specs
Specification

Description
Frame 6061 aluminum
Fork Evo carbon fiber
Crankset FSA Vero Triple, 53/39/30
Shifters Shimano Tiagra
Brakes Tektro long-reach
Brake levers Shimano Tiagra
Front derailleur Shimano Sora
Rear derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Headset Integrated semicartridge
Bottom bracket FSA Powerdrive
Rear cogs Shimano Tiagra 12/25 9-speed
Front hub Alex ALX 200
Rear hub Alex ALX 200
Rims Alex ALX 200
Tires Vittoria Zaffiro 700x25
Stem ATS adjustable
Handlebar Ritchey Biomax OE
Seat post Kalloy
Saddle San Marco Ischia
Pedals Platform with toeclips
Chain Shimano HG53

I love the REI discount, though I have never used it on anything that big.

The bike looks a bit like a recent Specialized Sequoia, something I have been interested in buying, if one presents itself at the right price.

Yeah, the guys in the Roadie forum didn't really have anything good to say, probably because it's not a $4,000 roadie...but I'm sure it's plenty decent for a recreational cyclist, and more than adequate to do the 2 day 150 mile ride. Plus REI's lifetime satisfaction guarantee is a plus...

It also looks a lot like a Giant Avail which has a really nice frame this year. You should know also that Gaint builds most of the low end road bikes on the market... in other words many of the off shore low end treks and specialized are made by Giant.

I'd ignore the guys in the Road Forum. Most are there for a perpetual pissing contest.

A very nice bike! The only thing I'd keep an eye on is the FSA Powerdrive, another proprietary spline drive BB.

Nice bike, although I genuinely don't understand the purpose of sloping top tubes.

I mean, I'm not trying to be rude or anything, I really don't understand why they make 'em that way!

But it looks like a fun ride.

Maybe cause it's a women's specific geometry?

Looks like a lovely bike, I hope she enjoys it.

I'm just finishing up building something similar for my wife - having posted pictures in Catch of the Day of the frame. Just the brakes to go.

As far as there being no vintage content, that doesn't seem to bother anyone on this section of the forum, in fact the variety of stuff that gets posted up is one of the things that makes it such a mellow place (that and the positive attitude of the people on here)

I agree....C&V is much more enjoyable than some of the other sections of the forum.

Indeed
-Gene-

:-)

OUCH!

<sprains arm patting self on back>



This is a great forum with great people. Thanks for letting me visit.

You need to make fewer sizes to fit everyone. Stiffer frame, lighter weight.

Is it actually for your fiancee, or are you just saying that to justify that woosie triple crank?

Haha seriously though, nice looking bike for the price. Foot retention included on a new bike is a bonus, too.