Novarro Randonee
 

Anybody out there using a Randonee for commuting, if so how do you like the bike ??? Looks like a lot of bike for the buck..

I don't use one, but I've test ridden several at my local REI. I've been very impressed with the ride and components as I've looked at them. I agree that it looks like a lot of bang for the buck, though there are a few pieces (i.e. Ritchey ergo handlebars) that I would change.

I am currently using mine for commuting and it is a nice bike. I'm waiting on my Redline 9-2-5 to show up though as my replacement for my old commuter which, well, RIP Trek 360. I like doing bike camping on my Randonee and it's fine for commuting on but with my racks and such for touring it is a little cumbersome. I have an older Randonee that is getting to the point of needing some new components as the old ones are starting to give up the ghost. I love the bike though, especially for the price. I got mine off of ebay for $200.

Andrew

I'm curious as to why you would change the handlebars. Are they cheap or ineffective?
What other componets would you consider changing? I've been pondering a few. The saddle for one.


My main ride is a randonee. No complaints here. Unfortunately for my pocketbook it is providing a bit of a reason for me to purchase a nice weight weenie bike from felt.
Must go faster!
Yes, I know tour bikes are not meant for speed.

I had a pair of the Ritchey Biomax bars on my Crosscheck commuter for a while. I just never liked them and ended up switching to moustaches on that bike. On my light touring/brevet bike (Bridgestone RB-T) I had a pair of Nitto Noodle bars and was much more comfortable on those. The bars on my XC were too low and the ergo bends put my wrists at a strange position. Possibly moving them up higher might have helped but I just didn't like the shape. I generally don't like ergonomic things that force my hands into one particular position. I like round bends that I can move around as I need to. So just personal prefference.

Component wise, I'd rather have a solid stem than the adjustable one. That's probably the only thing I would change straight away. I'd rather have 105 parts, but I would use Tiagra and upgrade as necessary.

Saddle wise, I would put a Brooks on there. I have a Terry and a Brooks on my two bikes and both are very comfortable. For distances, though, the Brooks is really more comfortable. I like the look of that Fizik saddle. What don't you like about it?

What's the rear hub on that bike, is it genuine Shimano? I can't tell from the spec list.

The fizik saddle works well for me except when my mileage exceeds 30 miles in one particular shot.
I pulled 55 miles (27 in and 27 back) on a recreational ride last week. My back was literally splitting in two. However, I am not sure if this is entirely the saddle or the fact that I am used to my 28 mile commute in and an 8 hr break. I may simply have exceeded my arse\back tolerance. :p
The saddle does make a bit of noise from time to time. Squeaks and a few groans. Yes, I'm serious :p
All in all, it is a decent saddle. I plan on waiting for a bit before I swap it out since my back may need to adjust. I'm increasing from 200 miles a week to 250. Every previous increase results in temporary back issues and then I adjust.

Thanks for the explanation on what you would change. :)

The sticker on mine says Shimano Tiagra.

Incidentally, I would also rather have 105 components but for the price I was willing to accept the Tiagra line.

My friend got a 2006 Randonee for commuting, general utility stuff (groceries, ect) and touring. She really likes it. She bought it with one of those 20% off coupons REI has from time to time so it was a smoking deal.

The only things she has/will replace are the pedals with some Time ATAC platforms and the saddle with a woman's specific model. Ortliebs much nicely on the stock rear rack.

For the price it is hard to go wrong with this bike.

That's great to hear; so often you end up with non-Shimano items in the bottom bracket and hubs. I'll take Tiagra over any "house brand" hub in that price bracket, no contest.

I've been commuting on a Novara Randonee for a bit over two years, 16 miles each way, 2-3 times per week. I did upgrade the rear derailleur from the cheaper Tiagra to a 105 and will eventually upgrade the rest of the lesser componenet (hubs, seat, etc), but so far they've been good to me. It's a nice, comfortable, and well-built bike, IMO. Also, try to hold out for an REI 20% off sale. It makes a big difference!

I purchased mine with a 20% off coupon, a refund from a marin bike I returned, and my dividend. With all the extras I added (computer, etc) I walked out the door with it for $400.
The only item I replaced on the bike were those god awful toe clip pedals. The first thing I said to them was "rides wonderfully but those toe clips have got to go". Anyhow, I had them install my eggbeaters from the returned hybrid.
Currently pondering throwing on a pair of high psi slicks someday. Just for the heck of it. This time of year my load is pretty light. About ready to ditch my one pannier.

Here's what I ordered up for my Cannondale full-touring bike: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename= Continental (the German-made ones) 700 x 28, folding, good mileage, good puncture resistance. Throw in some ultralight tubes (Performance is sporting a 49-gram "LunarLight" road tube for $5 at the moment) and you should feel a difference. For my bike, I think the rotating weight reduction will be about 1.5 pounds, compared to my old Top Tourings & big tubes.