Cross Check upgraded
 

I found it necessary to post this monumental upgrade. Yes, it's a kickstand on my CrossCheck. I am loving that I don't have to lean it on something anymore.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/bbrace/001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/bbrace/002.jpg

I have got to get a new kickstand for my main ride. Not having one is driving me BEZERK!

nm

I don't think I've had a kickstand since I was a kid.

New ride:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzet7ek9/fusion.JPG

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzet7ek9/fusion2.JPG

Still making adjustments. Need to get a new saddle, handgrips. So far so good!

Beautiful bike! What brand/model is it?

my newest full time commuter. quick, handles well, and i am enjoying it. gonna get my rack and some bar ends on it soon, but have been just riding it as is.

ShinyBiker,

I first learned of this bike in ellerbro's thread about the Civia Hyland. I am VERY intriqued by the Fusion and would love to hear more about it from you...if you don't mind.

Did you take advantage of the 20% off for REI members?

This is my latest commuting/touring build.

Yes, I did. I posted a first blush review of the bike on my blog here:

http://utilitycyclist.blogspot.com/2...w-of-2009.html

Definitely the nicest commuter bike I've ever bought. I'll post an update when I get a few hundred miles on it.

Dear god man! Tilt that light down!

Nice looking bike. I noticed from your comments and your blog that you're looking to replace the leather grips. Sadly, I think that would take away from the looks of the bike. Check these out:

http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/grips/d...dan-ergo-grips

They're ergonomically designed yet may retain the look of the bike. I hope you choose a Brooks saddle for the same reasons. ;)

I did...and raised the saddle. This was a "fresh off the boat" pix.

I never grew up.

And all my bikes have kickstands.

Shiny Biker, I also have that Novara Fusion. I've made some modifications. Mine is earlier in the thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9125432

Also, if you ride in the freezing weather after being out in the rain, there is an issue some of us have had with the rear brake, but it is fixable (notice that orange sheath on the brake cable in my picture).

Nice review on your blog. Thanks for posting the link. Time to call my local REI to see if they have a Fusion in stock. I need to take one for a test spin.

yoder,
Where did you get the cable sheath? All I can find is the housing..
Thanks!

REI put it on for free when I explained the problem and showed how others were having it. I think when they investigate it, they have this as a standard solution, because there is another guy I notice through the internet who talked to REI a few times about the problem who was sent an identical sheath and instructions. (I get the sense he didn't live close to an REI store, and didn't ever bring in his bike,so they mailed it to him). The tech at my local REI told me it also happens on some Cannondales with the a similar set up, but the week before he was completely unfamiliar with the problem.

Yoder,
When I first saw your pix, I went, "How did you get that mirror there?" Then I noticed the swapped out handlebars. Did your figure out the difference btw the 2 and 3 position on the front headlight? I think it's the same.

You've made some nice upgrades. I'm planning on putting on a chainguard, new saddle and handgrips. That's it. So far it's doing great.

You should be able to use a normal bar-end Mirrycle mirror with the stock arc handlebar on the Fusion. Thrre isn't too much sweep so it still works as long as the mirror is adjustable enough. I did that at first. When I switched to a north roads type bar, I had to find a different solution.

I don't know the difference in the light switch options; they seem the same. I read a review a year ago where another guy couldn't tell the difference either. I've seen the light on other bikes, like the new Raleigh Detour Deluxe, so maybe someone here knows what that's about.

Awesome! My local REI happens to have a Novara Fusion in stock. Think I'll stop by tonight and give it a whirl around the parking lot.

My Cross Check.

Galls,
Bravo! Where did you get the leather?

Its cloth, with hemp twine and some auburn shellac. Don't do it unless you wear gloves while riding though! Cloth is much different than cork.

I haven't had cloth on my bars for over 20 years. I didn't wear gloves then either.

Just built this for my friend so he can winter commute and am most pleased at how it turned out...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...enderfull1.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...enderfull2.JPG

Nice.What sort of handlebars are those?

Update: Now with the whole bike family!
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1255880605

wow
 

that is beautiful. is it a navarro? I cannot read the decals.

Scott At3... you can't get them anymore.