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Novara Mazama

Old 06-20-16, 01:10 AM
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Just did a 4 day, 250 mile short tour around the San Juan Islands here in WA. I daringly left the Compass Barlow Pass tires on the wife's Mazama. She tore it up and down all the hills and just fell more in love with her bike. At 1k miles the front wheel needs truing. That's really all that's gone on maintenance wise. I would consider buying one of these for myself.

Will post some photos when I have access to a laptop.
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Old 06-22-16, 06:05 AM
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Bike just went on sale for $823. Woah. Check out the website.
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Old 06-22-16, 06:54 AM
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Nice bicycle for the $$$. My personal issues are, that's a weird handlebar, and I hate bar end shifters. But that's my stuff.
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Old 06-22-16, 07:49 AM
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It is a weird drop bar...for how you ride. But for the intended purposes of this bike, the handlebars are quite useful. I have a similar type on a gravel bike and the wide drop position allows for a lot of stability when out of the saddle or descending loose rock roads.
You dont ride the hoods as much as traditional drop bars because of how they are placed, but you can still comfortably ride them for periods.
Basically, the drops of a drop bar are actually used with these bars, instead of going largely ignored like traditional drop bars these days.

I havent used Gevenalle shifters, but they would allow one to use these bars and shift from the hoods. STIs also can be used with these bars, of course.
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Old 06-23-16, 10:54 PM
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As I was reading through responses to my thread asking for advice on a new bike; the Mazama being one of my top pics, I reopened the Mazama page and the page loaded showing that the bike had literally in the few minutes since I had started reading replies gone on sale for almost $300 off! Needless to say since I was already leaning towards choosing that bike, I purchased it immediately. It should arrive tomorrow.
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Old 06-23-16, 11:17 PM
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Lots of Novara models now 25% down. Randonee too!
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Old 06-28-16, 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by jonpear6
Just did a 4 day, 250 mile short tour around the San Juan Islands here in WA. I daringly left the Compass Barlow Pass tires on the wife's Mazama. She tore it up and down all the hills and just fell more in love with her bike. At 1k miles the front wheel needs truing. That's really all that's gone on maintenance wise. I would consider buying one of these for myself.

Will post some photos when I have access to a laptop.
Do you know the sizing of the rear dropout? I am considering buying one but not sure if its 130 or 135 spacing.
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Old 06-28-16, 02:13 PM
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Been meaning to join BF for a long time... here's an opportunity - this and the Randonee have been of much interest to me this year (have a child seat that doesn't fit on either my MTB or road bike and has to go on my wife's small hybrid bike). The bar shifters (well, and the wife too) have been stopping me from taking a look - how well do they work? The only ones I've ever dealt with were on an '80s bike and you had to turn them just the right amount... do these 'click'? Are they comfortable to reach?

I'm really digging the Surly-like frame
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Old 06-28-16, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by autonomy
Been meaning to join BF for a long time... here's an opportunity - this and the Randonee have been of much interest to me this year (have a child seat that doesn't fit on either my MTB or road bike and has to go on my wife's small hybrid bike). The bar shifters (well, and the wife too) have been stopping me from taking a look - how well do they work? The only ones I've ever dealt with were on an '80s bike and you had to turn them just the right amount... do these 'click'? Are they comfortable to reach?
The rear shifter is indexed (clicks) and the front shifter doesn't. Bar-end shifters take a little getting used to, not as fast as brifters, but far better than down-tube shifters.
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Old 06-28-16, 03:28 PM
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Personally, I don't like them, but I am stuck with them on the Randonee. It really hurt to find out that earlier Randonees had brifters...

As said above, the rear derailer is indexed and you can adjust how much force it takes to click. The left is friction, but with three positions (hard up, hard down and horizontal) it's hard to miss. The friction gives you the capability to 'trim' i.e have it closer to the wheel for gears 1-3 and away from it for gears 7-10 to avoid the chain rubbing on the front derailer. Useful little trick...
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Old 06-28-16, 03:56 PM
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With flared bars like that Mazama has you tend to be in the drops more (at least I do), so your hands are closer to the bar-end shifters.

Seriously, for that sale price, $824, you can't beat it. You can always change out handlebars and controls. Keep in mind you get the free break-in tune up too.
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Old 06-28-16, 04:16 PM
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I am also seriously looking at this one. If it had 26" tyres I would be sold. I checked the REI website and they do not recommend aftermarket 26" because of clearance issues.
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Old 06-28-16, 07:41 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Dpstew
Do you know the sizing of the rear dropout? I am considering buying one but not sure if its 130 or 135 spacing.
Deore hubs.
So 135mm rear spacing.
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Old 06-28-16, 08:01 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by autonomy
Been meaning to join BF for a long time... here's an opportunity - this and the Randonee have been of much interest to me this year (have a child seat that doesn't fit on either my MTB or road bike and has to go on my wife's small hybrid bike). The bar shifters (well, and the wife too) have been stopping me from taking a look - how well do they work? The only ones I've ever dealt with were on an '80s bike and you had to turn them just the right amount... do these 'click'? Are they comfortable to reach?

I'm really digging the Surly-like frame
I have bar end shifters on 3 bikes, one of them is a gravel bike that is very similar in style and build to the Mazama.
The bar end shifters on a Mazama work great. They index the rear cassette and friction shift the front. Friction front is excellent because you can trim the front infinitely to always ensure there is no chain rub regardless of what ring/cog combo you are in.

If the Mazama came in 1 size larger, i would have bought one last week when they went on sale. They are an excellent spec'd bike for the price and even for hundreds more.

Last edited by mstateglfr; 06-28-16 at 08:04 PM.
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Old 06-28-16, 10:00 PM
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My Mazama came in. but unfortunately it was too tall for me and I had to order in a smaller one. I was super impressed with this bike in person. From the pics I didn't like the look of the red color, but in person I was blown away by how good it looked. It's hard to describe, but it's basically a very deep and dark red, with a kind of frosted finish to it. I've never seen anything like it and I love it. I would not want any other color on it now. Also the overall quality and feel of the bike was outstanding. It really is a gorgeous bike, and surprisingly light and comfortable feeling. I can hardly wait to get it home, and then eventually once I'm recovered from these injuries get a chance to actually ride it for the first time.

I'm really glad to hear that the cassette is indexed and the crank gears are not. Now I know I won't have to keep riding on with some annoying and damaging grinding going on when one of the positions isn't exactly perfect on an index as we've all experienced all to many times over the years, but now I can just move it to perfection and keep on riding; this is great!

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Old 10-01-16, 05:26 PM
  #41  
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Just stopped in the local REI and saw they got an XL Mazama.
That wasnt around even 1 month ago, so i took it for a spin since they finally had one that pretty much fit me.

Its a damn well put together bike. Nimble for the design, crisp shifts, solid braking.

And at $760 or whatever the current markdown is...its a steal.

I really hope REI just rebrands it when they release the COOP lineup of bikes because they nailed it the first time with the Mazama.
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Old 10-02-16, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
Just stopped in the local REI and saw they got an XL Mazama.
That wasnt around even 1 month ago, so i took it for a spin since they finally had one that pretty much fit me.

Its a damn well put together bike. Nimble for the design, crisp shifts, solid braking.

And at $760 or whatever the current markdown is...its a steal.

I really hope REI just rebrands it when they release the COOP lineup of bikes because they nailed it the first time with the Mazama.
This article says they're on-board with the adventure / all road trend. It helps REI sell camping gear

REI to replace Novara bike brand with new brand, Co-op Cycles | Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

The Co-op bike line, available next spring, includes all new hardtail mountain bikes and "all-road" bike models, priced up to about $2,300. At lower price points, some popular Novara models will be re-branded as Co-op, with new colors and graphics.

The bikes on display had a modern, understated look, with matte finishes with some flourescent accents.

REI's Paul Calandrella said the line will capitalize on the recent popularity of adventure touring, which aligns with REI's reputation among outdoors consumers. He said the Co-op brand will be used on cycling clothing and accessories and might even be used on tents and other outdoor gear appropriate for bike adventures.
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Old 08-11-17, 03:54 PM
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A few photos of my XL Mazama, purchased new in 4/2015.

The day I brought it home

20150412_182718.jpg

A look at the unique handlebars

20150415_174007.jpg

I've kept it mostly stock, though i've added fenders, a rack, and some accessories.

20170524_075803 (1).jpg


I've put about 2500 miles on the stock tires and they are going bald (finally). I've also changed the brake pads.

I was also happy to find out that I could remove the fenders and mount 29 X 2.0 tires on the thing. Here are a set of Continental Race Kings on the stock rims. It rides great, and there's ample clearance in the rear and minimal though adequate clearance in the front. It's a beast with these tires and I love taking it on trails!

20160330_193034-COLLAGE.jpg

20170401_152835 (1).jpg

REI has now rebranded the bike as the CO-OP cycles 3.1 and I can't see many changes except now it's green.

20170405_164220.jpg

I replaced the seat w/ a tattered old schwinn and now I've recently purchased a Brooks Flyer. Wish me luck breaking it in. So far it's a real PITA!

I'm always wondering about what I'm going to do replace the shifters and components with in the future. I might just do a full SRAM Rival 2X10 or 11 group upgrade when it comes time to change it. I like the idea of STI shifters, though I must say, the bar end shifters grew on me and I love the ability to nudge the gears a tiny bit when they are being fussy. It's a big perk. I ride on the hoods more often than not. I am tall, and I feel way too stretched out when I'm in the drops. I rarely ride in them.

Thanks for reading!
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Old 08-11-17, 08:00 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by Miah66
I'm always wondering about what I'm going to do replace the shifters and components with in the future. I might just do a full SRAM Rival 2X10 or 11 group upgrade when it comes time to change it. I like the idea of STI shifters, though I must say, the bar end shifters grew on me and I love the ability to nudge the gears a tiny bit when they are being fussy. It's a big perk. I ride on the hoods more often than not.
Gevenalle shifters. Shift from the hoods where ypu ride most, and still have the trim the front derailleur since its friction.
The pic below is of my bike with gevenalle shifters and drop bars that have a similar flare as yours.

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Old 08-14-17, 07:27 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by Miah66
The day I brought it home

Attachment 575835

A look at the unique handlebars

Attachment 575840

I've kept it mostly stock, though i've added fenders, a rack, and some accessories.

Attachment 575836


I've put about 2500 miles on the stock tires and they are going bald (finally). I've also changed the brake pads.

I was also happy to find out that I could remove the fenders and mount 29 X 2.0 tires on the thing. Here are a set of Continental Race Kings on the stock rims. It rides great, and there's ample clearance in the rear and minimal though adequate clearance in the front. It's a beast with these tires and I love taking it on trails!

Attachment 575837

Attachment 575841

REI has now rebranded the bike as the CO-OP cycles 3.1 and I can't see many changes except now it's green.

Attachment 575842

I replaced the seat w/ a tattered old schwinn and now I've recently purchased a Brooks Flyer. Wish me luck breaking it in. So far it's a real PITA!

I'm always wondering about what I'm going to do replace the shifters and components with in the future. I might just do a full SRAM Rival 2X10 or 11 group upgrade when it comes time to change it. I like the idea of STI shifters, though I must say, the bar end shifters grew on me and I love the ability to nudge the gears a tiny bit when they are being fussy. It's a big perk. I ride on the hoods more often than not. I am tall, and I feel way too stretched out when I'm in the drops. I rarely ride in them.

Thanks for reading!
Wow, look at those tires! Thanks for posting the pics, proves that REI support is wrong - they say the widest tire this bike will take is 40mm. Sure looked like more clearance than that when I looked at it in the store and your pics prove it.
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Old 08-27-17, 03:00 PM
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I have a line on a Mazara and had a couple questions. I am 5'6 and the one I inquired about is a Large frame. Would this remotely fit me at all? Also, would a 700x28 tire fit? I ask because that is what I'd most likely use on the road for it.
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Old 08-27-17, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 09box
I have a line on a Mazara and had a couple questions. I am 5'6 and the one I inquired about is a Large frame. Would this remotely fit me at all? Also, would a 700x28 tire fit? I ask because that is what I'd most likely use on the road for it.
I'm 5-10 and on a medium. REI suggests 5-6 to 5-9 on a M, 5-10 to 6-0 on a L. It'll probably be too big, but fit is personal.

And yes, the bike comes with 17mm rims and 40mm tires, you can fit 28 to it.
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Old 08-29-17, 05:36 PM
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I decided to pass on it due to probably being too big for me.
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Old 08-30-17, 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Miah66
I've kept it mostly stock, though i've added fenders, a rack, and some accessories.

Attachment 575836

What mount do you use to attach that HDTV to the bars?
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Old 08-30-17, 08:48 AM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by 09box
I decided to pass on it due to probably being too big for me.
No clue what sort of deal you had lined up, but they are about $170 off at REI right now, for $933 (ADV 3.1 is the same thing as the Mazama)
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