Novara Mazama
#26
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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.
Will post some photos when I have access to a laptop.
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Bike just went on sale for $823. Woah. Check out the website.
#29
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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.
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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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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Lots of Novara models now 25% down. Randonee too!
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Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
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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.
Will post some photos when I have access to a laptop.
#33
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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
I'm really digging the Surly-like frame
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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?
#35
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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...
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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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.
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.
#37
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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.
#38
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#39
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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
I'm really digging the Surly-like frame
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.
#40
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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!
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!
Last edited by AdvXtrm; 10-01-16 at 08:47 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.
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.
#42
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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.
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.
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.
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.
#43
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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!
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!
#44
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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.
The pic below is of my bike with gevenalle shifters and drop bars that have a similar flare as yours.
#45
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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!
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!
#46
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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.
#47
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And yes, the bike comes with 17mm rims and 40mm tires, you can fit 28 to it.
#49
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I've kept it mostly stock, though i've added fenders, a rack, and some accessories.
Attachment 575836
Attachment 575836
What mount do you use to attach that HDTV to the bars?