After much research and thought I took the plunge and bought a new Novara Safari. I have had the bike the bike for two weeks now and so far it has met my most of my expectations. I purchased the Safari to use as a commuter and to tour trails like the C&O. I do have a few questions concerning the handlebar height and adjustments. I have the adjustable stem at the highest position and the handle bars are still not level with the saddle. I find the position of the handlebars to be comfortable, but my longest ride so far has been 25 miles. I have never toured before and from what I have read most tourers suggest positioning the handlebars level with the saddle. My question is; should I consider installing a stem riser? Has anyone else had to use stem risers on their bikes, if so how is it working out for you? One last question for anyone using trekking bars; how to you have your bars adjusted? Any Pics of handlebar and stem setup and position would be great.

My next bike will probably be a Safari also. The group set is very good for the price and the bike seems made very well.

There are quite a few folks that have used this bike for all kinds of reasons - mine is I want a do all, rough and tumble kind of bike .... one that is at home on the roads as well as fire trails if need be.

I'm 5'11 and will probably get the 20 Inch model in the next month or so. If, like you, I can't get the bars even with the seat I will use an extension on the stem. This bike is not for speed, I want some degree of comfort.

I will put on a Brooks saddle also as everyone swears by them for commuting and touring.


Good luck with your bike and keep us posted on your adventures.


wll

I have one and LOVE IT!!!
I'm a little over 5' 11'' and I have the 20 inch model.
Also a Brooks B17 on it.
The front of my handle bars are about 2 inches above the seat
and the bottom is about even with the seat.
Seems to work out just right for me.
And when I want to stretch out I can ride the tops of the handlebar.
Although most of the time I'm in the bottom of the bars.
Several centuries and long days and its still super comfy.
Hope you enjoy it.!!!

That looks like a very sweet bike for the price, seems very tempting. Anyone have opinions of this versus a surly LHT like I was initially saving up for?

I use a stem riser on my city mtn bike and like it. Simple and cheap way to raise your bars...

I looked very hard at the 20" model, but the standover height was a little to much; had less than 1" clearance. Plus the toptube on the 20" stretched me out a little too much. The mechanic at the REI store in Fairfax tours and understands what tourers want; he put me on the trainer and made sure the bike fit me. He talked about ordering a new fork with a uncut steer tube vice a stem riser to get the handlebars up a little higher. He called the folks at Novara about this and they said when you raise the handlebars higher you change the geometry of the bike and he have to start worrying about wheel rise while climbing hills, especially while loaded. I will use a stem riser if I need to raise the handlebars, easier to change back if I don't like it. Right now I am still trying to figure out the best position for the trekking bars, they are new to me.

Using a fork with an uncut steerer will have zero impact on the geometry of the bike and will be exactly the same as using a steerer extender - just not as elegant. Raising the bars will move you weight distribution back a bit, but it is not something to worry about.

I think you answered your own question. Do some longer rides, and if you are still comfortable, just go with it. I ride a 520 (road bars) and my bars are about 1/2" below the saddle, and it's perfectly fine.

I have been a Safari owner since March. Got a full seaon of commuting on it. Great bike. For the handle bars you want a Delta stem extender. It is easy to install and adds four inches.

The LHT comes in more sizes so you can get a better fit. The Safari only comes in fours sizes, which may or may not work for you. My bigest complaint is that the bike mostly fits but the top tube is a bit too long for me. The LHT in a simular size has a shorter top tube.

I got my Safari during the REI sale in March for $720 with tax. It is a very solid and versatile bike at a good price. The LHT complete is also a very good bike for the price but I think it typically sells for a few hundred dollars more.

The LHT is probably better but the Safari is more than adequate and has some nice features such as disc brakes.