Novara Randonee on Sale at REI at this time for $799.99
#1
ah.... sure.
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Novara Randonee on Sale at REI at this time for $799.99
In case any of you might be thinking of one... They show XS SM MD and XL in stock at this time. Very good price for a quality touring bike with exceptional customer service.
I don't own one... I don't work for them. Just thought I'd pass this along.
https://www.rei.com/product/776887
I don't own one... I don't work for them. Just thought I'd pass this along.
https://www.rei.com/product/776887
#2
Senior Member
I don't own one either, but when they put these on sales (2x a year, I think), IMHO it's a really remarkable value.
#4
Mechanic/Tourist
I agree the Randonee, especially at that price is a great bike. I only have two complaints.
The stock stem is WAY too long for most people in combo with the fairly long top tube. I am 5-11, 32" inseam and had to go from the stock stem down to an 80mm once I set my saddle to the proper fore-aft position. Be careful to find out stem specs beforehand, as there apparently have been some problems in the past getting compatible stem/bar combos (I had no problem, though). Mine came with a Ritchey stem but I notice only "Alloy" spec'd on the current model.
Secondly they have chosen some lousy colors and their paint is generally soft, easily scratched.
The only changes I have made are clipless pedals (Crank Bros Candy) and saddle.
The main complaint I have seen on reviews is "heavy," which I find ridiculous. One is not going to find a reasonably priced dedicated touring bike that shaves more than a pound or two off the bike itself, and one can alway replace the very heavy duty rack with a lighter one if you are that obsessive.
Always remember your traveling weight is you plus bike plus gear, and that is not likely to be much under 200lbs for most people. That means a pound less is shaving .5% of your traveling weight.
I do see the current bike has a 26 tooth granny, and though I'm not home right now I'm fairly certain that my 2008 model has a 24 tooth.
The stock stem is WAY too long for most people in combo with the fairly long top tube. I am 5-11, 32" inseam and had to go from the stock stem down to an 80mm once I set my saddle to the proper fore-aft position. Be careful to find out stem specs beforehand, as there apparently have been some problems in the past getting compatible stem/bar combos (I had no problem, though). Mine came with a Ritchey stem but I notice only "Alloy" spec'd on the current model.
Secondly they have chosen some lousy colors and their paint is generally soft, easily scratched.
The only changes I have made are clipless pedals (Crank Bros Candy) and saddle.
The main complaint I have seen on reviews is "heavy," which I find ridiculous. One is not going to find a reasonably priced dedicated touring bike that shaves more than a pound or two off the bike itself, and one can alway replace the very heavy duty rack with a lighter one if you are that obsessive.
Always remember your traveling weight is you plus bike plus gear, and that is not likely to be much under 200lbs for most people. That means a pound less is shaving .5% of your traveling weight.
I do see the current bike has a 26 tooth granny, and though I'm not home right now I'm fairly certain that my 2008 model has a 24 tooth.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 01-08-10 at 12:33 PM.
#5
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We went to Chicago at Christmas and of course while we were there we headed to the REI to check out the Randonee and the Safari in person for my husband. Does anyone know if they changed the geometry when they went to the 29er wheels on the Safari? It seemed like the top tube was SO LONG. Really long reach. And, after looking at photos of the older models they just don't seem that long. We thought he would love the bike.....but we weren't that impressed. I would have rather had the 26" wheels.
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I looked at the 2010 catalog today.
The 2010 Randonee will be blue with grey panels and gearing mostly unchanged from what I can tell.
Noticed these differences: silver deore crank, deore hubs, different saddle and bars.
Also likely to be $200 more from what I was shown.
The 2010 Randonee will be blue with grey panels and gearing mostly unchanged from what I can tell.
Noticed these differences: silver deore crank, deore hubs, different saddle and bars.
Also likely to be $200 more from what I was shown.