Opinions wanted on Novara bikes

[foxfirefey]

Soooo I am apparently a member at REI which means until 4/18 I can get 20% off of a Novara bike, and I kind of like the looks of the Novara Mia 2010. Would this be a decent idea? I'm thinking I could probably try it out at my local REI. It's certainly not my only option; I could also go for a used cycle at Recyled Cycles. It's starting to get very nice outside, and I think I might want to start testing out bike commuting.

Comments

[sara]

I have not heard good things about component quality on Novara bikes, but that was a couple of years ago. I think there is a new issue of Bicycling out with new equipment reviews; that might be something to check out.

[killing_rose]

I think Novara's what one of the relatives had 2, 3 years ago. It was a good mountain bike for quick mountain cycling on a semi-regular basis; not a great bike for anything else. Definitely couldn't stand up to the hell I put my bikes through on a daily basis--on road, off road, on trail, off trail, and a couple streams besides.

But if I didn't know that? The bike's damned shiny. I like the frame and the design; if it were me in the market (as it will be in another year), I'd go for a similar design, just a different brand.

[vlion]

Bike commuting is very nice.

[juliet]

If you're not planning on using it for actual mountain biking, front suspension is usually not a great idea. It makes the bike more effort to ride (because some of your pedalling energy is lost in the bouncing of the suspension, as well as the fact that front sus forks are just heavier than non-sus ones!), & as it's not necessary on-road, there's no real positive tradeoff.

Other than that I don't know anything about Novara. Definitely do try out before buying, though!

[aedifica]

I'm told front suspension is helpful for people with wrist problems, because it reduces the impact on the hands. That's why I chose it when I was shopping for my hybrid.

[foxfirefey]

I'll have to keep that in mind--I currently have a hinky right wrist. I'm trying to get it fixed, but my appointment with the specialist isn't for another month, and I don't even know what's wrong yet.

[darkemeralds]

That's a nice-looking bike!

Depending on where you live, consider the cost of a few key add-ons if you're going to commute regularly: fenders, lights, and possibly a rear rack with bungees if you don't always want everything to go into a messenger bag or the like. Also maybe a kickstand.

On the suspension fork: Clyde, my cruiser, has that and frankly, the wrist and arm comfort it adds is worth any tradeoff in efficiency for me personally. Something to consider when test-riding.

[foxfirefey]

It comes with a kickstand, woo! I'll definitely need fenders and lights. I think maybe I'll get a rear rack with bungees, but later on.

[aedifica]

I've never had a Novara, but I considered one when I was buying my road bike last summer. I did a lot of research online about the brand, and if I remember correctly what I saw tended to indicate that they should be on par with other bikes in about the same price range.

You might check out REI's return policy for bikes--can you go ahead and buy it during the sale, and return it if you discover in the first few weeks of riding that this isn't the right bike for you?

Good luck with whatever you choose!

(How much experience do you have riding? Do you already know what style of bike you want and just need to find a good bike in that style, or are you still deciding style as well?)

[foxfirefey]

I'm deciding style--my previous bikes have been mountain bikes or more towards that type. But, I think I might be ready to try something different...something easier to stand over!

[aedifica]

If you want to talk over your bike thoughts with someone, I'd be happy to, either here or in email. (I like helping people buy computers and bikes--it gives me the fun of it without having to spend the money myself!) I've only been biking regularly for a little over a year this time around, but I tend to soak up information about topics I'm interested in...

[foxfirefey]

I think I'm interested in the slight cover over the chain the Mia has--I've ruined some pants that way, but don't have much interest in either using velcro bands (which I have but don't like using) or rolling up my pants or wearing capris!

[aedifica]

Here I offered to discuss and then didn't reply for days--I'm very sorry! Did you end up buying it? If you did, are you liking it?

[foxfirefey]

I didn't, because they didn't have any at the actual store and I felt weird about buying it without trying it!

[aedifica]

Oh, that's too bad! Did they say if they could get one in for you to try? Or are you going to be looking at the other shop you mentioned since the discount is over?

[foxfirefey]

I think I'll just wait it out a bit more, to make sure I can keep my budget on track, and keep my eye out for things.

[aedifica]

That's something I all too often need to remember to do. :-)