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

[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. :-)