What's the skinny on Novara?

I'm in the market for a new road bike, but after a heartbreaking theft, am gun shy to spend more than 900 or so bucks. I've been looking at the Novara Divano, mostly for the price for the package and it fits me well.
But what's the deal with Novara, as it's exclusive to REI? Is it comparable to other more widely available brands? Opinions??

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Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on May 12, 2009 at 4:31am
I don't know about them. But I do know a few people that work there & they said that if for some reason you don't like the bike you can bring it back. They give a life time warr. which you can't find anywere else. My thing on that is it's personal, if you feel comfortable on it then go with your gut feeling. Here's some things to look for on a bike 105 der.,look at your componets first. carbon fork & seat post. alux frame,spoke count less is better but more money, shifter on lower handbar @ the cap & good tires.... good luck!
Permalink Reply by Ali on May 12, 2009 at 5:19am
Well I believe Novara is fabricated in Taiwan by Kinesis who manufactures a lot of lower end bike frames. It seems to be a comfort fit 6000 series Aluminum frame with a Tiagra/Sora mix. Novara is REI's house brand I believe but you can probably find the same frame branded under a different manufacturer as well...

Have you thought abut the Trek 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1?
How about Giant OCR series?
Specialized Allez, or Sequoia?

Always go bike shopping with a knowledgeable friend about bikes especially to the larger chain stores, as the employees do not always know anything about a bike parts/bike fit.

-Ali
Permalink Reply by Jon on May 12, 2009 at 5:26am
I've ridden an entry level OCR-3 (giant) for a while, and although I hate hate hate hate hate hate (enough?) hate SORA components, I like the frame and the stock parts aren't bad for the price. See if you can find a year or two old model, throw on some 105s and be happy!!!
Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on May 12, 2009 at 7:16am
Ali makes a good point about chain stores.

It's arguably best to support your local bike shops whenever you can.

You might on occasion pay a few bucks more, but you're usually getting a higher level of service and personal attention, plus you're supporting local businesses.

I have nothing against REI...I shop there myself and their staff is generally quite knowledgeable. But with a bike, fit is important and if you get a good price on a bike that doesn't fit (or doesn't suit your needs) it's not a good value.

I hope that helps!
Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on May 12, 2009 at 8:10am
Ali said:
Well I believe Novara is fabricated in Taiwan by Kinesis who manufactures a lot of lower end bike frames. It seems to be a comfort fit 6000 series Aluminum frame with a Tiagra/Sora mix. Novara is REI's house brand I believe but you can probably find the same frame branded under a different manufacturer as well...

Have you thought abut the Trek 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1?
How about Giant OCR series?
Specialized Allez, or Sequoia?

Always go bike shopping with a knowledgeable friend about bikes especially to the larger chain stores, as the employees do not always know anything about a bike parts/bike fit.

-Ali
This is true! I had checked out a giant defy at the end of last summer it seemed nice for the price. A friend of mine uses this for his tri.He said it was responive & quck. I then when to jonny spockets on broadway. Talk to a guy there he let me try it I did like it. It was fast.
Permalink Reply by Tony De Sadier on May 12, 2009 at 8:34am
When they price these bikes they know there is a sweet spot that catches peoples attention. But what you end up doing is replacing parts ( wheels, tires, peddles, seat, cranks etc.) And before you know it, the money you saved you are spending on this and that. With low quality you get short term use and weight.

So Ali hit it right on the head. Take some one that is knowledgeable about bikes to local shops (try different brands and price points) to aid you thru the process. Without the right fit.....nothing else matters. And make sure you check out past years models...2007,2008. Bike shops are trying there darndest took get rid of these bikes. It will be quite cheaper than 2009 model. The difference between them is usually minor. Different color or component. Remember it's new to you!

I am also very sorry to hear that you lost your bike. That is no fun. So good luck and keep riding. See you on the road.
Permalink Reply by Ali on May 12, 2009 at 9:21am
You get what you pay for here. The Tiagra/Sora mix is not the best, I would opt for at least 105 bike. Since you have ridden before it is not like you are spending the money on a sport you are unsure about. Usually the 105 stuff will be much more durable, and better functioning in general. IMHO the 2200, Sora and Tiagra is more for the occasional weekend cruiser while 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace is for the more serious cyclist. Also seriously think about going for a compact or a double as opposed to a triple as here in Chicago the biggest hills we have to worry about are the bridges.

Here is a bike that has a little better componentry. Also if I were you I would try to shy away from the Women Specific Designed bikes as I really think that they are more of a marketing hype than anything else.

Scott Speedster

-Ali
Permalink Reply by joe stein on May 12, 2009 at 9:50am
www.roadbikereview.com check the classifieds. $900 will go a LOT farther on a used bike. you'll have to watch for awhile, and know what size you need.

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