Nashbar TR1 vs. Novara Randonee?

After a fair amount of research on touring bikes, I've narrowed down a couple options that would fit a variety of requirements I have, the primary ones being 59cm+ frames (ideally larger), mid-level components or higher (shooting to stay close to $1k), and an emphasis on durability/versatility (chromoly/steel, cantilever brakes instead of disc, front rack compatible). I'm hoping to use this for everything from day trips to week long camping trips, and expect to make some custom upgrades to either option once I get it (racks, handlebar tape, saddle, pedals)

Suggestions or recommendations between these two options?

Nashbar TR1 Touring Bike - on sale for $749

FRAME: CrMo 4130 T/T & D/T D.B. (AHJ1280A) Weld No Lug ST29.8mm FOR POST 27.2mm 
FORK: Hi Tensile Steel 1" Steerer 
HEADSET: NECO H-807W 1" CROWN RACE 27 BK W/O LOGO 
CRANKSET: FSA CK-4001SST Omega Triple Casted / MegaExo / N-10 / 50-39-30 
BOTTOM BRACKET: FSA 
SHIFTERS: Shimano Tiagra 3 x 10 
LEVERS: Shimano Tiagra 
HANDLEBAR: Kalloy Uno 
STEM: Kalloy Uno Alloy Quill 
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Tiagra 
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore 
CASSETTE: SRAM CS PG-1050 11-32 
BRAKES: Tektro Alloy 
WHEELSET: ALEX DC-19 Alloy 700c 
TIRES: KENDA K-197 700x32C 
PEDALS: Wellgo LU-908 Silver body & cage 
SEATPOST: Kalloy Uno SP-602 27.2x300 
SADDLE: Velo VL-2036A 
CHAIN: KMC X10 
GRIPS/TAPE: Velo 
RACK MOUNTS: yes

Novara Randonee - $1,199

Bike frame material Steel
Frame Reynolds 520 Chromoly
Bike suspension No suspension
Fork Steel
Crankset Shimano Deore LX, 44/32/22
Bottom bracket Shimano
Shifters SRAM TT500 bar end
Front derailleur Shimano Deore LX
Rear derailleur SRAM X7
Rear cogs SRAM PG-1050, 11-32, 10-speed
Number of gears 30
Brake type Rim brake
Brakes Tektro RX6
Brake levers Tektro RL520
Rims Mavic A319S
Front hub Shimano Deore LX, 36h
Rear hub Shimano Deore LX, 36h
Wheel size 700c
Tires Continental Touring Plus Reflex, 700 x 32
Handlebar shape Drop bar
Handlebar FSA Wing Compact
Stem Kalloy
Seat post Kalloy
Saddle Velo VL-1221
Pedals Sold separately
Headset FSA Orbit
Chain SRAM PC 1031
Weight 28.1 pounds

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Will on September 19, 2013 at 8:21am

The Novara is spec'd better, but that's not surprising for an extra $450. It appears to be better for more serious loaded touring, with lower gearing due to the smaller rings on the crankset. But if you're not doing loaded touring on VERY hilly terrain, the Nashbar looks like it might be OK. The other weak point about the Nashbar is the wheelset, it looks like a lower-end road set rather than a touring set. If you're a heavier person (maybe by the frame size requirement) then the wheels might not be durable enough for you. Also, the Novara doesn't come with any pedals, so that's at least another $50 or so, right there.

Permalink Reply by Peter Kim on September 19, 2013 at 10:12am
The Novara also has REI to take care of any issues with the bike, and you can test ride one to see how it fits. It looks like either bike could meet your requirements. The Novara has some components that should last longer, and can handle more weight, especially in respect to the wheels. I would ask some more questions about the wheelset on the Nashbar, since I would want more details about the hubs and spokes (at least 32 butted spokes).
Permalink Reply by Peter Dykstra on September 19, 2013 at 6:31pm

These are great points, thank you! 

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on September 20, 2013 at 9:47am

Being the end of the year other stuff should be on sale, too.  I picked up my first LHT about a year ago for just under $1000.

Permalink Reply by Barry Niel Stuart on January 29, 2014 at 11:54am

I have a Jamis Aurora and have been very happy with it.  Like the Novara Randonee, it has a Reynolds 520 frame.  Newer models have gone to Microshift 9-speed  bar end shifters with their Shimano Tiagra drive trains and include fenders and a rear rack as standard equipment.  You might be able to pick one up on sale.  Any LBS that carries Jamis will service them.

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