General: Novara Randonee Touring Bike; anyone have any experience with one of these?

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- CommentAuthorstinky pete
- CommentTimeSep 28th 2009
I recently read a review in Bicycle Times on one of these. It seems that they have been making this model for something like 20 years or so. Are they a good long-term (10+ year) investment that will serve a rider well if they treat it well?
http://www.rei.com/product/776887

Since I live in a semi rural area with many more dirt country roads for riding than paved ones, I figured that this set up might work better than a real mountain bike or hybrid.
Any others bikes like it that may work & last as well without spending a grand?
- CommentAuthorfixedpuch
- CommentTimeSep 28th 2009
I have one from the 80's made out of tange no 2 steel. It is such an amazing bike, built like a tank. I got mine from a buddy who had it outside so it had a little bit of surface rust(nothing too bad tho). I am getting it powdercoated soon so that will be completely taken care of. Aside from that, I have no problem carrying 60 lbs in my back panniers, I have a front rack but haven't installed them yet cause I haven't needed them yet but I'm sure it could handle another 40 lbs up front. I have a pretty random build on it from new and old parts.

So, in all, I would say, yes, it is a great investment, mine has treated me very well and it is definitely worth spending a grand on. One thing to think about would be checking out craigslist. Ive seen 3 year old novara touring bikes go for around 500-600 on the Denver craigslist.
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeSep 28th 2009
I've not had one but know plenty of folks that did.. They were always very well respected. I believe that you could buy one without apprehension. REI also stands behind their framesets and generally anything they sell. I wouldn't think twice about picking one up.
- CommentAuthoreaglerock
- CommentTimeSep 28th 2009
Posted By: RuffinitREI also stands behind their framesets and generally anything they sell. I wouldn't think twice about picking one up.

Second on that; I've been a member for over twentyt years. I live near a big REI (Berkeley, CA); they have a monthly Used Gear Sale for members, featuring damaged merchandise and customer returns. REI has a lifetime return policy. It's astonishing what can show up; I've seen luggage with tags on it indicating multiple transoceanic flights, returned as "unsatisfactory to the customer's needs".

"Hey, I went around the world with this thing a couple of times, and now the fabric's loosening up! WTF? I want my money back!"

At the same time, the existance of this policy means that a lot of stuff in perfect condition gets back into circulation, because nitwits return it. I missed out on a Tubus Cargo rack a few months back, because I was waiting for them to drop the price from $60 (retail is $180). I got a Blackburn Fluid trainer for $45 once.

The REI guys tending the sale shake their heads incredulously when I tell them that their policy is suicidal. But it's good to know it's there.

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