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Novara Safari Bike

Novara Safari Bike

Item # 730480
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

The ultimate adventure-touring cycle, Safari rides on--even when the pavement runs out!

  • Aluminum alloy, double-butted frame is strong yet lightweight; chromoly, double butted front fork is built for solid steering under heavy loads
  • Shimano 27-speed drivetrain designed for ease of use and reliability with low maintenance; ideal for the loads and long distances of touring
  • Ritchey angle adjustable stem gives you a precise fit
  • Durable Alex DP17 rims are mounted with Continental Town and Country 26x1.9 tires for excellent performance on- or off-road
  • Comes ready to travel with a sturdy aluminum rear rack
  • Unique handlebars allow a variety of hand positions; SRAM Attack shifters offer easy, intuitive shifting
  • Fizik Rondine saddle and Post Moderne suspension seatpost create the ultimate soft ride combo

After its initial break-in period you might notice your bicycle performing less responsively than the day you brought it home. Not to worry, this is typical of all new bicycles and simply reflects that cables have stretched or their housings have seated themselves into final position. To keep running at peak performance, all REI bicycles come with a FREE warranty tune-up, which should be accomplished between the first 100-200 miles of riding or after the first two months if you're accumulating miles less quickly. Contact your nearest REI bike shop for details and an appointment for this important service.

Imported.

Item 730480


An oversize shipping charge of $60 applies to this item (plus regular shipping fees). Or ship it FREE to any REI store for pickup.
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Novara Safari Bike Specs

Specification

Description

FrameUSix aluminum
ForkChromoly
CranksetShimano Deore 48/36/26
ShiftersSRAM Attack
BrakesShimano M495 Disc
Brake leversShimano Deore
Front derailleurShimano Deore
Rear derailleurShimano Deore LX
HeadsetRitchey Scuzzy Logic V2
Bottom bracketShimano Deore Octalink
Rear cogsSRAM PG-950 11/32, 9-speed
Front hubShimano M475 Disc
Rear hubShimano M475 Disc
RimsAlex DP17
TiresContinental Town & Country 26x1.9
StemRitchey angle adjustable
HandlebarTrekking
Seat postPost Moderne Suspension
SaddleFizik Rondine
PedalsPlatform w/toe clip
ChainShimano HG73
Weight31 lbs. 8 oz.

Novara Safari Bike Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Safari Bike
 
4.7

(based on 17 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (17)
  • Attractive design (15)
  • Handles well (15)
  • Great components (14)
  • Lightweight (4)

Cons

  • Heavy (9)

Best Uses

  • Commuting (13)
  • Road biking (9)
  • Touring (5)
  • Adventure touring (3)
  • Mountain biking (3)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid cyclist (8), Casual adventurer (5), Enthusiast (4)

Reviewed by 17 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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May

28

2008

(14 of 14 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

THE all-in-one bicycle

By Snack Camel

from Richmond, VA

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Durable
  • Great Components
  • Handles Well
  • Indestructible

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Road Biking
  • Touring

Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

I bought this bike and promptly rode it from Canada to Mexico. Other than a stop for the "break-in" tuneup, all I did was change tubes and dial in the fit. Since that time, I've used it almost exclusively as my commuter bike and if I'm riding with friends, its become my go-to machine, beating out my softride, my fixie, and even my mtb (unless we're racing). After two years, the only thing I've done is replace the tires, chain, and several spokes, though the foam padding on the handlebars compresses after 1000 miles or so of heavy riding.

The components on the bike, while not top-end, are very durable and get the job done with very little maintenance. The SRAM shifters are great for loaded touring, allowing you to skip as many gears as necessary when attacking steep hills or starting a descent. The disc brakes perform well, even in the rain (like that found on the olympic penninsula) and the heavy frame doesn't flex at all even when carrying 40 pounds of equipment at upwards of 40 mph. All-in-all, an excellent touring or commuting machine.

Suggested add-ons: fenders, a new saddle, handlebar risers.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(14 of 14 customers found this review helpful)

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May

2

2008

(9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

It continues to get better

By LongRider007

from Cleveland, OH

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Durable
  • Great Components
  • Handles Well

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Road Biking

Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

I wanted to update folks on the bike...I have had it for over a year about 2500 plus miles at this point. It continues to delight me with its durability and comfortable ride. I have 5 other bicycles, but I consistently pick the safari over the others and all my other bikes are more expensive than the Safari.

You could spend more money, but don't let the bargain price of the safari fool you...it is just as good as bikes costing 3X as much...

I find it perfect for long touring and commuting, and very few bikes can take the abuse that the safari is capable of taking.

Overall, it is a great bike!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

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Apr

20

2008

(6 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

 
2.0

I wanted so bad to love this bike!

By Sozo

from Dallas, Tx

About Me Weekend Warrior

Site Member

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Durable
  • Nice goemetry

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Poor Components

Best Uses

    Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

    I'm planning on taking the REI Vietnam bike tour so when I saw this bike I was convinced I had to have one...then I did the test ride. I was very disappointed. To be fair, I own two high end mountain bikes bikes so I'm used to very nice components. I liked the Safari's geometry, but the components felt very "loose" and fragile. I was especially disappointed with the SRAM Attack twist shifters. They felt like they were full of sand. I felt like I was "crunching" rather than shifting through the gears. I ride trails more than anything else, but I want a multipurpose bike that I can ride on the street when trails are washed out and a bike that I can use for touring. I thought the Safari's mountain bike geometry combined with it's touring features would be THE bike to end my search. A few upgrades and this coould be the perfect bike for my needs, but if I'm going to spend the extra money on upgrades I might as well do a custom build from scratch. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad bike it's just not all I had hoped for.

    (6 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

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    Feb

    6

    2008

    (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    If you only have 1 bike, this is it!

    By TwoWheeledExplorer

    from Isanti, MN

    About Me Avid Cyclist

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Durable
    • Handles Well

    Cons

    • Needs stronger rear rack
    • No front rack available

    Best Uses

    • Exploration and adventure
    • Open road loaded touring

    Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

    This is one of my two favorite bikes; fast, nimble and load-worthy. Tough as nails.

    Really needs a Cromoly rear rack (insstead of aluminum) and a front pannier rack that will work with the disc brakes.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jul

    5

    2008

    (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great Bike

    By jpq

    from Phoenix, AZ

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Durable
    • Great Components
    • Handles Well

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Commuting
    • Road Biking

    Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

    Bought 2, for the wife and myself. Have now had them for about 6 weeks. We wanted a bike for touring but yet could be used on local dirt/gravel canal trails. This bike was a perfect fit. We are impressed on how "fast" the bike is. It seems well designed for off road trails and the hard tops. We used it to commute to work. Added panniers and found the bike to be very stable. The one drawback I have is that with all the "gadgets" I have, there is not a lot of handlebar available for all of them. Hey REI, how about carrying a IPOD/speaker bag of some type. Consumer, don't hesitate purchasing this bike.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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    May

    3

    2008

    (5 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Awesome all around bike

    By Reviewer 49

    from Hillsboro, OR

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Durable
    • Great Components
    • Handles Well

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Commuting
      • Does it all bike

      Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

      Not sure about the previous poster, possibly bike was not set up correctly? Anyhow for the last several years I've been riding an old Specialized A1 which I got a pretty good deal on, though the frame was too large for me, so began searching for a replacement: commuting, weekend riding, towing kid around in the wagon. Came across this bike strolling through REI one day and began reading reviews, seems very highly regarded. Well, anniversary sale came up and I got one, not regretting it in the least. This bike really is a great mix, frame geometry slightly aggressive, though incredibly comfortable and very very smooth. I couldn't believe a test ride around the local loop turned up as fast if not even a little quicker than my road bike, what's with that? (maybe I'm just getting in shape again :) As I read in another review somewhere, this bike reminds me of being a kid again, willing to venture down any old road or path that catches ones fancy - could never do that on the street bike, but ... unlike a pure bred MTB, it does very nicely on the road. Doesn't seem to show it's weight at all. One thing, as some other posters mentioned, I did get a riser for it, stock set up seems way to low, at least for me. Even with riser (about half the max), I am about even with if not slightly below the saddle.
      Great all around bike, don't let the adventure tourer label fool you either, this is one awesome commuter, weekend warrior, do nearly anything play bike too. Great components, great value and the trekking bars are awesome too, very comfortable. Yep, once I got the riser the fit just dialed right in, very happy I bought it and think this will be my only bike for a long long time to come.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (5 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

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      Sep

      4

      2007

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Love it- Buy with your eyes closed

      By Milano

      from Detroit, Michigan

      About Me Avid Cyclist, Competitive Cyclist, Long Distance Touring

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Attractive Design
      • Built to last
      • Durable
      • Great Components
      • Handles Well
      • Solid as a Rock

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Bike Camping
      • Commuting
      • Expedition Touring
      • Loaded Touring
      • Long Distance Touring
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking

      Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

      Just an excellent all round bicycle, it is well sorted for the Expediton Touring. Love the set up, and the components. I upgrade the seat to a Brooks B-17 and changed the pedals to Shimano SPD clipless, other than that the bike is stock. After 3000 plus miles it still rides like a dream, requires little manint. if any and continues to deliver a quality ride. Just a fantastic value for the money. Buy with your eyes closed.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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      Apr

      17

      2008

      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Perfect Bicycle

      By E. Foster

      from Wesley Chapel, Florida

      About Me Weekend Warrior

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Attractive Design
      • Durable
      • Great Components
      • Handles Well
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Adventure touring
        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

        This bicycle is perfect for those just getting into touring. Great range of gears, bombproof construction, it is a real pleasure to ride.

        Only thing I had to do was add a Delta Threadless Stem Riser (sold here at REI) and it is a 100% perfect bicycle for me.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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        Mar

        5

        2008

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        A Bomb Proof Reliable Bike

        By BajaBum

        from New Brighton, MN

        About Me Avid Cyclist

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Attractive Design
        • Durable
        • Great Components
        • Great Value
        • Handles Well

        Cons

        • None That I Can See

        Best Uses

        • Adventure touring
        • Bikepacking
        • Commuting
        • Road Biking
        • Touring

        Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

        I have had this bike for about 8 months now and still can’t believe how multifunctional and durable it is. My intention when buying it was to use it with my BOB trailer and bikepack on the weekends, as I have a couple other bikes for MTB and road. Well, needless to say, those other bikes haven’t been ridden in sometime. The Safari is a great all around bike. Works great under loads; with a trailer or wearing a pack, and sails around town as a commuter. Don’t let the weight fool you, this thing is quick and smooth. The pedals work for me, as I like the flexibility of being able to wear anything from lightweight hikers to water shoes. The components are great; very durable and plenty of gears to get you through whatever type of riding your doing. Any hand position can be achieved on the bars due to them being closed with an adjustable stem. Grip shift works awesome, brakes will stop you on a dime; loaded or not, and the T&C tires offer a smooth ride. Also, it’s nice to have the option of putting a different tire on to fit your riding style. This bike will turn heads as well, as it looks great. If you are looking to have one bike in your garage, this is the one. Novara nailed it when they designed this bike…and when they priced it as well!!!

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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        Jan

        20

        2008

        (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great Value, Comfortable Ride

        By Alan B.

        from Wildwood, Missouri

        About Me Weekend Warrior

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Attractive Design
        • Comfortable
        • Durable
        • Good Value
        • Great Components
        • Handles Well
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Commuting
          • Road Biking
          • Touring

          Comments about Novara Safari Bike:

          I looked for about a year for a good bike to buy. I'm no longer a "spring chicken" and wanted a high quality bike that was comfortable to ride. After 20+/- years of paying for private schools & college tuition for my kids I figured I was entitled to spend a few $$ on myself. This is one solidly-built bike. Great components, good geometry, comfortable and fun to ride. Looking forward to doing some touring now that my kids are nearly grown.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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