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Novara Transfer Bike

Novara Transfer Bike

Item # 744802
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

For the second year in a row, our Novara Transfer bike has won Bicycling Magazine's Editor Choice Award for best commuter bike! Ride on.

  • Transfer is all about getting from Point A to Point B, comfortably, confidently, quickly, with everything you need to get the job done right
  • Transfer is fully outfitted with rack, fenders, lights and kickstand, for a ride that's hassle-free no matter the weather, time of day or road surface
  • Aluminum frame is lightweight and stiff for easy lifting and quick acceleration, yet plenty strong to withstand heavy loads and rough roads
  • Shimano internal rear hub is remarkably maintenance-free compared to conventional cassette systems and provides seven smooth-shifting gears
  • Using the Nexus shifter is intuitively simple, letting you adjust the ride to meet the challenges of ascents, descents and sprints through traffic
  • New for 2007, the bright LP50 headlight is powered by a generator in the front hub; battery-powered Cateye tail light provides rear visibility
  • Tektro linear-pull brakes provide comfortable braking and reliable stopping power
  • Transfer's rack is ready for cargo, quickly accepting panniers or trunk bag (sold separately)—great for carrying groceries or work attire
  • Puncture-resistant Vittoria Randonneur tires feature reflective sidewalls, sure grip and a fast, smooth ride
  • Comfort comes easy with the plush Velo Comfort saddle and grips
  • Kalloy Cozy Comfort handlebar and adjustable stem create an upright ride that's easy on the neck and back, and maximizes your view in all directions
  • Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—alloy platform pedals accommodate a variety of shoes
  • Never appear unannounced; the handlebar-mounted bell sounds your presence loud and clear
  • Transfer even includes a kickstand for your parking and storing convenience

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 744802

Novara Transfer Bike Specs

Specification

Description

Frame6061 Aluminum
ForkShaped alloy
CranksetRPM City Single 38T
Bottom bracketShimano Square Taper
ShiftersShimano Nexus Revo 7-speed
Rear cogsShimano 21T
BrakesTektro linear-pull
Brake leversTektro
RimsAlex DC19
Front hubShimano Nexus DH-2N Dynamo
Rear hubShimano Inter-7 Internal
TiresVittoria Randonneur Cross 26x1.75
HandlebarKalloy Cozy Comfort
StemKalloy Alloy adjustable
Seat postKalloy Alloy
SaddleVelo Comfort
PedalsAlloy Platform
HeadsetRitchey Scuzzy Logic V2
ChainShimano IG31
GenderUnisex
Bike weightWhy we don't provide weights

Novara Transfer Bike Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Transfer Bike
 
3.6

(based on 8 reviews)

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Handles well (7)
  • Attractive design (5)
  • Durable (5)
  • Great components (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Commuting (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid cyclist (5), Casual adventurer (4)

    Reviewed by 8 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-8

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    Aug

    30

    2007

    (10 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great bike and great company!

    By Melissa E.

    from Chicago, IL

    About Me Avid Cyclist, Casual/ Recreational

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Commuting
      • Great on gravel bike path
      • Mountain Biking

      Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

      Love this bike. The gears shift very smoothly. Tires are just the ride size to where you can ride on the rode or a dirt path comfortable, handles gravel well too. This is my second bike from [...] I highly recommend them to all my friends.

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (10 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

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      Sep

      12

      2007

      (8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Wow! Commuting is fun now!

      By LesaBear

      from Cave Creek, AZ

      About Me Casual/ Recreational, Commute to work

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Attractive Design
      • Great Components
      • Great Value
      • Handles Well
      • Internal gears are great
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

        I love this bike. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that a few more gears would be nice because I commute on hills.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

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        Sep

        16

        2007

        (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Awesome Commuting Bike

        By banjodoc

        from Lancaster, Pennsylvania

        About Me Casual/ Recreational, Commuter

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Attractive Design
        • Durable
        • Great Components
        • Handles Well

        Cons

        • Gearing

        Best Uses

        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

        I love this Bike and ride it to work every day! With a set of commuter baskets on back it can't be beat. My only wish is that there was one more high gear -- sometimes I get going pretty fast and run out of gears.
        The internal gearing overall is great and really smooth. Put away the car and get one of these!

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

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        Sep

        13

        2007

        (5 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

         
        1.0

        not recommended at all

        By biker23

        from Anchorage, AK

        About Me Avid Cyclist

        Pros

        • Attractive Design
        • Handles Well

        Cons

        • Flimsy Construction
        • Poor Components

        Best Uses

          Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

          the bike broke after 4 months of use. The rack fell off within the first month of use. The Gears skip, and when I took it to the shop they had no idea how to work on I-7. The gears finally gave out in the middle of an intersection. needless to say this is the last Novara to have had a spot in my garage. (they did however take the bike back, even after the new SA 3 speed couldn't be ordered they failed to tell me before I prepped the wheel for wheel building.)

          Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

          (5 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

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          Apr

          22

          2009

          (3 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          1.0

          This bike is no good

          By Ponair

          from Seattle, WA

          About Me Avid Cyclist

          Pros

          • Bad components

          Cons

          • Flimsy Construction
          • Handles Poorly
          • Poor Components

          Best Uses

          • Leaving in garage

          Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

          This bike is not good for anything more then letting it collect dust in the garage. Parts fall apart quick. Internal gears in rear hub go to quick. Stick with a casette cause in the long run it will save you money. Does not allow for you to keep up with traffic. Brakes don't work that well in rain. I commute year round regardless of weather conditions and this bike just isn't meant for it. It looks pretty with some nice bells & whistles but that's all it does is look nice.

          • Gift:
          • Yes

          Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

          (3 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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          Jan

          23

          2008

          (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great Bike!!!

          By Goodgye

          from Orange County, CA

          About Me Casual/ Recreational

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Attractive Design
          • Durable
          • Great Components
          • Handles Well

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Commuting
            • Road Biking

            Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

            I commute to work daily with this bike, through sun and rain. It handels well and the rack is convienient for hauling work gear. I also take longer trips on the weekend and the bike has yet to disapoint. Whether riding in traffic or on a bike trail, the Transfer is an excellent choice.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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            Aug

            26

            2008

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Good Commuter Bike

            By Jiblet

            from Seattle, WA

            About Me Avid Cyclist

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Durable
            • Great Components
            • Handles Well

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Commuting

              Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

              I recently purchased this bike for a 9 mile (one way) daily commute in Seattle. I've been a bicycle commuter for 15 years. This is the best machine I've used yet. It's comfortable and well equipped. It's the little things like the plastic fenders that don't rattle or rust like metal ones; the generator-powered headlamp that never needs to have it's batteries replaced; the standard ergonomic grips; the durable, strong rims and puncture resistant tires that make this bike a hassle-free commuter. The bike was obviously designed by someone that has experience with bicycle commuting. The absence of a rear derailuer and it's associated maintenance is also a good thing.I haven't had a bike with a kickstand since I was 8. I was certain that I would take it off as soon as I got the bike home...that was until I used it. I'm a kickstand man now.The three minor complaints I have are:1) The geometry is a little short. A longer top tube would be a bit more comfortable (I'm 6'0"). The upshot of this "con" is that the short frame geometry makes the bike nimble in the congested city - good on sidewalks, in crowds, etc.2) Eight gears would be nice. If you're a really strong cyclist you'll find that in certain situations (slight downhill, tailwind) that the top gear isn't fast enough. I get passed like I'm standing still by guys on road bikes even when I'm spinning my highest gear.3) It would be nice if the bike had a fixed rear light that was powered by the generator. Year-round commuters know what I'm talking about when I say that there's nothing more annoying than trying to find batteries for your lights at 6 a. m. on a cold, dark winter day.Overall an excellent choice for commuting and an excellent value. You'll spend [$] more for a comparable bike from another brand.

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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              Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

              Aug

              29

              2008

               
              5.0

              Great Commuter

              By Jiblet

              from Seattle, WA

              About Me Avid Cyclist

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Handles Well

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Commuting

                Comments about Novara Transfer Bike:

                I use this bike for commuting 16 miles a day in Seattle (from the 'burbs to downtown and back). It's comfortable and comes well equipped. I really enjoy riding it. The only complaint I have is that the top gear isn't fast enough. People on road bikes pass me like I'm standing still even when I'm spinning my highest gear. 15 to 16 mph is all you're going to get out of the Transfer in the flats.

                So, if speed isn't a big factor for your commute and your cycling ego can handle getting passed all the time, the Transfer is an outstanding bike.

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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