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Novara Fusion Bike

Novara Fusion Bike

Item # 744803
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

Leave the car at home! With high-end comfort, speed and gear for your every need, Fusion is the smart approach to alternative transportation.

  • Fusion is all about serving commuters, providing them the confidence and performance to pull off long rides in any weather, at any time of day
  • Standard equipment includes these uncommon features: internal brakes and shifting, dual headlight, taillight, fenders, rear rack, bell and kickstand
  • Lightweight aluminum frame withstands the abuse of rough roads and bike lanes while enhancing ease of acceleration and hilly ascents
  • Shimano internal rear hub provides eight smooth-shifting speeds and is remarkably maintenance free compared to conventional cassette systems
  • Using the Nexus shifter is intuitively simple, letting you adjust the ride to meet the challenges of ascents, descents and sprints through traffic
  • Front Dynamo hub powers a dual-beam headlamp; low beam is always on underway, and you can opt for the powerful halogen beam at night
  • Battery-powered, fender-mounted taillight provides rear visibility; it's photo- and motion-sensitive, working only in low light as you're underway
  • Slow braking caused by wet rims is no issue for Fusion's in-the-hubs braking system; external rollers dissipate internal heat caused by friction
  • Fenders fore and aft preclude wet, muddy lines up your front and down your back
  • Fusion is ready for carrying groceries, change of clothes or camping gear, with a rack that quickly accepts panniers and trunk bag (sold separately)
  • 700c wheelsets ensure a fast, smooth ride designed for covering long distances with a minimum of effort
  • Puncture-resistant Vittoria Randonneur tires feature reflective sidewalls, sure grip and low road resistance
  • 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
  • Comfort comes easy with the plush Velo Comfort saddle and wide, ergonomic grips; suspension seatpost cushions life's little bumps in the road
  • Never appear unannounced; use the handlebar-mounted bell to sound your presence loud and clear
  • Fusion even includes a kickstand for your parking and storing convenience
  • Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—alloy platform pedals accommodate a variety of shoes

After an 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 744803


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 Fusion Bike Specs

Specification

Description

Frame6061 Aluminum
ForkShaped Alloy
CranksetRPM City Single 46TT
ShiftersShimano Nexus 8-speed Revo
BrakesFront and RearRoller
Brake leversTektro
HeadsetRitchey Scuzzy Logic V2
Bottom bracketShimano Square Taper
Rear cogsShimano 21T
Front hubShimano Nexus Dynamo
Rear hubShimano Nexus 8-speed internal
RimsAlex ACE 17
TiresVittoria Randonneur 700x32
StemKalloy Alloy Adjustable
HandlebarKalloy Cozy Comfort
Seat postPost Moderne Suspension
SaddleVelo Fast Comfort
PedalsAlloy Platform
ChainShimano IG31
Weight34 pounds

Novara Fusion Bike Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Fusion Bike
 
3.8

(based on 9 reviews)

78%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Attractive design (6)
  • Durable (6)
  • Great components (5)
  • Handles well (5)

Cons

  • Heavy (3)

Best Uses

  • Commuting (7)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid cyclist (4), Casual adventurer (3)

Reviewed by 9 customers

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Nov

19

2007

(9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Workhorse

By the_driver

from Tustin, CA

About Me Avid Cyclist

Pros

  • Durable
  • Handles Well

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

I use the Fusion at work for doing bike patrol. I average over 100 miles a week and spend at least 5 hours a day, 5 days a week in the saddle. The geometry is extremely comfortable and the gearing is perfect for my use. The bike may be heavy but I also run fully loaded panniers and a trunk bag and all are stuffed with equipment and weigh quite a bit so any weight saving by using specialized components is a moot point. The bike is not a racer but a utilitarian vehicle. I am on my third set of tires and have opted for the kevlar belted tires because of the difficulty of removing the rear wheel. Also am on a second set of pedals.I replace the saddle with a Brooks B-67. Changed the seatpost for a non-suspension one. Maintenance for the bike has been somewhat trouble free with the exception of the lighting system. The front generator hub failed and rather than replace the hub I bought a new non-generator hub and had [...] rebuild the front wheel. I removed the lighting system all together and run a battery operated set. Mine is a 2005 red Fusion with many, many miles and countless hours of abuse. When I ride this into the ground I will replace it with another Fusion.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

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Nov

10

2007

(8 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Terrific Commuter Bike

By Rocket Paul

from Monterey, CA

About Me Commuter

Site Member

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Durable
  • Great Components
  • Handles Well

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Commuting

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    This bike is the best deal you will find in commuter bikes. There are some bikes that may be slightly better, but they are going to cost you a lot more money. I commute 5 days a week going 5 miles each way. I ride on a combination of roads and paved/sand/gravel bike path. To top it off, I am biking along the ocean and get the salt spray. The Nexus hub and other components have held up to all of this with little maintenance from me. The rack is sturdy and has taken numerous heavy loads of books and groceries. The Nexus hub gives a good range of gears from high to low and shift smoothly.

    The only thing that I really wish the bike did come with is a chain guard, but you can add your own. Initially I was a little skeptical about the front lights running from a generator. They are not quite as bright as my wife's battery powered but I never have to bring a battery in for charging. Which means that I never forget to put it back on my bike. The stobe light makes you very visible, but on an unlite path the headlight is a little on the weak side. Happy riding.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (8 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jul

    24

    2008

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Solid bike

    By Long Commute

    from Southwest USA

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    I own a 2006 Fusion and have used it for commuting around 50-70 miles a week for the last 2 years. Overall, it's a good solid bike and has stood the test, with just a few quirks. It has needed minimal maintenance--I've replaced the chain and fixed a couple of flats, adjusted the tension on the rear gear cable and that's it. Great if you're not a bike fanatic or just don't have time to spend fixing a bike. Unfortunately I have had the same experience as some of the other people commenting here with the Nexus hub--it has problems in 4th gear, and especially shifting between 4th and 5th. Like someone else I also took it in to be serviced but the [...] bike repair staff said it was too complex an assembly for them to fix! So I've had to live with it and I've found I can mostly get around the problem by pedalling softly for a moment when I switch into 4th or 5th gear. If you don't do this the gears will often jump and miss.Another problem is that the rear wheel is much harder than on most bikes to remove to fix flats. I put a puncture proof tube on mine.It's a heavy bike, but again, it's built to take a lot of abuse. I wouldn't recommend it for people with a hilly commute; the Nexus gears just don't give you an adequate range for steep hills.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jun

    30

    2008

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Nice for the price

    By SamWise

    from Salt Lake City, UT

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Great Components
    • Nice feature set

    Cons

    • Flimsy Construction
    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Commuting
    • Road Biking

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    Commute to work daily on my Fusion, roughly 2 miles each way, very mild incline. The Fusion comes fully equipped with a generally good feature set and is ready for the daily urban grind right out of the box. (Although tire inserts to protect against flat tires are recommended.) The Shimano internal hub works well, the brakes are excellent, the lighting system is nice, and the other little extras get me through without having to add extra stuff after purchase. However the Fusion is quite heavy, the drivetrain doesn't feel as efficient as many other bikes, and a couple of components don't work as well as they should. Although the Fusion feels tough I still think it has an air of fragility, and I worry a little about it maintaining that toughness over the long term. Specifically, my headset has come loose and no amount of tightening can get it to stay permanently, even after adding a filler to help it tighten down. The Nexus hub, while nifty, is also a little finicky; 4th gear has a built-in adjustment that's done easily w/o tools, but even with attentive tuning my 4th gear still slips sometimes under heavy load. That banging and sudden slipping makes me very, very nervous for the future health of the hub. Front lighting system works well, and it's nice to know it's there when riding in twilight. But it does feel a little flimsy, like it's made of cheap, thin plastic, and I've read a few other reviews that have it crapping out altogether. I'm anticipating replacing the lights eventually, but it's nice the Fusion comes with the Shimano hub-driven dynamo on the front to provide power. Seat is a bit small and would get to me if riding a longer distance. And, given that I feel like there's a little resistance coming from the drivetrain at all times, I don't think I'd want to ride this other than for short stints around town. That said, there are few bikes I would choose over the Fusion for those short stints, especially in an urban area where good brakes are a must. I wish the Fusion had come equipped with the higher-end Nexus "Red-Band" 8-speed hub, which is supposed to weigh less and provide less resistance, and a tougher-feeling lighting system up front. But overall I think it's a great bike, and you won't find a more complete feature set for the money anywhere (especially if purchased [$] during an REI sale). I would recommend the Fusion to someone else who would use it in a similar way to my habits - short stints in urban areas w/o major hills. But if you're looking to ride longer distances and/or will be contending with some serious climbing, I'd look elsewhere for something lighter and with a higher-end (and more efficient) traditional drivetrain.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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    Mar

    13

    2008

    (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Seriously well appointed bike

    By segundobruce

    from Arlington, VA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Durable
    • Great Components

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Commuting

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    The Fusion is a great bike for what it is made for-- commuting. However, depending on your stamina, it may not be great for long commutes. It weighs over 35 lbs and you can tell, especially on hills, which is my only complaint about the shimano nexus 8 speed internal gear hubs. However, I arrive to work, wrinkle free, riding in my work clothes, the upright geometry gives you great visibility, and the fenders keep my legs bone dry, even through some deep mud and puddles. It has everything I need and can haul anything I want, and it really is a beautiful bike. However, if this is indeed the luxury model, I don't know why they didn't throw in a nice gel seat-- esp if it's designed to be rode in work/street clothes! I'll probably replace the saddle soon.

    Bottom line, I love this bike, and I use it for the real everyday uses bikes were made for. Good job Novara.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jul

    26

    2008

    (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Lots of Value for Money - But

    By Yldred

    from Portland Oregon

    About Me Avid Cyclist

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • No Need for Add-ons

    Cons

    • Gears do not hold
    • Handles Poorly
    • Hub bogs down

    Best Uses

    • Commuting

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    I commute daily to and from work, groceries, generally out and about so use this bike a lot, I was very excited to find a commuter that I was not going to have to add a lot of extras to they all came with it - it is stylish and gets lots of comments. Now the down side is it slips between fourth gears, and clicks in 1st gear, pedals are too slick and will not hold shoes, so slide at push off frequently in Vibram soles even. I've had it in 3 times now and it does not do these things on the stand, but even with explanation of having to have a little stress keep getting told it is fine but it's not I will probably be returning it as I have my doubts as to this hub holding up.

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

    (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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    May

    7

    2008

    (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Good Quality, Good Price

    By Academictech

    from Central Connecticut.

    About Me Avid Cyclist

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • No Discernable Cons

    Best Uses

    • Commuting

    Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

    Looked carefully at a number of commuter bikes. Initially discounted this brand as just a knock-off until I took one out for a test spin. The quality of components, ride, comfort, paint, assembly is just as good as my two Cannondales. It's a bit heavy, but for an urban commuter bike, I wouldn't have it any other way. Paniers were optional and I use two of them, fully loaded, the bike balances very well. Great on hills, ease of shifting and awesome brakes make this a great value in my opinion.

    Service and delivery comments:

    Staff very knowledgeable, not just on the Novara Line, but cycling in general.

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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    Feb

    14

    2008

    (2 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

     
    1.0

    Good intent bad bike

    By biker23

    from Anchorage, AK

    About Me Avid Cyclist

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Handles Well
    • Light dynamo

    Cons

    • Flimsy Construction
    • Poor Components

    Best Uses

      Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

      The bike broke within the first days of use. The internal gears kept slipping and the mechanics at the REI Bike shop had no idea how to fix it... needless to say I returned it for the Transfer which I ended up returning as well.

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

      (2 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

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      May

      14

      2008

      (1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      "Begs to be ridden."

      By Mitch from Arkansas

      from Fort Smith, Arkansas

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Pros

      • Attractive Design
      • Durable
      • Great Components
      • Handles Well

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • "Putzing Around"
        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Fusion Bike:

        I have several bikes including recumbents and mountain bikes. My co-workers have seen most of my bikes but none have created the questions and interest in biking that the Fusion has caused. I leave the bike in my office to use for "putzing around" during lunch. As I said, it begs to be ridden, and I oblige as frequently as possible.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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