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Novara eXpress Bike - 2008
Item # 760867For your reference, this page contains historical product information.
With road-bike geometry and flat-bar comfort, the sporty eXpress is the new-school speed machine with unlimited versatility!
- Ready yourself for a triathlon or a group century ride or throw on panniers for a weekend tour
- eXpress features a 6061 aluminum frame, carbon-fiber fork, fast Alex ALX 200 wheels and comfortable Kalloy flat handlebar
- Our 6061 aluminum frame is lightweight, strong and vertically stiff, a terrific combination for quick acceleration and efficient ascents
- EVO Carbon front fork is nothing but positive vibe; it's lightweight and strong, and its lateral stiffness yields spot-on steering control
- And the EVO Carbon fork damps minor road vibrations, thereby reducing burdensome shockwaves traveling through hands, arms, shoulders and back
- Lightweight Alex ALX 200 rims and hubs reduce rotational inertia, a key benefit when the need for quick acceleration is in your immediate future
- Mountain bike-style handlebar positions the rider upright, thereby reducing the stress to hands, neck and back often associated with sporty road bikes
- Kalloy angle-adjustable stem lets you set handlebar height for maximum comfort
- Bar ends help you stand over the pedals to power up steep ascents
- Nine cogs and a triple chainring provide 27 speeds to match any hill or headwind; Shimano derailleurs and shifters perform smoothly and reliably
- Two-piece crankset with integrated cups weighs less and is more easily maintained than conventional cranksets
- Puncture-resistant, smooth-rolling and lugged with all-weather traction, the Vittoria Randonneur is the holy grail of tire functionality
- Tektro long-reach brake levers enhance tire clearance and accommodate fenders and racks easily
Imported.
Item 760867
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Novara eXpress Bike - 2008 Specs
Specification | Description |
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum |
| Fork | EVO Carbon Fiber |
| Crankset | FSA Omega MegaExo triple 52/42/30 |
| Shifters | Shimano SL-R440 |
| Brakes | Tektro Alloy |
| Brake levers | Tektro Alloy |
| Front derailleur | Shimano R443-B |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Tiagra |
| Headset | Integrated semi-cartridge |
| Bottom bracket | FSA integrated cup bearings |
| Rear cogs | Shimano Tiagra 12/25 9-speed |
| Front hub | Alex ALX 200 |
| Rear hub | Alex ALX 200 |
| Rims | Alex ALX 200 |
| Tires | Vittoria Randonneur 700x28 |
| Stem | Kalloy adjustable |
| Handlebar | Kalloy |
| Seat post | Kalloy |
| Saddle | Velo Custom Aero |
| Pedals | Platform w/ toe clips |
| Chain | Shimano HG73 |
Novara eXpress Bike - 2008 Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Handles well (12)
- Comfortable (10)
- Good geometry (9)
- Lightweight (8)
- Absorbs shock well (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting (11)
- Casual riding (10)
- Climbing (3)
- Serious training (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (7), Casual/ recreational (4)
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Great Components
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I have the 2007 model. It's a nice, lightweight bike that handles well and is great on my daily 20 mile roundtrip commute -- it handles a rack and paniers well. I haven't had any problems with any components after putting over 1,000 miles on it.
If I could make two changes I'd recommend longer climbing/cruising bars to allow for more hand positions, and I'd include a more comfortable seat than the Velo Plush that came with it.
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Durability
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I bought the 2003 Express for 2 specific reasons:
1) I was tired of getting beat up by my full aluminum Cannondale road bike.
2) As a mountain biker, I wanted something I was more comfortable riding on the road.
The Express has delivered. Within 2 weeks of owning it, I took it on RAGBRAI in Iowa, and it performed flawlessly for the entire 500 miles. Since then, I have added hundreds of miles, and have only required a few minor adjustments. This bike has ridden all over Georgia, Colorado, and North Carolina and not once (knock on wood) have I had a major mechanical. I've used it to commute, as a training bike, and for long road rides...even done some serious climbing in the Western NC mountains. I'm not saying it's exactly an optimal ride for climbing, but it's light enough that you won't go backwards.
I've ridden the heck out of this bike for 5 years now, and it still works great. All original parts.
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
- Toe Clips
- Too many logos
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
- Moderate Touring
- Recreational road riding
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I love this bike. Lightweight, good solid components, great feel overall. This is my first flat bar road bike and I as a little skeptical, but this bike has proved itself to be a great buy.
If I have to gripe about anything it would be it's flashy design. There are stickers for brands everywhere. Also, the toe clip straps don't make a good, solid shape for my shoes to fit into. These are minor things...the bike really is amazing...
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Unacceptable wheels
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
- Serious Training
- Short to medium road ride
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I already own a high-end full-suspension mountain bike and wanted to complement it with a bike that would be more efficient for general-purpose road cycling, including a moderate work commute (7-10 miles each way), weekend road and bike-path rides of 25-40 miles, and occasional getting around town.
As most of my use would be in somewhat congested areas where visibility counts for a lot and serious speed is dangerous, I chose the Express for its flat handlebar design combined with road-bike efficiency.
The bike lives up to my expectations except for one critical problem. Starting with the 2008 model that I purchased, REI has chosen to equip the bike with an A-Class ALX-200 wheelset. As a result of my experience I will never again purchase any other bike with wheels from this manufacturer.
I noticed popping and creaking noises from the spokes almost immediately. Within a week the rear wheel was out of true and wobbly in turns. I suspected that the problem related to a combination of my weight (I'm a heavier guy) and perhaps some assembly problems that can happen with less expensive wheels.
I had the wheel re-trued by a friend who maintains race bikes. That fix lasted about a week before the problem returned.
I decided that there was no point bothering trying to get these wheels repaired or replaced with more of the same. Instead replaced them with a more sturdy set I had available. Since then the bike has been perfect and meets all my expectations. I may follow up with REI to see if I can get them repaired or replaced.
Bottom line to me is that there's really no reason for a flat-bar bike to come with low spoke-count aero wheels to begin with. If you're really that concerned with aerodynamics you shouldn't be on a flat-bar bike. A good quality conventional wheelset is no heavier and a whole lot sturdier.
Since the wheelset is probably the most important component on a bike, I can't consider this bike an acceptable product and would never recommend it.
Service and delivery comments:
REI service department did a great job of initial setup. As I have access to a cycling professional, I did not consult them about maintenance issues.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast and Smooth
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Serious Training
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I have the Green 2006 Express and have been using it for daily commuting to work in the Seattle area. The Express is lightweight, fast and a pleasure to ride in any weather (OK, I haven't tried snow but the Pineapple Express deluge was no problem). It feels very responsive to quick speed or direction changes - essential for urban biking. I would buy this bike again.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Climbing
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I have the 2006 Express and use it for 365 commuting, light trail riding (forest service dirt roads), and recreational road rides. Added on fenders, rack, and panniers. Great stability in wind and riding position for city riding. Excellent for hilly westside streets of Portland and rides to Mt St Helens (Tour de Blast), etc. All around great bike - highly recommended. (Components have changed since 2006.)
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Great Components
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
As my fiance, Middsy, attested, this is a great bike. After losing my beloved Felt F50 racing bike, I believed I needed to get something a little less flashy, and perhaps a bit more in keeping with what we're using our bikes for these days - commuting, errand running, and long weekend (and weeknight) rides. This bike has really awesome components for the price, and is rugged enough to handle the Chicago streets. I especially love the wheels, and the frame. The foot clips fell off within weeks for both of us, but I plan on replacing mine with the combo pedals similar to those I had on my old bike.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
Cons
- Poor Components
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I bought the 2008 model and have been pretty satisfied with it. It's nice and light compared to other commuter bikes. Great for pounding out a few extra miles or going for a longer recreational ride. Definitely has road bike characteristics, so this bike does not like rough surfaces, curbs, potholes, etc. But for roads and paved bike paths it rides very nice. My only complaint is with the steering components. The stem is creaky, especially when putting any weight on the bars, for example when climbing or accelerating. Lot's of pops coming from the handlebar/stem contact. Also, after only 200 miles I've had to re-tighten the stem assembly twice now. I chalk that up to the middle of the road components they use to keep the cost of the bike low. You get what you pay for, but otherwise this is a lot of bike for the money.
Pros
- Good Geometry
- Great Components
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
After being the unfortunate victims of a double bike theft, my fiancee and I needed new wheels. Having tried a host of bikes at stores in town and REI we got to the eXpress bikes and really liked them (if not the needless capitialised 'X').
Despite the risk of turning into our parents by buying matching bikes, we put down the cash for two of the Novaras.
We've had them for about 1 1/2 months and so far we both really like them. The ride is smooth (carbon front forks help here), the quality Shimano gears shift reliably, they are nimble through traffic and lightweight.
Most of our miles are on city streets, which is tough on the bikes. The road surfaces in Chicago did not weather a particularly horrid Mid-West winter well and are a patchwork of holes and temporary patches. The eXpress' good brakes and nimble handling have helped us avoid many a pot-hole, but where we've been forced onto the bumpy stuff the bikes have withstood the hits without problems. This makes me wonder about the comments from another poster who had issues with his wheels giving out - could be he was unlucky with a bad wheel or setup. Certainly, there's no problem with either of our bikes after a good few hundred miles.
Other than the pitted roads of Chi-town, we've hit some nicer paved bike routes where we really can get a good pace going. I wouldn't want to go into any serious off-road with these bikes, but their happy on the crushed limestone and packed dirt trails.
All-in-all I'm absolutely satisfied with the performance of the Novara eXpress.
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Great Components
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
Comments about Novara eXpress Bike - 2008:
I helped my son select a 2006 express (yes, we have couple of years of history on this bike). We had some minimum component requirements identified and visited several local stores before finding and selecting this bike. It has a nice component set.
I find the express is very enjoyable to ride. It shifts and handles well and has a comfortable riding position.
My son is a college student with significant daily commute requirements. After a first day dérailleur hanger failure, the bike has performed flawlessly.
Houffalize CX cyclocross tires and some modified freddy fenders fenders were recently installed to prepare for a move to the great lakes region. Cyclocross tires on this bike are a great match.
The bike is well worth the price paid.
Service and delivery comments:
The dérailleur hanger failed on the first day and unfortunately, we were not satisfied with the outcome of working with the REI store/bike shop used for our original purchase.
Since then, the bike has been serviced by the next closest REI store/bike shop (to the north) and we have been very pleased with both their attitude and work.
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