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Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008

Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008

Item # 760870
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

City streets beware! This curb-hopping, alley-surfing, ''no thanks, I'll ride'' street machine will turn the concrete jungle into one big playground.

  • The streets are dangerous, so we've built this nimble ride with two big front chainrings and fast 700c tires for just one reason: Speed!
  • And if you want to ride this hustler town-to-town, that's just fine—Big Buzz dishes out long rides with performance and comfort to spare
  • 6061 aluminum frame combines mountain bike geometry with road bike tubing for a lightweight, heads-up ride that flies up and down city hills
  • Alloy straight blade fork with tapered legs takes the edge off of the roughest urban roads
  • Comes with Avid BB5 disc brakes because that's what it takes to decelerate from warp speed
  • Two forward chainrings and nine rear cogs create 18 speeds of versatility to conquer the steepest city hill and cruise country roads
  • SRAM X.7 Twister shifters sport a 1:1 actuation ratio and SRS technology for light, precise indexing; quick view indicator tells you where you are
  • Alex TD24 lightweight double-wall rims offer workhorse reliability
  • Puncture-resistant Vittoria Randonneur tires feature reflective sidewalls and a fast, smooth ride
  • Velo BUZZ saddle is ergonomically designed and padded for support and comfort over a long day's ride
  • Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—BMX-style platform pedals accommodate a variety of casual shoes
  • We let loose with a hand grinder on the frame to create a raw, industrial finish that makes each Big Buzz unique
  • Specs are subject to change

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 760870


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 Big Buzz Bike - 2008 Specs

Specification

Description

Frame6061 Aluminum
ForkAlloy straight blade
CranksetTruvativ Elita C 2.1 50/36
ShiftersSRAM X-7 Twister
BrakesAvid BB5 Disc
Brake leversAvid Speed Dial 7
Front derailleurShimano Tiagra
Rear derailleurSRAM X.7
HeadsetTH integrated semi cartridge
Bottom bracketTruvativ Giga Pipe
Rear cogsSRAM PG-950 11-32, 9
Front hubFormula DC20 disc
Rear hubFormula DC22 disc
RimsAlex TD24
TiresVittoria Randonneur 700x32
StemAlloy
HandlebarKalloy butted aluminum flat
Seat postAlloy
SaddleVelo BUZZ
PedalsBMX platform
ChainSRAM PC-951

Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008
 
4.3

(based on 12 reviews)

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Attractive (10)
  • Durable (9)
  • Handles well (8)
  • Great components (6)
  • Lightweight (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Commuting (11)
    • Road biking (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (4), Weekend warrior (4), Avid cyclist (3)

    Reviewed by 12 customers

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    May

    22

    2008

    (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Good bike, but not for me

    By axebiker

    from Twin Cities, MN

    About Me Competitive Cyclist

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Attractive Design
    • Durable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Commuting

      Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

      I was going to use this to commute - a lighter, faster alternative to my heavy MTB, and to spare my expensive road bike from day to day commuting. I found the ride of this bike to be PUNISHING on rough roads, which we certainly have in MN. I reduced the tire pressure to try to help, but to no avail. I didn't find it to be noticeably lighter than my MTB either. Beyond that, the components were very good, and after some tweaking they worked flawlessly.

      It's a very nice bike, but it ended up not working for me. Too much neck & shoulder pain, which I mainly attribute to the stiffness of the ride. A carbon fork and thinner/lighter frame would help. I did return it and went with a cyclocross bike for my commuter, which is like a breath of fresh air.

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

      (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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      May

      2

      2008

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Big Buzz is Big Surprise!

      By dennislooney[@]

      from Las Vegas, Nevada

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Attractive Design
      • Fun to ride
      • Handles Well
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

        I discovered this bike while taking my Cannondale F400 mountain bike in for a headshok air chamber repair. This cool bike got my attention. I dropped off my Cannondale and went home to research the Big Buzz. I wasn't too keen on a Novara bike, having had no previous experience with the store brand, but it reviewed well and when I took it out for a spin, I was stoked. It is a fast, fun ride, especially after stepping off a mountain bike.

        Yes, the Big Buzz is street friendly and while it wants to look like a mountain bike, it certainly is not. But it is ultra comfortable and smooth as can be on the road.

        The only downside is that I'm afraid everyone will want one.

        Get one right now!

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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        Apr

        25

        2008

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Better and Better

        By Kantan

        from Roseville, CA

        About Me Avid Cyclist

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Disk Breaks
        • Durable
        • Great Components
        • Lightweight

        Cons

        • Gear ratio

        Best Uses

        • Commuting

        Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

        This is a great bike for the price. The fact that it is light weight, has the faster gears for speed, but good range to help you accelerate in traffic makes it good for the long commute. There seems to be a problem with the gear ratio, though this may be personal preference/riding style. The big sell was the fact that it had disk breaks, great in any weather (except with black ice). This new model has alloy front forks, which will take a lot of the "buzz" or road vibration out of this bike (my biggest complaint about the model I have.) The components are very good, and it is nice to have the reflective wheels. I have commuted to work on this bike for almost a year, and I am still happy with it.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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        Apr

        11

        2008

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great commuter and everyday bike

        By Cyril

        from Olympia, WA

        About Me Weekend Warrior

        Site Member

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Commuting
          • Everyday stuff shopping

          Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

          I've had this model for 13 months and have used it almost every day for commuting to work and on weekends for exercise; about 3,000 miles so far. I go about 10 miles round trip for work and 15 - 20 rides on weekends and the bike has been great. I've used it in all kinds of weather and it brakes and handles reliably. Wiped out only once on black ice but with no real damage. It handles curb and potholes very well. I've hauled large grocery loads (like 1/2 case of beer) on the bike rack I added and it handled it well. At the same time its responsive and speedy when I want it to be.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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          Mar

          28

          2008

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great bike, great value

          By Alfa Pete

          from San Francisco, CA

          About Me Avid Cyclist

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Attractive Design
          • Durable
          • Handles Well
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Commuting

            Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

            I bought this bike to use as an urban commuter in San Francisco: it's a great bike for that! It feels solid, handles well, rides comfortably, and gets favorable comments from other cyclists.

            The components are good: not quite as smooth as other bikes I test rode, but then again, those bikes cost twice as much as this one. I do find the grip shift convenient and they haven't missed a shift yet.

            The wheels and tires are a good compromise between mountain and road tires and handle our potholed streets well.

            All in all, I'm very pleased with the bike - it's a great value.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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            Jul

            25

            2008

             
            5.0

            An excellent well designed bike

            By Stephen80

            from Kennewick, WA

            About Me Weekend Warrior

            Pros

            • Attractive Design
            • Durable
            • Handles Well

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Commuting

              Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

              I originally bought a mountain bike, but after riding it around for a couple of days decided I would rarely use this type of bike for its intended use. Returned it back to REI (100% Satisfaction Guarantee) and got this bike. I am completely happy with this bike. Although it is neither a touring or pure road bike, it is perfect for my intended use; getting up early in the mornings or heading out late evenings for exercise. This bike is quick, responsive, and rugged enough for the occasional curb, rough road, and packed dirt road. It is a great bike for getting around town and getting into shape. I read some other reviews that suggested this bike needs a third (low) gear up front. I did not find this necessary and have climbed some pretty steep hills with it. Make sure you get this bike sized properly as this will make all the difference in terms of comfort and responsiveness. You may think you have the correct size, but let an REI expert help you.

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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              Jul

              11

              2008

               
              4.0

              Perfect for the daily commute

              By mickthebuff

              from Broomfield, Co

              About Me Weekend Warrior

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Attractive Design
              • Durable
              • Handles Well

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Commuting
                • Road Biking

                Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

                I ride to/from work daily and also around town (road and hardpack trail) and the Big Buzz handles everything. A lot of construction in my area, so roads are rough and this bike does not beat me up. Only wish is for a different tire (easily fixed) with more tread for the hard pack. Great purchase!

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Jun

                13

                2008

                 
                4.0

                95% Satisfied

                By Maine_Guy

                from Maine

                About Me Weekend Warrior

                Pros

                • Attractive Design
                • Durable
                • Fast
                • Great Components

                Cons

                • Low Gear Not Low Enough
                • No Fork Attachment Points
                • Twist Grip Shifters

                Best Uses

                • Commuting

                Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

                Turned this bike into an Extracycle equipped ride. The disc brakes make stopping easy and the 700c rims are strong enough for moderate loads. The spokes creaked a bit when I gave my girlfriend a ride - I'd keep loads under 75# if you haul gear like I do. Nice commuter bike - fast. Gearing could use a lower low-end for hills. Twist grip shifters were promptly replaced. I really like this bike so far. Aluminum fork with disc combo seems a bit springy stopping heavy loads - brakes are very responsive, be careful with the power - use back brake more with heavy loads.

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Jun

                6

                2008

                 
                4.0

                Outstanding Standover!

                By kenja

                from Seattle, WA

                About Me Casual/ Recreational

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Low standover height

                Cons

                • Harsh ride
                • Not geared low enough

                Best Uses

                • Performance fitness

                Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

                I bought this for cruising rails-to-trails, mainly, with some old logging roads and cat tracks. Weighs 25 lb on my spring scale. The existing low gear works OK for me on a 2% gravel grade but I'll want something lower.
                This frame's low standover height makes it worth upgrading (I hope--I already ordered the parts). I'm installing a triple crank. To smooth the ride I'm installing a 26 inch front wheel and suspension fork (voiding the warranty, no doubt); also, a Thudbuster seat post.
                Oh, the specs of my bike delivered in May: 11-32T cassette, 700 x 28c Vittoria tires, BB7 brakes. I believe the tires are excellent but will upgrade to 700 x 35c for better flotation in loose gravel.
                My demographics: 51 yo male, haven't biked in years--not too bad of shape otherwise (other than a chronic back). Last bike: early '70s chro-moly Nishiki touring.
                I recommend this bike to anyone seeking a low standover in a big non-female style frame. Someone described this bike as a flat-barred cyclocross. Seems pretty accurate to me (but I believe the disc brakes would be illegal).

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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                Jun

                4

                2008

                 
                5.0

                Rough Rider

                By MrTwo

                from Bellevue, WA

                About Me Casual/ Recreational

                Pros

                • Attractive Design
                • Durable
                • Great Components
                • Handles Well

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Commuting
                  • Road Biking

                  Comments about Novara Big Buzz Bike - 2008:

                  A fantastic bike! I've had it for 4 months now and it still rides smooth. Even though my commute must traverse through five miles of street and sidewalk miles during my 20 mile commute. Those 5 miles in the middle of my trek are loaded with cracks, rocks, construction, roots, and gutter riding. Gutters I wish I could avoid because of the traffic but no sidewalk. It handles all these hazards without a bruise. Then once I'm on the trail the Big Buzz rides smooth and straight.

                  Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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