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Novara Buzz V Bike

Novara Buzz V Bike

Item # 760872
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

We affectionately call it the Budget Buzz; Novara Buzz V is an urban commuter and campus cruiser that won't curb your cash flow.

  • Sturdy chromoly frame utilizes mountain bike geometry for a heads-up ride that cruises up and down city hills
  • Chromoly straight blade fork with tapered legs takes the edge off of the roughest urban roads
  • Tektro brakes with linear spring design confidently stop your bike when you need them to, especially important on busy streets and at intersections
  • SRAM 3.0 shift levers and rear derailleur can take a beating and keep on shifting mile after mile, smooth or rough terrain
  • Truvativ crank and bottom bracket deliver solid performance, whether you're grinding a steep hill or drafting a bus
  • Features puncture-resistant Kenda K-841 tires mounted on lightweight, double-wall Alex Ace 24 rims, for speed and durability
  • Allen bolt skewers help to prevent wheel theft while you are away from your Buzz
  • Kalloy ALU riser handlebar offers comfortable positioning and enhances your ability to stay on top of traffic changes
  • Velo BUZZ saddle provides padded support and comfort
  • Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—BMX-style platform pedals accommodate a variety of casual shoes

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 760872


An oversize shipping charge of $60 applies to this item (plus regular shipping fees). Or ship it FREE to any REI store for pickup.
Read more about shipping options.

Novara Buzz V Bike Specs

Specification

Description

Frame4130 Chromoly
ForkChromoly straight blade
CranksetTruvativ ISO-Flow 22/32/44
Bottom bracketTruvativ square taper
ShiftersSRAM 3.0
Front derailleurShimano CO-51
Rear derailleurSRAM 3.0
Rear cogsPG-830 11/32, 8-speed
BrakesTektro forged linear pull
Brake leversTektro all alloy
RimsAlex Ace 24
Rear hubFormula FM-32
TiresKenda K-841
HandlebarKalloy ALU riser
StemKalloy 2D forged
Seat postAlloy micro-adjust
SaddleVelo Buzz
PedalsBMX Platform
HeadsetSemi cartridge
ChainKMC HG-40
GenderUnisex
Bike weightWhy we don't provide weights

Novara Buzz V Bike Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Buzz V Bike
 
4.0

(based on 10 reviews)

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (8)
  • Versatile (5)
  • Comfortable (4)
  • Attractive design (3)
  • Handles well (3)

Cons

  • Heavy (4)

Best Uses

  • Commuting (9)
  • Leisurely rides (4)
  • Light riding (4)
  • Street riding (4)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid cyclist (6)

Reviewed by 10 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Dec

17

2008

(24 of 24 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

A great bike for the price!

By Goretex Guy

from Seattle

About Me Avid Cyclist

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Leisurely Rides
  • Light Trails
  • Street Riding
  • Uneven Surfaces

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

I use this bike as a daily commuter bike in Seattle. It's a little heavy, but the big tires (26 x 1.9), relaxed angles, and long wheelbase give me the stability to ride in traffic on bad streets with confidence. The components are OK for this price level, and I like fenders on a commuter. I don't recommend this for centuries or really long rides, but for around town, short to medium recreational rides, and ESPECIALLY on hills (it has some VERY low gears) this is a really great bike for the price. I hit all the major bike shops in Seattle, and for this price I didn't find anything nearly as good. Add a rack and you're ready to go.

  • Gift:
  • No

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(24 of 24 customers found this review helpful)

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Aug

7

2008

(18 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Buzz Buzz Zoom Zoom

By Dead10

from Eagan MN

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Poor Components

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

This was (still is) the best bang for the buck when it comes to entry level Commuting bike.I purchase this bike this year for [$] Since then I have logged 400+ miles on the bike. The only complaint on the bike is the seat, After the 2nd day of commuting the seat was cutting off blood circulation. The Sram components are low range but they work flawlessly, I did upgrade to thumb/index shifters. I'm not a fan of grip shiftingI also upgraded the pedals to clip-in's, I'd recommend this for anyone putting more then 5 miles a day.I have recommend this bike to all my friends that are making the switch to bike commuting. Every one (3 so far) that has purchased the bike have loved it.The other things I would have liked to see on the bike straight out of the box is 1. Disc brakes or at least tabs for upgrade2. Better Seat3. Frame saver applied to the inside of the frame for winter commuting

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(18 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

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Jun

11

2008

(14 of 16 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Excellent ride and performance on budget

By CLove

from Fairfax, VA

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Durable
  • Great Components
  • Handles Well

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

I bought the Buzz during the [$] sale and love it. I started commuting about 27 round trip miles a day several days a week in March and now do 3-4 days a week. The budget Buzz handles really easy on the bike trails and holds up well going through several construction zones up and down from curbs, etc. The [...] informed me I would be better off with a higher dollar bike but I just couldn't swing it so I started with this one and am glad I did. I do ride in max gear for much of the ride in so on a road bike I could get more power for the push - maybe in a few years when I graduate from this durable ride. Cheers!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(14 of 16 customers found this review helpful)

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Jul

29

2008

(11 of 14 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Houston Tuff...

By gaspacho

from Houston, TX

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Site Member

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Durable
  • Great Components
  • Handles Well

Cons

  • Lack of Accessories

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Road Biking
  • Showing Off

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

I normally use this bad boy on bike lanes and trails around the Houston area. This bike is super durable; Me and a friend of mine bought bikes from REI around the same time and ride together frequently. He got a Forza which he regreted later on due to it's price tag and inability to handle Houston's jacked-up roads/sidewalks. I'm super delighted with this bike and recommend it to anyone that lives in and urban enviroment. This Buzz takes a beating. My only gripe is about the lack of accessories available for it. I really wish there was a basket I could mount on the front. Oh well, I still love this bike!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(11 of 14 customers found this review helpful)

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Jun

3

2009

(10 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

Bad paint, not as pictured on site, eith

By Johnny G.

from Baltimore, MD

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Stylish
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Bad paint
  • Not color on website

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Light Trails
  • Uneven Surfaces

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

When I picked this bike up, it had like 6 scratches on it out of the box. A big one was big and deep enough that it needed to be dealt with, considering the steel frame. The one parked near my job (which can't be that old, since it only came out a year ago) looks like someone took a weed-wacker to it. Not only is the paint on this bike not the glossy paint in the photo, but it comes off like no one's business and leaves white marks. I know; bikes get scratched up. But I've never seen paint come off a bike like this. Is it an anti-theft measure or something?

Service and delivery comments:

My bike was scratched up. The fenders rattled. The stem was crooked. The front brakes were poorly adjusted -- one touched the tire while the other was inside the rim. Certainly, I could fix this all on my own. But not on a new bike that was supposed to be ready to ride. I returned the bike and never rode it.

  • Gift:
  • No

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

(10 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

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Jul

3

2008

(10 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

A Good Buzz!

By Fooch the hiker

from Seattle, WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Pros

  • Attractive Design
  • Handles Well

Cons

  • HARD SEAT

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

This bike is great for my commute to school and work. Handles all the stuff thrown at it; railroad tracks, gravel, bike paths, and broken concrete. The only complaint is the seat, way to hard for me, so I may upgrade in a bit. Good clean buzz!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(10 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

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Jul

7

2009

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Excellent dedicated commuter package

By Clan_ZW

from Pittsburgh, PA

About Me Avid Cyclist

Site Member

Pros

  • Durable
  • Value
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Twitchy steering

Best Uses

  • Commuting
  • Leisurely Rides
  • Light Trails

Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

Excellent commuter package, good fender set, allen bolt anti-theft skewers and seat post, reflective sidewalls on the Kenda tires, solid frame, surprisingly good performing shifters (even though I prefer trigger shifters). I am an all weather/5 days a week commuter (7 miles round trip). I was shopping for a new commuter and it was between the Novara Buzz V and the Kona Smoke 2-9. The Novara Buzz V is a good deal with decent parts spec for commuting, add lights, a rack and some panniers and you have a good all around utility ride you can still take out for your weekend rec ride. Handling can be slightly "twitchy", but a good package put together[...]

  • Gift:
  • No

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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May

27

2009

(5 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

This bike I renamed the HUM.

By TNT YOGI

from Delran,NJ

About Me Casual Cyclist

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • RELIABLE
  • STURDY
  • Versatile

Cons

    Best Uses

    • BOARD WALKS
    • Commuting
    • Leisurely Rides
    • Light Trails
    • Street Riding

    Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

    I use this bike because I'm going GREEN and also wants to get in better shape.I love the ride and the strenght of the bike. The ALLEN knots and screws gives the bike that extra security .

    • Gift:
    • Yes

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (5 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

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    Jul

    21

    2009

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    No better commuter for the price

    By Saska

    from Redmond, WA

    About Me Avid Cyclist

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Durable
    • Lightweight
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • Uncomfortable saddle

    Best Uses

    • Commuting
    • Leisurely Rides
    • Street Riding

    Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

    I replaced a big, heavy commuter hybrid with the Buzz V after being hit by a car in the spring. I can't believe the difference in my commute and casual family rides on this bike! The geometry is a good combination of MTB and hybrid, slightly forward for effortless hill climbing but not so aggressive as to be uncomfortable riding in street clothes. While it might be considered heavy in comparison to road or racing bikes, it's lighter than every other hybrid in our garage and a snap to load on carriers.

    Gearing is excellent for handling variable street terrain. It's geared low for hill climbing (I frequently climb in 2x5, where I had to climb in 2x2 or 2x1 on my old bike) but I can still get it up to a respectable 20mph without topping out.

    A rear rack is a must-have for commuting with this bike, because the handlebars are narrow enough that it's very responsive but could be a little too jumpy if you're carrying a lot of weight in a backpack (high up over your center of gravity). You may also want to opt for a different saddle; I'm still giving the stock one a chance, but it's definitely no-frills and quite hard. I imagine this saddle upsells a few pairs of cycling shorts.

    While the components are low- to mid-range in terms of available quality (I can't give the bike 5 stars on that basis), they've been solid for me and the gripshifters are as good as any I've used. The Buzz V won't win any races, but it has significantly upgraded my commute.

    I like this bike so much I'm buying another one for my partner so he can keep up with me on the trail -- his department-store commuter is no longer in the same league.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Jun

    1

    2009

    (2 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Totally worth the price

    By coolslife

    from Elgin, Il

    About Me Casual Cyclist

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Durable

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Street Riding

    Comments about Novara Buzz V Bike:

    I love this product!

    • Gift:
    • No

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (2 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

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    Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

    Displaying reviews 1-10

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