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Novara Strada Bike - 2009
Item # 776881For your reference, this page contains historical product information.
Offering dependable quality at a great price, our Novara Strada® features lightweight carbon fiber seatstays and fork for excellent performance!
- Strada is your all-around sport ride, fast enough for fitness training and racing, yet comfortable and stable for touring rides over mountain passes
- Together, the Kinesis 6061 aluminum and carbon fiber provide the stiffness required for quick acceleration and efficient energy transfer in climbs
- Carbon fiber also damps road vibrations, increasing comfort and reducing fatigue over long, hard rides
- EVO carbon front fork provides the lateral wheel stability required for sprinting and cutting razor sharp lines in turns
- Lightweight Shimano R500 rims and hubs reduce rotational inertia, a key benefit when quick acceleration is in your immediate future
- Shimano 105 shifter/brake levers allow fast shifting and braking control without the need to remove hands from handlebars—great for brisk rides
- Shimano 105 10-cog cassette and forward triple chainring provide quick, crisp shifts and gearing to tackle any terrain
- FSA Vero triple crankset with integrated cups weighs less and is more easily maintained than conventional cranksets
- Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires offer an admirable mix of durability, grippiness and fast performance
- Comfortable, smooth-steering cockpit includes FSA Vero Compact handlebar, FSA OS-190 stem and integrated semicartridge headset
- Streamlined, lightweight San Marco Ponza Lux saddle is contoured and lightly padded for long training rides
- Pedals not included
- Specs are subject to change
Imported.
Item 776881
Read more about shipping options.
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Novara Strada Bike - 2009 Specs
Specification | Description |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum with carbon seatstays |
| Fork | EVO carbon fiber |
| Crankset | FSA Vero Triple 50/39/30 |
| Bottom bracket | FSA Powerdrive |
| Shifters | Shimano 105 |
| Front derailleur | Shimano 105 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano 105 |
| Rear cogs | Shimano 105 12-25 10-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro |
| Brake levers | Shimano 105 |
| Rims | Shimano R500 |
| Front hub | Shimano R500 |
| Rear hub | Shimano R500 |
| Tires | Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x25 |
| Handlebar | FSA Vero Compact |
| Stem | FSA OS |
| Seat post | FSA SL-250 |
| Saddle | San Marco Ponza Lux |
| Pedals | Sold separately |
| Headset | Integrated semicartridge |
| Chain | Shimano 105 |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Bike weight | Why we don't provide weights |
Novara Strada Bike - 2009 Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Handles well (10)
- Responsive (9)
- Lightweight (8)
- Fast (7)
- Comfortable (6)
Cons
- Uncomfortable seat (9)
Best Uses
- Exercising (9)
- Casual riding (8)
- Serious training (6)
- Climbing (4)
- Commuting (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (8)
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Color
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Serious Training
- Supported Touring
- Touring
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
Bottom line: This is a joy of a bike to ride. This is one of those bikes that just disappears underneath you and feels like an extension of your body. It's lightweight and responsive, yet never 'twitchy.' I bought this bike for supported touring (DALMAC) & centuries. The bike is velvety smooth with its carbon fork & seatstays.
I'm not a racer, but this bike could do an OK job racing, although it's not the absolute lightest weight bike out there. But then again, you're probably not looking for a bike with triple chainrings if you're racing.
Very good components, especially for the price. The full Shimano 105 drivetrain works very well, shifts smoothly, and gear spacing is close, making it very easy to find a perfect gear to be in.
One possible disadvantage if you want to be really picky, is the fact that 10 speed chains are more expensive than 9 speed chains. Generally a 10 speed drivetrain is seen as an advantage, but I had to list some disadvantage.
Tires - Good, not enough miles to judge durability/flat prevention. 25C are just wide enough for some LIGHT trail riding. Very good at helping to absorb bumps, even though I ride them at 110 psi front/130 rear. (I'm a Clydesdale). I will be switching to a 28C tire later in the year for some of my longer rides. Fatter tires are more comfortable for long touring, IMHO.
Brakes - Good, confidence inspiring. Room for a 28C tire.
Saddle - not so great, at least for my buns. I upgraded to a Brooks B17, which is amazing.
Other additions: Shimano PD-M520 pedals, stainless steel bottle cages (2x), Sigma 1606L computer w/ Cadence
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Fast
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Climbing
- Commuting
- Exercising
- Racing
- Serious Training
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
This is a great all-around bike. Originally, I was mountain biker all the way, but this bike has completely changed that. I am a spandex wearin roadie now. The bike has very good components, it's light and fast, and it takes a beating. I use it for everything: commuting, long rides, and training. The best thing is the price! I tested many bikes before this, Giant, Felt, Fisher, Scott, Cannondale, GT, Specialized just to name a few and they are generally double the price (If money hadn't been an object I may have gone with the Scott.)
My only complaint is the seat. When I sit on that thing for too long I feel like I just spent my first night in federal prison. Yikes! The soreness goes away with time, but I am considering an upgrade.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Absorbs Shock Well
- Fast
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Commuting
- Exercising
- Serious Training
- Touring
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
If you're looking for something one step above entry level road bikes, this bike has excellent components for the price, especially if you catch it during a sale.
The seat is a bit on the firm side, but gel shorts help. I might upgrade the seat in the future.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Climbing
- Commuting
- Exercising
- Serious Training
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
I am a huge Trek fan and was set on buying one.
This frame fit me better, it had better Shimano 105 componets at half the price.
1 week in of ownership & over 300 miles and I could not be happier. I do not race & have no idea how this would be for that.
I like to ride miles, up & down hills with smooth shifting on a comfortable bike.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes to ride a nice bike.
If you just like to ride 5-10 miles on the weekend to Starbucks with a group and look at your $2000 bikes, then this may just get half the looks.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Responsive
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Climbing
- Commuting
- Exercising
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
Don't get caught up in brand names, this is a great bike. Not just great for the price, it'll compete with anything in this range. Shifting is smooth and exact. the bike will be the least of your concerns when you're out on the road.
I will say that I didn't have much use for a triple chain ring, but it doesn't impair the ride.
Service and delivery comments:
I ordered this bike online and, mistakenly, ordered the wrong size. I chose to drive to the nearest REI to switch it out and was a little surprised at how easily I was taken care of. No problems. All smiles. The best part of doing business with them is the customer service.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Stable
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Exercising
- Long Rides
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
This bike should not be underestimated. I was in the market for a road bike with Shimano 105 components, aluminum frame, triple chain ring crank, light weight, for about $1,000. I test rode several other brand name bikes, but I preferred the ride/performance of the Novara Strada. The Strada has carbon seat post, fork, and rear seat stays, an added bonus which smoothes out the ride. I love this bike. Offers a great ride, fast, shifts well, stable. Great quality for the price. On sale for me, cost[$]
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Fast
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Exercising
- Serious Training
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
All comments are accurate. The bike rides responsively, fast, shifts smooth, and the components are great for the price compared to any name brands. Held up great on a recent metric century ride.
The price difference between this and a name brand is really in the frames, but at this price point there's not enough appreciable difference in my opinion between a Novara frame and a Specialized, etc. to justify the price increase for the name brand. The Strada is a great deal for the price/components.
The seat is absolutely brutal though. If you're planning on being on the bike for more than 20 miles at a time you're going to suffer. Replaced it after the first ride with a nice Terry Fly seat and haven't had a problem since.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast
- Good Geometry
- Good Looks
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
- Responsive
Cons
- Brakes Could Be Better
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Exercising
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
Great bike. Wanted a road bike so I moved up from a Trek 7.3. Shopped and rode many bikes - Cannondale, Fuji, Trek, Scott, Giant, Scattore and others. There is a lot of discounting in the market, but I thought the price for this bike was fair, especially with REI's name behind it. The 105's shift well, and the pivot feature is nice. The brakes could have a little more grip.
Like everyone I believe the set is uncomfortable - I want to replace with an old school Brooks saddle. I also found the stem a little long at 110mm - I am going to replace with an 85mm.
Other than that - it's a great bike. I have really enjoyed it. I'm not a heavy duty rider - I probably do 10-12 miles per day with some moderate grades, but it's great for me! I hope you enjoy.
Service and delivery comments:
Purchased at REI in North Raleigh, NC (they were out of stock at the store closer to me). Four different people helped me - no waiting around. The team was definetely knowledgeable and I appreciated their suggestions.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast
- Good Geometry
- Handles Well
- Responsive
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
- Climbing
- Exercising
- Racing
- Serious Training
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
I use this bike for training and competing Triathlons. The other reviews are spot on. The handling is perfect and the carbon forks and stays make a huge difference. See a very similar bike by Fuji or Felt for way more money with similar components.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Uncomfortable Seat
Best Uses
- Casual Riding
Comments about Novara Strada Bike - 2009:
I was very excited about this bike - 105 comp set, carbon fork and seat stay. From my perspective this bike is better on paper than in real life. The frame is heavy considering it is made from aluminum and carbon. Geometry was awkward for my body sizing. Tried the medium and a large. The large was too big and the medium was too small. I went with the medium thinking we had it fitted at the store. [...] After numerous adjustments, it never felt good when riding on the open road. It seems REI spent most of the money on the components and little on the frame design. Check out multiple bikes and find one that not only meets your needs but one that fits like a glove.
- Gift:
- No
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