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Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike

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Partnering with Dahon, the world's leading folding bike manufacturer, we created the sleek Novara FlyBy Shuttle, which folds into a neat little package for urban commuting or compact travel.

Folding is quick and easy—fold the handlebar in half, fold it in, open lever to split frame into 2 and fold it back on itself ... Voila!
Aluminum frame is strong yet lightweight; quick-release frame hinge is reliable and does not compromise frame strength
Frame also features eyelets for both fenders and rack (sold separately)
Dahon Radius telescoping stem flows easily into frame head tube/fork; patented locking mechanism is hidden inside handlepost body for a clean profile
Shimano Nexus 7-speed internally geared rear hub and twist-shift lever deliver high efficiency, smooth shifting and low weight
Dahon Kinetix linear-pull brakes and Formula levers deliver dependable deceleration
Features Dahon Kinetix double-wall aluminum rims and Schwalbe Marathon tires for smooth-rolling performance and solid puncture protection
Velo SHUTTLE ergonomic saddle is designed for comfort; double-density padding helps relieve pressure
The seat post is also a pump! PostPump mechanism is hidden inside the seatpost and uses the seatpost as outer wall of the pump
PostPump is easy to use—you stand while you pump and use the saddle as a handle, so there's no kneeling in the dirt
Folded dimensions are 12.6" x 25.2" x 29.5"
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.

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Item 784058

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Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike

3.8

(based on 5 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Attractive (4)
Folds easily (3)
Handles well (3)
Lightweight (3)

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (3)

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 5 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

Jul

2009

(33 of 33 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Practical all-around bike.

By kballs

from Seattle, WA

About Me Casual Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Versatile

Cons

Bad Aerodynamics
No quick-release wheels
Seat post sinks slowly

Best Uses

Casual paved trail riding
Commuting/City

Comments about Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike:

I got last years model on sale, but even at full price it's a decent buy. This one got rid of the fenders (you can get them from Dahon). Overall it's pretty versatile.

It works well as a mixed-mode commuter because you can fold it and put it in the included carry bag (and bring it on bus/train without using the special racks). Funny but the carry bag is so big it has its own carry bag (can be worn backpack style if you're not already wearing one). We also use these for casual trail riding (paved or pea gravel)... if you swap for some fatter tires it should handle just about any gravel without worry (I'm thinking about putting on Schwalbe Big Apple balloon tires to smooth out the ride without too much extra rolling resistance). The tires are pretty fast, but are a rough ride. Stability good if you're sitting down, but is very squirrely if you stand up on the pedals. The bike is very nimble at low speed.

The hub transmission (Shimano Nexus 8) works well, is very quiet (no tick tick ticking), and is pretty easy to use (though you have to make sure you click in or it will slip between gears). You don't need to pedal to shift to another gear, it's instantaneous. The gearing is pretty good, 1 is low enough for pretty steep hills, 8 is high enough to get good speed on downhills but you won't be using it on the flat unless you're very strong.

These bikes have terrible aerodynamics because of the very upright sitting position, though all urban folders will be this way. It can be hard work going against the wind even on flat paved trails (though I've had similar experience with my mountain bike, a road bike or bent bike would be the only way to go for better aero but it's a lot tougher to find a folder of those types).

We swapped the seats with more comfortable versions, though for multi-mode commuting I would probably put a smaller seat on (I have a REALLY big Serfas seat that is very comfy but way too bulky for lugging on a bus/train).

You can fit 2 of these bikes in the trunk of a VW Jetta with room to spare for other junk. You should be able to easily get 4 of these in the back of a mini SUV (Forester/RAV4/CRV) with some room for helmets, cooler, etc., no rack needed unless you're going on an extended trip and need to bring more stuff, camping gear, etc.

Conclusion: Very practical and versatile. Not a fast racing bike, nor a stump jumper. Doesn't have disc brakes or full suspension but that would only add cost and really aren't needed in this class of bike.

Dec

2009

(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Nice little squirrel, but...

By katashi

from Davis, CA

About Me Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Attractive Design
Decent Components
Folds Easily
Frame Rigidity
Handles Well

Cons

Handlepost Alignment
Heavy
Seatpost Slides Down

Best Uses

City Riding
RECREATIONAL
Travel

Comments about Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike:

I purchased a 2008 Dahon Curve SL model (16" wheel), which is virtually the same bike as this one. I've had the bike for 3 weeks now.

The bike handles well for a small bike with a short wheelbase and small wheels, a bit squirrely, though. The frame is very well built, rigid, has a streamlined design, and the folding hinge works precisely, contributing to the frame sturdiness. The frame hinge does not seem to compromise the frame integrity at all. Folding the bike is a breeze (only a small issue with cables), and it neatly folds to a very compact size. Overall, the Curve SL is well built, has decent components and the folding mechanisms seem to work very well. Now, here are the issues I think Dahon should work on:

1) The seatpost does not stay in position. It slides down as you ride! This is a major design flaw. I tightened the quick release clamp to a maximum permissible torque, but no matter how much you tighten it, it will slide down. I believe it's due to the type finish on the aluminum post.

2)Also, the saddle is attached to the seatpost by a plastic adjuster. Plastic??! This is one part of a bike that needs a study, strong material. The seat nose tilts up when you ride over a bump. The seat does not stay in place!

3) Dahon claims that this bike is suitable for people up to 6'2" tall. I'm 5'11", but even at the maximum permissible heat height, I feel crammed in the cockpit. A longer (telescoping) seatpost with plenty of adjustment to move the seat far back may resolve this issue.

4) The handlepost / folding stem telescoping mechanism is another design flaw. The handlebar does not stay aligned with the front wheel, no matter how much you tighten the stem to the handlepost.

5) At roughly 10 Kg (22 lbs), this is no lightweight bike for its size.

6) The in-hub, planetary Shimano Nexus 8 speed guearbox seems to work neatly, precisely and flawlessly; although it adds to rolling resistance (by adding friction).

7) The cables get in the way when you fold and unfold the bike. (This is a minor issue)

I contacted Dahon about the issue with the seapost and handlepost, and I'm waiting a response. I plan to post the outcome here eventually.

I got this bike at REI at a very discounted price. It is last year's model, and I could use a coupon, so it was definitely worthwhile. I would do it again. At that price.

I would recommend this bike as long as the issues with the seatpost and handlepost are resolved. Also, if you're over 5'6" tall, this may not be the biker for you.

Jan

2010

(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Pretty little bike

By carl sacramento

from Sacramento, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Attractive Design
Great Components
Handles Well
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting

Comments about Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike:

This does not seem to be the same bike referred to in the earlier reviews. The seat post does not slip down if you properly tighten the thumb screw on the post clamp. Once I did that I didn't have any trouble with the seat post slipping down or the seat flipping up or any of that.

This is a fun bike! I have used it to commute to work, and its size and maneuverability are perfect for the downtown sidewalks in Sacramento. Yes, the small wheel size makes the bike somewhat less stable than a full-size bike, but the trade-off is increased maneuverability. The bike turns on a dime, and is very light and quick. Get on, pedal a few strokes, and you are down the road!

All components seem to be of excellent quality. Nothing cheap here. It has a neat little built-in bell that you flick with your finger to gently alert others of your on-coming. This is the third folding bike I've ridden, and it is the best of the three.

Mar

2010

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

comfy, rides well. some "features" fail

By seayhorse

from DC Baltimore

About Me Casual/ Recreational, Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Attractive Design
Easy to Transport
Folds Easily
Handles Well
Lightweight

Cons

Flimsy

Best Uses

Commuting
Street Riding

Comments about Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike:

I ride this a few miles to and from the train on my commute. I have owned this bike for a year. (yes it's last year's model, but the same bike all in all)The fancy seat post pump broke in use @ 6 months. = waste of moneyThe bell beater fell off, so no more ding on the built in bell. = waste of moneyThe spider (attached to pedals) bent on a fall. Thought it was the chain ring, but no it was the spider. . . The spinny plastic thing that goes over the handle bar adjuster latch is also broken (no idea).This bike is NOT for long rides by my experience, but it is a handy commuter. Don't Crash!!! Lots of small plastic parts that break easily.For [$], it's not the cat's meow. But it comes with a bag, and that's a bonus. If I had to do it over, I'd look try the Hummer folder (montague).

Apr

2010

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Fun to ride

By bkforlife

from Bedminster, NJ

About Me Avid Cyclist

Pros

Attractive Design
Folds Easily
Great Components
Well Built

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting

Comments about Novara FlyBy Shuttle Foldable Bike:

I just bought this bike. I used it to commute to work. It is a lot of fun to ride. It handles amazingly well. It folds extremely easily (except for the occasional cable). The internal gearing works really well and shifts smoothly. Since the tires are 16" the ride could be jittery and the gearing works well except for really steep uphills and downhills. In these cases more gears would be necessary. Since I just bought the bike I am withholding 5 stars to make sure the durability holds up. Initial impressions indicate the bike is well built. I have not had problems with the seatpost falling down. I am looking forward to many miles of commuting