Novara Corsa Bike - 2011

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

This Corsa is my third REI Novara, I have one older steel frame Corsa and a 5 year old XR used as a daily commuter. This Corsa shares several items with the XR and is a solid performer for several reasons.
The SRAM Grip shifters and rear derailleur is flawless and, if like previous 3.0 models, very long lived and reliable. A nice feature of the Gripshifter line is the ability to fine tune the cable tension while riding; especially with the 8 and 9 speed versions that need more precise control. The front Shimano C051 was smooth as well. I rarely shifted from the forward middle ring as there was enough power for mild hills at the low end and the combination of rider, position and wheel type/size made pushing over 20 mph a rare occurrence.
The suspension system of RST front forks, seatpost and 700 X 40 wheels is well matched for this 190 lb rider. I assume the seatpost is a PostModerne. It would be nice if the dealers could tailor the rate springs in the seat post to the riders preference; there are three types as best I know. The Novaras come with the middle rate model.
The manual lacked any component details, it was more a guide on concepts and general adjustment procedures.
The frame sizing system seems skewed; I am 5 feet 9 inches and found the Medium frame far too tall although I am in the listed height range for that frame size. A Small frame size fit much better so in store fitting may be essential for this bike. The seat adjustment range for nose up/down seems limited, at least in the field.
As with my other Novara road bikes of this wheel size/comfort riding posture/weight I find that the the small and large front chain rings are very nearly unneeded. The 8 speed cassette has more than enough range for flat and mild hill riding. The opportunity to use the 11 tooth cog is rare unless riding downwind/downhill or cross chaining to the small forward chain ring. I would like to see a single 38 tooth chain ring forward with a 9 speed, 12 - 32 cassette. The front shifter and extra chainrings could be eliminated for cost, weight, complexity and maintenance savings.
An unknown as to durability is the Joytech hubs. My XR has accumulated 9,000 miles on the original hubs, cassette, chainrings and bottom bracket so I hope for the same from this bike.
This Corsa came with a simple bell, a chainguard and a kickstand installed. Very nice touches that should be standard with most bikes.
Overall a very nice bike that rides well and easily. I rode 30 miles in a day on the bike paths and in the low hills around Scottsdale Az. and was not at all worn out in spite of being on the mend from a cold.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

Got this for my son's commute. It is a very solid and comfortable choice. The components, although on the lower end, are solid and perform well and don't seem to go out adjustment too frequently. A very good choice for moderate scale commutes (up to 10 miles each way).

Like another reviewer, the frame tends on the large side and so needed to go with a medium frame even though a large would be indicated by the sizing chart (round down).

The shock absorbing touches are nice for the street commuting contending with curbs and roads/trails needing repair.

The kickstand and bell are very good touches for a commuting bike, but needed to add fenders and a rack.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

I ride mostly for recreation and exercise with a little local errand running. I've ridden my Corsa for 2 weeks and I'm very satisfied with the quality of the entire bike. It handles nicely and is comfortable although many people will find the seat hard, the more you ride, the less it becomes an issue. I like to ride on back roads and on gravel in the wildlife refuge and have to use unpaved shoulders to reach my destination. The Corsas rounded tires slip a bit in the really loose stuff but not too badly. The suspension is great for cushioning the bumps. Brakes are good with a nice touch, rubber inserts in the levers. The 24 speed shifting is precise and has worked great so far. I added a rack and fenders, light and bar end mirror for my road trips. The bike is reasonably fast and no one except a hardcore or pro cyclist will notice an efficiency loss from the suspension.

Service and delivery comments:

REIs mechanics did a great job setting up my bike and adding the accessories I purchased cheaper than I could have myself, kudos to the crew at the Maple Grove, Mn store!

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

I was looking to replace a dept store bike with something a little better when I came across this model. I like the Novara Corsa as it's a lot lighter than my previous bike,the gears shift well with no skipping or jumping and it has a quality feel to it. The finish is nice and the components are of good quality. This obviously isn't a bike for a hardcore rider but for someone like me that rides daily for exercise and recreation, I believe it will provide years of service.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

This is the best value compared to any bike in this price range. It has better components, has a lightweight aluminum frame which makes it pretty nimble. I use it for leasure riding and running errands. As was mentioned by a previous reviewer the Novara run a little larger than other brands so take this into account during consideration. I am 6-4 and the XL fits me fine.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

Had a big hope to get a decent bike. was very excited. Ordered on-line, was waiting for 10 days and finally got a message. Picked the bike from the store, came home and decided to enjoy new bike. In 100 yards the chain fell off. It means the tune up was not made properly by REI technician. All details for this bike are cheap. Original price was [$]. It is not a good sign for REI to have Novara as a REI brand. Just wasted my time and money for gas driving twice to the store

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

This is a great bike! For what I paid, it is impossible to find a bike of the same quality. I am basing my review on this bike only and not expecting a $1000 bike performance. Shifting is very good, 700c wheels smooth out bumps, brakes are strong, grips are comfy. The seat is the only component of concern for me, after about 10-12 miles there is some discomfort but up to there it is adequate. As was mentioned in earlier reviews the Novara line of bikes run larger than noted. I bought an XL, being 6-4 it fit me great after handlebar and seat adjustment. I mainly ride recreationally and some commuting instead of using the car. Like I said for the price you can't beat it.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

I got this bike to get more knee friendly exercise than hiking. I hadn't ridden in years before I got this one. I ride on hilly terrain and I am very pleased that I can shift frequently and smoothly. I've made a few adjustment to the cables at the handlebars and now the cables seems to have stopped stretching. I am enjoying the full range of the 24 gearing ratios.

The seat was reasonably male anatomy friendly, but I upgraded to a split seat with better padding which made a big difference in comfort.

It was nice to have the kickstand come standard. Living in the desert the traditional rubber on rim brakes work fine for me.

I've been riding on paved surfaces but not always perfectly smooth pavement. I don't know how necessary the front suspension is, but maybe it saves some wear and tear on the wrists.

Service and delivery comments:

I brought this from stock at the REI store. They let me test ride it in the very uncrowded shopping center parking lot that was a two story with some steep ramps. Being able to see how it shifted and handled sold me. The REI staff was helpful and patient in letting me try both the 1+ and 2+ size and showing me the range of handlebar and seat adjustments on both sizes, after which I went with the 1+.

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

I've had it 3 weeks/175miles.
I used to be a light mountain biker.
i'm in my 50's, I wanted a more comfortable bike. I didn't like leaning over my mountain bike, even after adding a stem riser.
This bike is so comfortable to ride. Pushing up hill is more comfortable than my old mountain bike. I did add toe clips, thats what I'm used to. I'm also going to add a front fender, the splash up from the front tire hits me right in the mouth.
The bike shifts smoothly, In fact, I forget that there's an 8th gear because I can't see the 8 on the twist shifter.
I ride mostly on rails to trails in the Pittsburgh area, which is hilly. The bike handles it well

Comments about Novara Corsa Bike - 2010:

I use this bike mainly to ride to and from work three times a week. This bike was exactly what I was looking for in a commuter bike. It's stable so I won't wipe out on turns going down hill on a paved trail, it's fast and easy to propel, it's stylist, and comfortable. The only things I wish were different were that it's heavy going up hill and the grips on the handle bars do tend to twist over a period of time. I am able to twist the grips back into place, but it can get annoying. Overall, all the important characteristics of what I wanted in a bike are there for me.