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PUMPKIN

Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2012

$806.49
$949.00^*

REDUCED PRICE You Save 15%

(11)

Item # 807231

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Updated to bring the awesome, the Novara Ponderosa® 29er hardtail mountain bike features a remote lockout on the 80mm fork for easy adjustment on the fly.

Butted 6061 aluminum frame features an S-bend down tube and bent seat tube for enhanced handling and performance
Set to soak up rough terrain, the 80mm SR Suntour XCR fork features an alloy steerer, magnesium lowers, preload adjustment and remote, bar-top lockout
Sturdy Shimano Deore/SLX 27-speed drivetrain ensures reliable performance for tackling varying terrain
Shimano Deore mechanical disc brakes use CenterLock design for enhanced performance and low profile
Flashy double-walled Weinmann rims are decked out with the lightweight, 60TPI WTB Nano Race tires for fast-rolling performance
WTB Pure V Race saddle features a leather cover for comfort and durability
Specs on the Novara Ponderosa 29er hardtail mountain bike 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 807231

on this bike through May 28!

Final sale price shown. No other discounts apply.

How to Use Your 20% Off Coupon:

Online, at REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com

If you're an REI member: At steps 3 and 4 of checkout under REI Membership, enter your membership number and coupon code REIANNV. Note: Check "Use my dividend on this order" and we'll apply your dividend balance toward your purchase.
If you're not yet an REI member: Include an REI membership for a one-time $20 fee with your purchase and use coupon code REIANNV at checkout. (You won't have to enter a membership number.) Note: You will have the opportunity to buy a membership at checkout.
Coupon applies to highest-priced eligible item. Coupon good through 5/28.

AT REI STORES

If you're an REI member: At checkout, provide coupon code REIANNV (or a printout of this coupon) and your REI membership number to the cashier. Note: Ask to have your dividend balance applied toward your purchase.
If you're not yet an REI member: At checkout, include an REI membership for a one-time $20 fee with your purchase and provide coupon code REIANNV (or a printout of this coupon) to the cashier.
Coupon applies to highest-priced eligible item. Coupon good through 5/28.

BY PHONE: 1-800-426-4840

If you're an REI member: Provide coupon code REIANNV and your membership number when you call in your order. Note: Ask to have your dividend balance applied toward your purchase.
If you're not yet an REI member: Include an REI membership for a one-time $20 fee with your order and mention coupon code REIANNV .
Coupon applies to highest-priced eligible item. Coupon good through 5/28.

Exclusions:

Offer valid 5/17/12 9pm PT – 5/28/12 11:59pm PT.
Coupon (or coupon code) must be presented at time of purchase. Online and phone customers must use code "REIANNV" to receive this discount.
Offer valid at REI.com, 1-800-426-4840 and REI stores.
Offer not valid on REI-OUTLET.com items, REI Adventures or REI Outdoor School.
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To order by phone, call 1-800-426-4840 Mon. through Sun., 4am to 11pm PT.
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Manuals and Instructions:

manual Novara Owners Manual

Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2012 Specs

Specification

Description

Best use

Mountain biking

Mountain bike

Aluminum

6061 aluminum

Front suspension

SR Suntour XCR RL 29, with lockout, 80mm of travel

Shimano FC-M521, 44/32/22

Shimano

Shimano Deore

Shimano SLX

Shimano HG50 11-34, 9-speed

Disc brake

Shimano BR-M495 Disc

Shimano Deore

Weinmann Taurus 2000

Shimano M435 Disc, 32h

29 inches

WTB Nano, 29x2.1

Riser bar

Kalloy

WTB Pure V Race

FPD Alloy platform

FSA

KMC Z99

30.1 pounds

How we measure bike weight

Unisex

Bike style

Bike frame material

Frame

Bike suspension

Fork

Crankset

Bottom bracket

Shifters

Front derailleur

Rear derailleur

Rear cogs

Number of gears

Brake type

Brakes

Brake levers

Rims

Front hub

Rear hub

Wheel size

Tires

Handlebar shape

Handlebar

Stem

Seat post

Saddle

Pedals

Headset

Chain

Weight

Bike weight

Gender

Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2012 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011

4.5

(based on 11 reviews)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Great components (10)
Smooth ride (9)
Versatile (8)
Handles well (7)
Rugged (6)

Cons

Heavy (4)

Best Uses

Casual trails (8)
Cross country (7)
Single track (4)
Free riding (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (5), Casual/ recreational (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10)

Reviewed by 11 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Jan

2011

(9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Very reliable and durable

By JBG44

from Bend, OR

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Reliable
Rugged

Cons

Handles Poorly
Heavy

Best Uses

Cross Country

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

Best bike out there for the money for all mountain riding. This thing is a trooper. I have the 2009 version and have clocked 1000 or so miles of trail riding and have experienced only minor, easy-fix issues. Though it is heavy and a little hard to manage at times, I appreciate it for its reliability.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

(7 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

500 miles since January and counting

By TheEconomicOutdoorsman

from Yosemite, CA

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Hard to Configure
Heavy
Kickstand compatibility
Saddle was terrible

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Commuter
Single Track

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I Love it... have turned it into my commuter beast (sold my Novara Randonee and this replaced it). Added rack, panniers, SKS front fender, swapped tires to be the Schwalbe Big Apples in the 29X2.35, profile carbon TT aero bars (not pictured), some bar-ends, and a ... well, a kickstand. FYI: there is only ONE kickstand on the market that will fit this bike if you plan to used it as a loaded down commuter! I had bought a pletscher 2-leg, but it (nor any other center mount) will not fit with the limited space between the bottom bracket shell and the stays-stabilizer. Here is the link to the only kickstand on the market for it: [@] It is perfect. It gives clearance for the disc-brake and is very stable even when loaded down. I did upgrade the rear derailleur to an XT. The SLX was very very odd and had no adjuster. I don't know why shimano even produced it.The lock out on the shock is awesome. I can easily switch to hit dirt single track from my road commute. It's a blast to be bombing down the paved trail, flip the switch and turn randomly onto a dirt trail and feel the bumps be nimbly soaked up.

Comment on this review

Apr

2011

(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Awesome

By khaisen

from MD

See all my reviews

Pros

Rugged
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Cross Country
Downhill
Single Track

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I have a 2010 and a 2011 Ponderosa 29'r. They are both awesome bikes. Well made. Good components. Great price with 20% off coupon and dividend. Very comfortable. I am 6'2" and got an XL. Able to ride at Diablo Downhill Park in NJ without problems. Put 30 miles a week of single track riding on the bike...and I fall a lot. Bike still holds up. Only replacing minor things due to damage after crashing.

Comment on this review

Jul

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Well worth the look

By christian

from Denver, Colorado

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Smooth Ride

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Cross Country

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I have ridden numerous 26" bikes over the years and recently discovered 29ers. What a difference! For someone as tall as I am (6'1" and 210 lbs), a bigger bike is almost a necessity for comfort and posture. I tested the Scott Scale 29er, the Novara Ponderosa 29er, and the GT Karakoram 1.0 29er and I kept coming back to the Ponderosa. I tested the Large and XL and got the XL. The geometry is perfect for me, and the components are excellent for this price point. It has Shimano all around and the rapidfire shifters allow shifting from pushing or pulling for those used to SRAM shifters. I gave up the hydro brakes option offered by the Scott and GT for a better fit on the Ponderosa, which to me is more important. I have ridden the Ponderosa on both dirt track and paved trails and found it smooth and responsive on both. I am still getting used to the wider turn radius and higher center of gravity on a 29er, but it won't take long, I'm sure. I would definitely consider this one if you are looking for a 29er.

Service and delivery comments:

The customer service at REI is unbeatable, with their 100% satisfaction guarantee. They had the bike built and ready for pickup a few hours after I ordered it with several accessory add-ons. I guarantee my local bike shop wouldn't take a bike back just because I didn't like it. I am glad I went with the Ponderosa, even over other name brands.

Comment on this review

May

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Pumpkin Ponderosa in Valley of the Sun!

By Desertlion

from Phoenix, AZ

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Rugged
Versatile

Cons

Heavy
Only one color available

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Free Riding
Single Track

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I have had the Ponderosa 29er for about a month now. Mostly just for getting around without burning fuel, adding another dimension to the fitness program and some occasional trail riding. I have enjoyed riding it and there is very little if anything to offer as a negative. Might be a little heavy at 30LBs but I am having a blast riding nearly every day. Would have liked to have had the option of another color. Planning to comeback and update my review once I have had the Bike for longer.

Service and delivery comments:

My Ponderosa was back ordered and I had the Bike delivered to my local REI. It was assembled for me and was in pristine condition when I picked it up.

Comment on this review

Apr

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

An excellent buy!

By greenstone

from Alexandria, VA

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Rugged
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Cross Country

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I got my 2011 Novara Ponderosa about a month ago and really enjoy riding it. Components are solid handling, frame is seems excellent, [...] I looked at Trek Cobia and Specialized Rockhopper (29ers), and enjoyed riding this as much. For the money, this is a great ride.

Comment on this review

May

2012

5.0

A great bike for a returning rider

By Aquabear

from Long Island New York

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Rugged
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Cross Country

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I ride 2/3X a week and this is the perfect bike.Huge improvement over years ago. Because the bike is smooth riding, gears, brakes I can also teach my son to ride. It's great on the street and on trails here in NY/LI area. Although, I knew this was on the top range of dollars to spend my smile after riding says it was worth it. Also, REI staff was great in helping choose the bike, gear and maintenance after. Thanks Carle Place guru's!

Comment on this review

May

2012

3.0

Great components but fit-finish lacking

By Don V

from Going too fast on the Pinellas Trail.

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Smooth Ride

Cons

Heavy
Poorly engineered frame

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Downhill
Free Riding

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

I do like the bike - some of these comments may seem a bit nit-picky, but keep in mind the cost of the bike......Let's start with the color - on every PC I looked at the photos it was distinctly ORANGE. The color is described as "Pumpkin", and I suppose that could be accurate if you're talking about a REALLY ripe pumpkin - it's closer to brown than it is to orange.My other complaint relates to the frame - in general it's sturdy, "well sized" (I have an XL, I'm 6'3"), and seems well put together. HOWEVER - the accessory mounting holes were abysmal. The pair under the seat post (where a bike rack would attach) were NOWHERE near aligned at a 90 degree angle to the frame.Then there's the holes near the rear wheel mount (again, for things like fenders or racks) - they have been placed so close to the welded ends of the bike tubes that you can't get anything to make full contact with the mounting plate if it's larger that 1/4" across (I had to compromise my rack mount, placing it on the lower set of holes that should have been reserved for the fenders)And let's talk about fenders - the mounting location on the small cross-bar just forward of the rear wheel is so far inboard from the plane of the down tube that there's NO WAY a fender is going to go on and NOT hit the front derailleur and the shifter cables themselves. I bought 2 sets of fenders - no way to make either of them work.Attempting to mount a front fender was equally frustrating and unsuccessful - there's no ancillary mounting facility on this fork for fenders - only the ginromous hole on the cross-brace.The inability to use fenders on this bike nearly had me take it back - had I purchased at a store I would have returned it (for the Raleigh that was $300 less)The manual disk brakes are decidedly nothing to write home about. They work, but really not much different from rim brakes. The pedals are a real let-down, there's better units on $99 bikes at [@] (these don't even have reflectors) - REI should just ship without any.It's a heavy bike - but it's huge, so not unreasonable IMO.But, again, I do like the bike - it rides like a dream. It's my first 29er - so I really don't have anything to compare it to. My guess is - had I been in-store I might have opted for something else, but it's mine now.

Service and delivery comments:

Shipment was prompt. The bike was fairly adequately packaged despite the box being rather thin, but it was clear it had a rough ride. The plastic mount / protector that was in the front fork was busted up, but thankfully the fork was undamaged.

I know that when a bike is purchased in-store there's a complete set-up done on the bike. I had ASSUMED they'd do the same on a bike shipped-to-order - but I was wrong. The shifters were abysmal - I can't believe shipping had anything to do with their inaccuracy - could not even engage all cogs in the rear cassette. This was a HUGE disappointment.

My biggest complaint about the packaging was that they did with the skewers and few other bits that needed attachment. ALL of the paperwork (from the cassette, the brakes, the wheels, the derailleurs, etc etc) was thrown in a small box with the 2 GREASE COVERED wheel skewers and the equally greasy left pedal. EVERYTHING was coated in thick, green grease. I was uber-PO'd. And again, for the cost of this bike, had I picked this up from a store it would have been back for something else.

Comment on this review

May

2012

5.0

Great ride

By girlscan2

from Phoenix, AZ

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Free Riding

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

Love how this bike handles. I'm not super strong but this is easy to take to the trails.

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

5.0

Great Bike

By songdogg

from Burnsville, NC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Lightweight
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Cross Country
Single Track

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

Decided to get back into cycling after developing knee problems from running. This is an excellent form of exercise with no pain! Haven't bought a bike in almost 20 years. Wow they have gone up in price. But this bike is worth it. Compare the specs on this baby with the big names and you'll see this is the best deal. Sure you can go to the gym and workout but don't you want to get outside and enjoy nature while at the same time getting great exercise? At least go to your local REI and give it a test ride but only if you are willing to purchase it because trust me you will.

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