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PUMPKIN

Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2012

$949.00

(7)

Item # 807231

REI Members get back an estimated $ 94.90 on this item as part of their annual member refund.

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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.

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Item 807231

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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

4.6

(based on 7 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Great components (6)
Rugged (5)
Smooth ride (5)
Versatile (5)
Handles well (4)

Cons

Best Uses

Cross country (6)
Casual trails (5)
Single track (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (3), Casual/ recreational (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)

Reviewed by 7 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-7

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oct

2011

5.0

Newbie loves his Ponderosa an REI

By Aquabear

from Long Island New York

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Great Components
Handles Well
Lightweight
Rugged
Smooth Ride
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Trails
Cross Country
Road to hit potholes

Comments about Novara Ponderosa 29er Bike - 2011:

For now- riding familiarization on local streets. it makes me feel confident that I can ride after 20 years of not riding. SHe shifts super smooth, brakes peacefully too but you stand up and pump the pedals and she'll fly and cruise smooth. Cant wait to hit the dirt and see her in her element!
Great bike and customer service. Thanks REI.

Service and delivery comments:

PU from store. IT was pre assembled. They did a checkout out the bike before theyd let me buy it. Great service at REI- explained everything.