Novara Safari Bike - 2013

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I use this bike mostly for commuting 6 mi. to work, grocery shopping, and for some longer rides and short tours. The bike handles well, is responsive, and I love the handlebars.

The 3rd week of riding it, the rack did fall off while I was riding it and the handle bar tape is coming off already. These are fixable issues, but made it feel like the bike was assembled cheaply and I'm lucky that I was ok when the rack came off the bike with my pannier on it.

In general though, it's a great bike.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I'm an avid bicycle tourist, and decided to upgrade to a newer model bicycle after doing a 2,000 mile ride last year with a group of men that had more modern bikes/components. Being on a tight budget, I waited for the 20% sale and took a chance on the Safari. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the components and the many braze-ons. I thought the rear rack was too wide, until I upgraded to discs (Avid BB7s, all mounting points are there) and saw the necessity for the design. The bottom of the rack has to be pretty wide to clear the brake calipers. I also had to replace two of the mounting screws for the rack, which weren't stainless steel. The bike is heavier than I expected, but the long wheelbase and steel tubing make for a comfortable ride. As you might expect, the seat and pedals need to be replaced. I installed a Selle Anatomica Titanico seat right away, but I was going to use the included pedals until I could afford a set of clipless ones. Unfortunately, the pedals seemed to be binding heavily. I dismantled one and found it filled with a very heavy and sticky grease. I tried adjusting the tension, but it wouldn't spin freely until I completely cleaned out and replaced the old lubricant with automotive bearing grease. This was a pain since the pedals use lose bearings. I had to remove and clean each tiny bearing. It was worth it though, as they are now spin as they should. For those interested in a front rack, Old Man Mountain Sherpa works well. The handle bars are strange, but work well, allowing for variable hand positions. Finding a mirror that works on these bars is not easy. I'm still trying to find one that works and doesn't get in the way. The tires are holding up to heavy urban use so far. One comment on the paint; it's nice looking, but somewhat fragile, especially around bolts/connecting points. It has a tendency to chip off at these points. It also had a couple of scratches when I picked it up (the tech said this was "a blem, and to be expected" which didn't make me happy) so I'm wondering how it will hold up over time. I'm searching for a bottle of touch up paint now. I'll be doing a ride across Iowa in July (RAGBRAI), so I'll give an update when I return.

Service and delivery comments:

The bicycle arrived on schedule on a Friday, but I had to call the store the following Monday to verify it was there. Unfortunately, it had a scratch on the top tube, and the tech indicated that this was a normal occurrence. That has not been my experience with other bike shops. I accepted it, but walked away somewhat disappointed that a brand new product was already marred. Because of this interaction, I've decided not to take it back to REI for the free tune-up. I'm kind of afraid they'll scratch it up more and tell me it's a normal occurrence.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I bought the Safari for long distance trekking and hauling. I have a Bob that I pull and needed a Bike that could handle pulling 45 pounds. The Novara Safari is a specialty bike. It is meant for long distance on and off the trail. The Chromoly Steel Frame is not heavy, it is a very strong construction - which in a case of breaking could be welded fairly easy at any town. The wheels walls feel very solid and Seem to have more spokes then other bikes. The Shape of the frame is a detail I need to emphasize. Please note It is more elongated then other bikes with a similar use for touring. This had helped me have stability while pulling which is a must.. One thing I replaced was the saddle for a Brooks B17 and added Fenders. So far it has managed 200 mile trips with ease. I am very, very happy with my touring bike.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I just got into bicycling on the recommendation of my friends, and because I have bad knees from running and life in general. I did a little research on the kind of bike I would want, and two choices kept popping up- the Surly Long Haul Trucker and this, the Safari. I spent some time riding my friend's LHT, and make no mistake- its a fantastic bike, but my personal preference ran to the Safari when I tested it out.

I like that you have the option of upgrading to disc brakes- an option I intend to pursue real soon. I also really like the variety of positions available with the trekking/butterfly bars- but you may want to adjust their angle to better suit your riding habits (originally, mine were canted upwards as in the stock photo, but I find that evening out their tilt takes pressure off of my wrists by promoting an upright posture while at the same time making it more comfortable to use the top rungs of the bars, thus lowering my body position to reduce drag- in essence the same idea behind drop bars, only instead of reaching down, you're reaching out).

Some upgrades I intend to make- getting clip in pedals is the natural progression of the bike, although the basket pedals are fine. Also, a lot has been said about the wheels and tires for the bike, I'm thinking about upgrading those as well.

If you don't have plans on getting some super fancy panniers any time soon, you should really pick up some simple bungee cords for your gear, just a suggestion.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I ride this bike every day to commute over some pretty rough streets. It is a work horse and very comfortable one. I like the handlebar design a lot, sometimes wish there were brakes on the more vertical part though. Heavy bike, but for my purpose it is perfect!

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I have been a member to REI for about 20+years and have enjoyed name brand gear purchased from here. I have never really liked thier own labeled gear.
So I was a little hesitant in buying the Novara Safari 2012 XL model, since when I was younger I used to race on Colnago's/Pinnarelo's(Columbus steel tubing).
I normally buy only name brand gear since the R&D behind the product is what I am after.

However REI has hit a home run with this bike, Reynolds 520 is responsive and strong.
I would compare this bicycle with any of the top bike brands.
The welds are nice and even the finish is perfect.
Considering 97% of all bikes are now made in China, the price at which this bike comes in at allowed me to upgrade to Avid BB7 disc brakes, I added the Delta stem riser, a new saddle and four water bottle cages.
All of this came in under $1200.00 after tax.

Heavy is a relative term, compared to other similar bicyles equiped similarily the weight is about the same, is it heavier than a race bike oh yeah, riding the bike I really do not notice it to much, but lifting it to put on a bike rack you will notice it.

My last 4 bicycles that I have purchased over the years have had terrible saddles/and pedals, and these items are easily changed out.

The frame geometry is relaxed just enough to allow for long haul touring, yet is almost as responsive as any of my racing bikes.
I really like the mustache bars that come with this bike it allows for a lot of different hand positions, far and above a drop or flat handlebar.
The only issue I have had is that the handlebar tape has come undone, pretty easy fix.

The only thing that REI could improve on this bike would be to have a choice for the paint scheme, the retro-ish grafics are nice, but the mocha puke brown, yeah not my favorite color.
green or blue a real dark chocolate would really be good choice for such a awesome bike.

But alas, I bought the 2012 Safari for what it offers, full on touring, great features, fantastic price, and superb riding and handling.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

So the handle bar tape lasted less than a month before it came undone next to the gear shifts. I checked at a local bike shop and they said I would need to replace it, reusing the existing tape usually didn't work. Cost? [$]. Instead I fixed it with electricians tape and will see if I can get REI to replace it when I bring the bike back for a tuneup. I like the bike, but this kind of thing makes you wonder about the craftsmanship.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

This is my second Novara touring bike; my old, third-hand, beat-up Randonee was stolen (but whoever got it will have to shell out an awful lot of money for a new chain, cassette, front tire, brake components and more). I decided to for a Safari this time around and am happy that I did.

Apart from handling camping trips around the Pacific Northwest, the Safari has also become my commuter and gets plenty of mileage each week to get groceries and pet supplies. As butterfly handlebars are so uncommon here, several people each week ask me about the bike - this bike is quite an attention-grabber to the point of almost being annoying!

So far, I have no complaints. I could have purchased a more expensive touring bike but am super happy with my Safari; it handles well on the road and off-road, is sturdy and is comfortable. The bike is great as-is, though I'm adding fenders, replacing the original rear rack with a steel one, and swapping out the cage pedals for clipless ones. This bike is highly recommended!

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

I bought my bike in the late summer of 2008 as a replacement for an aged 1988 Ralaigh touring bicycle that I'd upgraded over the years. What a paradigm shift.

I have the medium sized frame and have had no problems with frame or running gear beyond the odd tweak. I'm glad I got the older model with the additional water bottle braze-ons. I've installed SPD pedals, fenders, a B-17 saddle and an extension to raise the handlebars (I suffer from neck spasms). I'm still running stock tires and have not changed the drive train in any way. With ample time to make the necessary fitment adjustments it is by far the most comfortable long-haul bike I've ridden.

Its got the geometry, stiffness and running gear to get you up the mountains with ample gear inches (without inducing stress fractures). Its enough frame rigidity and braking power to haul you back down safely. Try a mountain descent on a 20 year old touring bike with 45 pounds of gear - its exciting! You'll feel like a perfectly blended martini. But this is a practical bike, and overbuilt - so what if its a little heavy.

I would encourage potential riders to remember when reading some reviews: speed and specifications oriented cyclists absolutely fixate on weight. This is touring. I routinely carry a gallon of water @ nearly 8 pounds. Am I worried about an ounce here or there? Its about the ride.

The journey can be the whole point and this bike won't get in the way of a solid experience. Its a bike that will work with you and should not let you down with a minimum amount of time and effort spent on maintenance.

A couple years ago I removed the fenders and installed studded mountain bike tires and rode around the Tony Knowles trail in Anchorage in the winter. The bike handled it without a hitch and I'm sure the moose were not used to seeing cyclists in the winter.

Comments about Novara Safari Bike - 2013:

Got this bike with the 20% off coupon last year. At that price its a steal, but there's some simple improvements you should make before taking it on a long trip. First saddle and pedals. I feel like any real bike tourist will have these items on hand and ready to transfer. I prefer my brooks and shimano spds. Second lock tite the rack. My rack fell off 100 miles into a tour and I broke a jar of peanut butter and shredded my ortlieb pannier. This is something to be done to all racks for long haul touring. Third add handlebar grips to your butterfly bars and wrap the rest with better bar tape. Grip shifts twist against the bar tape and cause it to unravel. The stock tape is pretty rough and hard. I use ergons I cut in half and lizard skin bar tape. Its super comfy and doesn't fall apart. Butterfly bars are great though. Fourth change the tires. I use shwalbe marathons. The city rides are very low end and are maybe fine for commuting, but its no fun patching tubes in the middle of nowhere. These adjustments are normal comfort adjustments anyone should make on any new bike in my opinion. Other than that the bike is great and the componetry is adequite.
I have rode this bike for a year. I think its very comfortable and fun to ride. Its great for climbing and bombing hills. I threw on some mountain bike tires for grins and its great on trail as well. The bike is ideal for any kind of touring and doesn't trade off too much in any direction. I have rode it all over the place and highly enjoy this bike. Its better than any other touring bike I have ridden. I hope you enjoy this bike as much as I have. Quick warning for sizing they run kind of small. I should fit a large but I ride an xl and its perfect. Go to your store and fit it properly.