
Imported.
Item 808781
on this bike through May 28!
Final sale price shown. No other discounts apply.
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 10 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
If you love the bright green color of this bike (as the web and email ads show) you might be disappointed to find the green to be much different in the real world. It's a duller green, nice, but not as appealing as you see on your computer screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
I bought this to replace a mountain bike that I had converted to commuter/grocery hauler. The frame is solid and the components are acceptable. I like the thumb shifters on the SRAM vs twist shifters you sometimes get with bikes like this. I really like the beefy eyelets for accessories. Often they are afterthoughts.
I think a previous reviewer was given some bad information about racks. I put a Topeak MTX rack on this rig with no problem and I know they make a version for disks.
This is a good, basic bike that is essentially bomb-proof. Don't worry about weight with a bike like this; load it up with bell, lights, fenders, anything.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
I chose this bike because I wanted a steel (versus aluminum) frame, and for the powder coated paint. That the bike travelled 6555 miles before it got to my garage, and arrived without a scratch is an initial testament to the durability of the paint (and REI's packing job). Time will tell if it holds up to SE Alaska's harsh climate.
The bike assembled quickly, and I am impressed with the solid accuracy of the SRAM shifting system (this coming from an old Shimano/Suntour user), and with the stopping power of the brakes, despite the fact they're rim clinchers.
The ride is responsive and firm, and about what you would expect from a commuter/cruise model like this. With the up-right handlebar position and a weight of +30lbs., don't expect to win any weekend club races on this bike.
I like the trigger shifters over the twist-grip type, but the up-shift triggers takes some getting used to in that it involves a greater twist of the wrist in order to get your thumb around/forward to those triggers.
My only "con" is the pedals -- they obviously skimped on this feature since the bearings felt super-tight and like they were grinding. A person could disassemble them and repack the bearings in order to smooth things out, but I would recommend upgrading ASAP.
For commuting and general crusing I think the bike is fair value for the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
Recently I bought this bike when I decided to become a commuter. I tried out several bikes and this one was the most comfortable for this price range. Plus, I love the stylish color. In addition, I find it easy to switch gears. I am new to this so I would recommend this bike for someone like me who is starting out and wanting a less expensive bike.
Service and delivery comments:
I tried the bike out in the store. REI's customer service is fantastic!! They are not paid commission, so they give you their honest opinion and advice. They spent a lot of time educating me on my options.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
I bought this bike to commute to work. At first, I really fell in love with the bike. I took it for a test ride and decided to purchase it. The staff was great with setting up the bike as I wanted, but there was a problem--the rack that I wanted to use wouldn't fit due to the way the frame is built. Not a problem--I will just use a different rack, I thought. But then I was informed that if I installed a rack, I wouldn't be able to upgrade to disc breaks. I should have noted that as a deal breaker right there, but I went ahead and purchased it anyway.
I'll be returning the bike and trying to get the 2010 Big Buzz instead. It seems a lot more configurable and already has disc brakes installed. I feel like the 2011 is a bit of a step backward for the Novara Buzz.
It's a nice bike, but a rack for commuting is really nice to have, as are disc brakes!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
This bike is an incredible steal at [$]. I own 6 bicycles 3 of which cost more than $1500 ( I used to work at a bike shop ) and this one sees the most action. It is the bike I make my 9 mile commute on 4 days a week. Its ultra comfortable but still sporty enough to zip in and out of traffic. The Sram Via components feel like something on a much more expensive bike. I also like the fact that this bike is spec'd with an 8 speed drive train. The frame isn't the lightest but it's sure nice to have riding on the "roads" in Baltimore. If you are looking for a versatile commuter that can also double for some light offroad duty with different tires at an incredible price, get this bike.
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
12 year old daughter out grew her Giant mountain bike and I found this and it is just perfect all around bike.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
stylish and great value
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
I commute less than a mile to work. Why not bike it, I thought. So I bought the Buzz as a Christmas present to myself. I'm really happy I did. I have rediscovered how fun (& tiring when you're out of shape) bicycling is.
First I had to customize it for my needs: fenders, luggage rack, panniers, lights, & disc brakes were all bought at REI. I had them upgrade to discs before I took it home. I also bought a Nutcase skid lid and Novara Stratos cycling pants & a jacket to protect me from Seattle's fabulous weather. And then I replaced the stock saddle with a horseshoe-style that has been a godsend because it has eliminated any perineal pressure. I also bought a stem riser to raise the handlebars to a more comfortable position.
So now I look like a total dork --and believe me I do-- but YOU SEE ME. But I don't care because I'm pedaling off those calories & burning my middle-aged fat.
The bike shifts very nicely with the trigger shifters. I enjoy the wide range of gears because I need them --boy, how I need them. The tires & rims work just fine too. No problems with flats or loose spokes. I'm almost due for some warranty service because I can tell the cables are stretching.
The brakes groan really loud when I come to a stop while riding in the rain. That's about the worst thing I can say about this commuter. My expectations have been fulfilled. It does everything I want it to do and it hasn't given me any trouble.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:
After work cardio runs on blacktop mountain roads and crush gravel railbeds.This baby carries the mail! Instant,responsive shifting up and down.At a tad over 29#for a steel bike-very nice.Gearing near perfect for steep hills and straights.Comfy seat.In the cons dept.I am used to maes bars and find moustache bars a bit limiting,then again you don't smack into stuff.The colour is wild!
Displaying reviews 1-10
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