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Novara Buzz Bike - 2012

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Product Description,
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Reviews

Offering great value as a transportation solution, the Novara Buzz harks from our Mainline series of bikes, blending comfort and utility into a sturdy all-around ride.

Powder-coated 4130 chromoly frame and pinpoint fork offer a sturdy, heads-up ride that cruises up and down roads with a steely-smooth ride quality
24-speed drivetrain is made up of SRAM Via crankset, trigger shifters, rear derailleur and Shimano Alivio front derailleur, supplying easy, precise shifts
SRAM Via linear-pull brakes make sure work of speed management and offer plenty of clearance for fenders
Stout Weinmann DA19 rims are laced onto 36-hole, disc-compatible hubs to stand up to tough road conditions
Puncture-resistant Kenda tires feature a wide, stable contact patch, versatile tread pattern and reflective sidewalls for enhanced visibility
Cockpit has been designed for comfort, thanks to the plush Velo Buzz saddle, mustache-style handlebar and cork grips
Frame and fork feature eyelets for fenders and a rear rack (sold separately)
Frame and fork also feature disc brake mounts, which, combined with the disc-compatible hubs, makes it easy to upgrade to disc brakes
Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—platform pedals accommodate a variety of shoes
Specs on our Novara Buzz 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 808781

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Manuals and Instructions:

manual Novara Owners Manual

Novara Buzz Bike - 2012 Specs

Specification

Description

Best use

Bike commuting & touring

Hybrid bike

Steel

4130 chromoly

No suspension

Chromoly pinpoint

SRAM Via, 48/38/28

Truvativ PowerSpline

SRAM Via

Shimano Alivio

SRAM Via

SRAM PG-830 11-32, 8-speed

Rim brake

SRAM Via linear-pull

SRAM Via

Weinmann DA19

Joytec, 36h

700c

Kenda K-1024, 700x40c

Moustache bar

Lee Chi

Kalloy

Velo Buzz

FPD

FDP

KMC HG-40

29.9 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 Buzz Bike - 2012 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Novara Buzz Bike - 2012

4.4

(based on 13 reviews)

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Tough (9)
Versatile (9)
Stylish (5)

Cons

Best Uses

Street riding (10)
Trail (4)
Commuting (3)

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

Reviewed by 13 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Aug

2012

5.0

Great, Well Rounded Bike

By Tyler in ABQ

from Albuquerque, NM

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Stylish
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding
Trail

Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:

This was my first serious bike purchase. I was very weary about buying a hybrid after hearing a coworker tell me about the difficulties he had with his on anything other than smooth, paved surfaces. Thankfully my experience has been much better. I mainly ride for recreation, but needed a bike I can commute on when needed. The roads in my area are not the best and there are plenty of dirt arroyos and bike paths in my neighborhood. I've taken this bike through plenty of them without any difficulties. Soft sand bogs you down quite a bit, but that isn't surprising. Other than that this bike has been an excellent compromise between something commutable on city streets and ridable on the dirt paths and ditch banks around town.

Comment on this review

Aug

2012

5.0

Fun Around-town Bike

By Team Taylor

from Redwood City , CA

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Stylish
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:

I wanted a town bike to run errands on or go for short jaunts with the kids. This bike is perfect. Its fun to ride, responsive and solid. I have had about 5 town/errand bikes over the years that just didn't work out. This one's a keeper.

Comment on this review

Aug

2012

5.0

Finally, a bike I've been using!

By pylonewolf

from Berkeley, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easy to ride in town
Great for bad roads
Nimble
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:

I have ridden off and on (mostly off). Typical, I didn't have the right bike, so it stayed in the garage. I received excellent advice at REI and bought the Buzz bike and I've been thinking of excuses to ride it. I can't use it on my commute, but I have used it everyday for running errands close and far from home. What I get from all this is an improving knee (injured it two months ago), better aerobic conditioning, and less trips to the gas station, since the car stays home! The frame really fits me right. The Buzz handles well, has lower rolling resistance than the skinny-tired hybrid bike I once had, and it handles the pock-marked streets around here with no problem. Getting the Buzz bike has reminded me how much I still enjoy riding. For what I do, it's perfect, wouldn't change a thing. It's been the best bike that I've owned in the last 20 years.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Daughter loves this bike

By Big Daddy

from Flat Rock, NC

See all my reviews

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.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

5.0

Buzz Bike an engine of comfort

By chrisl

from philadelphia suburbs

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Stylish
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding
Trail

Comments about Novara Buzz Bike - 2012:

stylish and great value

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Too ugly to steal

By previacamper

from Seattle, WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Reliable
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

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.

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

One of the best bikes I have ever owned.

By jonthebikeguy

from Baltimore, MD

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Fun
Rugged
Stylish
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Heavy

Best Uses

Commuting
Street Riding
Trail

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.

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Good crusing and commuting value for $..

By Gr8lnd

from Juneau, Alaska

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Decent components
Durable paint
Solid feel

Cons

Poor quality pedals
Somewhat awkward shifters

Best Uses

Commuting
General bopping around
Street Riding

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.

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

as promised

By feez

from Rossland, B.C. Canada

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Balanced
Economical
Tough

Cons

Best Uses

Railgrades
Street Riding
Trail

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!

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Love this Bike!!

By KNewGirl

from Lakeville, MN

About Me Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Stylish
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

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.