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Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012

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Bringing single-speed simplicity, the new Novara Buzz One bike is part of our Mainline bike family, offering alternative transportation in a low-maintenance, single-speed design.

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
Single-speed drivetrain features a SR Suntour crankset with a 42-tooth chainring driving 16-tooth freewheel; flip-flop rear hub can be turned over and run with a fixed cog
Frame and fork feature eyelets for fenders and a rear rack (sold separately); low-profile chain guard helps keep clothes out of the drivetrain
Tektro linear-pull brakes make sure work of speed management and offer plenty of clearance for fenders, sold separately
Cockpit has been designed for comfort, thanks to the plush Velo Buzz saddle, mustache-style handlebar and cork grips
Colorful Weinmann DA19 rims stand up to tough road conditions to help keep you rolling along smoothly
Puncture-resistant Kenda tires feature a wide, stable footprint and all-around tread pattern for sure rolling
Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—platform pedals accommodate a variety of shoes
Specs on our Novara Buzz One 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 808782

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Manuals and Instructions:

manual Novara Owners Manual

Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012 Specs

Specification

Description

Best use

Bike commuting & touring

Hybrid bike

Steel

4130 chromoly

No suspension

Chromoly pinpoint

SR Suntour, 42T

Dicta, 16T freewheel

Rim brake

Tektro linear-pull

Tektro 857AL

Weinmann DA19

Joytec, 32h

Joytec flip-flop, 32h

700c

Kenda K-1024, 700x40c

Moustache bar

Lee Chi

Kalloy

Velo BUZZ

FPD

FDP

KMC HG-40

29.2 pounds

How we measure bike weight

Unisex

Bike style

Bike frame material

Frame

Bike suspension

Fork

Crankset

Bottom bracket

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 One Bike - 2012 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012

4.5

(based on 8 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Tough (5)
Stylish (4)
Versatile (4)
Lightweight (3)

Cons

Best Uses

Street riding (7)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)

Reviewed by 8 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-8

Apr

2013

5.0

Awesome Ride!

By TheMox

from Pleasanton, CA

About Me Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Stylish
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

I bought this bike for my wife as a casual bike for everyday use (quick errands, trips to lunch/dinner, etc.). She loves the simplicity of a single speed and the comfort that Novara provided.

Comment on this review

Oct

2012

5.0

Great single speed a wonderful price

By hbar314

from Denver, CO

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

I picked the Buzz One up for a general commuter bike (~5 miles one way) and for going to local bars/shops.
Everything is great about it. I like the wide cross tires and the single speed gives me a good work out without being a pain.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

5.0

Highly Recommend Novara Buzz One Bike.

By adeleon

from Stockton, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Stylish
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

The bike is great. Lightweight, Stylish & so much fun to ride. I love it!

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

5.0

Excellent bike for city riding

By Gx

from New York, NY

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable ride
Good Quality
Lightweight
Stylish
Tough

Cons

Cheap petals

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

This bike is a great value. It's comfortable to ride in the city because you are upright and can see traffic. I use it mostly for hitting the Hudson River bike paths but have started riding to meet friends and do errands. (I am concerned about leaving it locked on the street because the stylish frame and tires get attention.)I occasionally miss having gears, like when I am at a full stop and need to ride uphill. But look at it as a muscle builder! Maintenance is easy and a tune-up at REI costs much less than with other bikes because it is single speed. The only cons are that the pedals seem cheap, as others have pointed out, but this has not been a problem for me in two months of riding (once in light rainfall). I also wish the seat were more comfortable but it's fine for average treks. Oh, and why don't bikes come with kickstands anymore? (Okay, it costs [$] so no biggie). NOTE: I bought a Large frame which accommodates riders up to 6' tall. I'm exactly 6' tall and need the seat as far up as it can go which means I lean forward more than I would like when riding.These are quibbles. Buy a better seat if you expect long rides and look into the XL frame if you're 6' or above. The service at the store is amazing! When I needed helped installing the holder for my lock, I just walked in and the bike shop took care of it quickly, pleasantly and at no charge.It's perfect for street riding, so long as you are not planning on scaling huge hills or going off road.

Comment on this review

Mar

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Nice, inexpensive ride

By glennnnnnnnnnn

from San Diego, Ca

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

No dumb gears
Tough
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding
Trail

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

I was looking for an inexpensive single speed cyclocross ride at REI (which they didn't have) and took notice in the potential of the curious and unique Buzz One. Using my part time janitors budget, I simply installed drop bars and took off the heavy chain guards to make it more sportier. So much so I can keep up with my buddy on his high end Spot single speed cyclocross just fine. Actully better in the dirt cause the Buzz One doesn't have the quick handling geometry nor the pizza cutter like tires. It seems the compact frame design makes for easyier dismounts, as well. Surprisingly, their low end linear pull brakes work a lot better than the canti. Kore's I had on my old bike. And I love the ride of the 700x40's - reasonable grip in dirt and fast on the street. The raw finish they're talking about is actually just a clear coat over raw steel(you can see the brass brazing in the drop outs and braze ons). I think it would of been better looking if they brushed the steel bright cause it looks like it was acid bathed (leaving a dull grey color) before they cleared it. The only problem I have with the Buzz One is you really have to crank on the rear axle nuts (to get them very tight) to keep the hub from moving forward in the drop out when pedaling hard. And I think the 42 chainring is too much to ask of Joe regular rider - I went to a more forgiving 39. If anyone at Novara is listening, maybe next years model could have a sweet belt drive?

Service and delivery comments:

The front hub bearings were rattling loose at delivery. I wasn't given a manual.

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

4.0

Fun commute

By dakotasmom

from Sacramento, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Stylish
Tough

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

I wanted a new bike to inspire me to commute to work, a trip of about 8 miles roundtrip. I was riding a 30 year old road bike or a heavy mountain bike with big tires, totally inappropriate for my commute. I love riding more upright and the simplicity of a single gear is refreshing. I feel more like cruising on this bike and it's nice to be able to wear street clothes and shoes for a change. The seat is pretty comfortable, but I may put one of my higher quality seats on it eventually. I've had the bike since this spring and need to bring it into the shop at REI to check a clunking noise that happens once in a while. Fun bike!

Comment on this review

May

2011

(12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great Utility Bike

By C-Bass

from Connecticut

About Me Commuter

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Simple
Tough

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting
Utility

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

Recently purchased this bike for commuting to work 10 miles R/T over urban and suburban roads. I also own a Novara Randonee and like that bike the Buzz One offers good value for the money.

The Buzz One has proven to be very comfortable with a commuter-friendly riding position. The bike is relatively long and it provides predictable handling. However, you can make it hustle if you want to. The 42x16 gearing is adequate for my rolling commute and I rarely spin out or struggle up hills. There is nothing about the bike to suggest that it is flimsy or that corners were cut in its assembly. All the components appear robust and the frame & fork are nicely finished. The rack & fender mounts are much appreciated.

I use this bike completely stock with the exception of SKS fenders that were added at purchase. I thought I would dislike the mustache bars but they have grown on me. I just grab the curves when I need to duck the wind or "get aero."

Other pluses:
Nice finish & paint for the price point
Surprisingly nice hand grips and seat post
Chain guard is very effective and does not rattle
The baby blue rims have received several compliments from other riders

Some minor nitpicks:
The seat graphics look cheesy (but the saddle is comfortable)
BMX style pedals are plenty long but not wide enough
The stock 85PSI tires are smooth but I wish they were 35s not 40s

You could spend less money on a SS/FG utility bike but I'm not sure you could get a much better value. If you want a simple, all-weather, worry-free utility bike the Buzz One would be a good choice.

Comment on this review

Apr

2011

(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Why fuss with gears?

By Serpententacle

from Piedmont, NC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Best Uses

Street Riding

Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:

I am a fan of this bike.

I've owned a few bikes over time, and once I got a mountain bike a few years back, I just got tired of messing with the gears. So one day I just left it in a comfortable gear, and never changed gears again.

When I felt it was time to buy a new bike, I wanted to go with either a fixed gear or single speed. As I researched further into the fixed gear phenomenon, I discovered that a fixed gear bike, in theory, should cost significantly less than a multiple gear bike... but this was not necessarily true. I ran into a lot of posts from fixed gear enthusiasts who were saying one bike was bad, and another was good. I didn't put much stock into their judgments. I just wanted a good solid fixed gear, and didn't want to spend much money...

The Buzz One was the right choice for me. It's simple, low-maintenance, and reminds me of how much fun I used to have growing up when bikes had no gears. I find it to be a great work-out, and other bikers with gears have some trouble keeping up... I highly recommend this bike for those who are starting out riding fixed gear. It's a great entry-level bike, and it feels really solid, and lively.