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Imported.
Item 808782
on this bike through May 27!
Final sale price shown.
No other discounts apply.
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 8 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Buzz One Bike - 2012:
The bike is great. Lightweight, Stylish & so much fun to ride. I love it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Displaying reviews 1-8
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