Novara Gotham Bike - 2012

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

I bought this bike because I wanted a low-maintenance, wet-weather-friendly, shift-while-stopped bike for commuting. For my commute, which does not include carrying the bike up any stairs, or climbing any steep hills, it may be perfect, and the greaseless belt drive has already saved my pants from their usual bike stains.

The bike has a couple of unusual technologies, which the REI mechanics may not yet have the hang of. Specifically, the belt is a little too loose, according to the Gates belt-tension iPhone app (and it has skipped a couple of times, as a result), and the shifter cables are a little too tight, making a tire change problematic. I expect to get both of those problems addressed when I bring the bike in for my free first tuneup.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

My wife had purchased this bicycle a few weeks ago. I will give my first impression review, the verdict is still out for her... I had researched many factors about the perfect (for us) commuter bicycle before Novara released this particular bicycle. I wanted a belt drive and the Nuvinci, also a steel frame and generator hub. From the first time I rode this bicycle I was satisfied. Ultra smooth drivetrain like none other than I have ever tried. We use bicycles for transportation 7 days a week, year round (5-10 miles a day average). This bike is the best all around package for the price range in my opinion. I am sure folks will complain about the weight of this bicycle but when you carry 3-4lbs of lunch and a 3lb U lock, plus a change of clothes and a computer and usually a few books, these weight figures become less of an issue and I can manipulate gearing if need be...The gearing is a tad too tall for the kind of terrain and amount of weight I carry, but I can swap out the chainring for a smaller one. The fact that the bicycle only comes in "Sorry officer, I didn't see them until I hit them" Black, is a bummer. But lights, proper lane positioning and a reflective vest will aid this. The handlebar is kind of egg shaped and makes it difficult to attach things like a bell, light, clock etc. These are minor attributes, the largest problem I can think of is the sizing. We test rode a bicycle with the same frame at REI before purchasing this one. I am 5' 7" on a good day and I fit and feel very comfortable on the L/XL for 5'11"-6'3". I measured frame geometry on other bicycle we currently have and researched sizing for our body proportions. Sure enough at 5'7" I fit a Novara L/Xl with 5" of seat post sticking out. This may be problematic for folks who don't ride often or don't know what size they need. The bicycle is a solid package for anyone who wants a great commuter. I would not hesitate a bit to purchase one for myself.

Service and delivery comments:

Great! The bike was on back order. It shipped, and was ready to ride within 3 days of ordering. The staff were enthusiastic for the awesomeness of the bike and happy for us to be riding such a great bicycle.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

This is an update to my earlier review: I forgot to mention that the pedals that come with the Gotham are fine in dry weather, but are dangerously slippery in wet weather. After getting a couple of good scrapes on my shins, I removed the stock pedals and replaced them with Ergon PC2 pedals, which have a lot more friction in wet conditions:http://www.rei.com/product/830494/ergon-pc2-pedals

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

For commuters REI hit a home run with the Gotham. I was riding a hybrid that worked great for long rides, but was not so optimal for commuting. Moving to a lower gear while stopped at intersections was a challenge, and the chain periodically popped off the front crank when I shifted gears on rough ground. That was usually followed by getting grease on my arms and clothes while putting the chain back in place. I use full panniers to carry work clothes and such, and my heels frequently hit the panniers, even after anchoring them as far back on the rack as I could.

My commute is 8.5 miles, and includes streets, sidewalks, dirt footpaths and a bit of off-roading. It also includes some moderate hills, a couple of which are fairly long climbs.

The Gotham is super smooth, it's nearly impossible to ever be in the wrong 'gear' and there is no grease and no way for the belt to pop off. I was worried that the NuVinci hub would be weird and awkward to use, but just the opposite is true. It's intuitive and easy, and it's especially nice that when I encounter unexpected inclines I can simply downshift with a quick twist without skipping a beat in my pedaling.

The rack is positioned perfectly for my panniers - longer and placed a bit further back. I have plenty of clearance between my feet and the panniers. The rack supports are positioned so that there is actually hand space between the rack supports and the rear wheel.

I was not too keen about the idea of using a moustache handlebar because I like the flat hybrid style for fast maneuvering. After riding the Gotham there is no way I'm changing the handlebar. Like many riders I have issues with leaning on my hands because of ulnar neuropathy. I can't wear gloves because the seams create pressure points, and I've finished long rides with no feeling in my hands. The Gotham handlebars significantly reduce the hand pressure. Although it's a pull-back style, it's fairly narrow, so the handling is quick. I wish I had tried this type of handlebar long ago.

The pictures don't do the bike justice. It has a classic English appearance, and the handlebar in particular is bicycle art. It is sculpted (not just nice bends; actually sculpted) and machined aluminum - beautiful! Overall the bike is gorgeous.

The only change I plan to make is to replace the kickstand. The kickstand is lightweight and works well with the stock bike. But with fully loaded panniers, plus the weight of my headlight battery, repair kit, etc. the kickstand flexes a bit, and the bike topples over with the slightest touch. But this is a cheap and easy thing to change, so it's not an issue.

I'm loving it. Great job, REI!

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

After a long wait, finally got to test at REI in Minneapolis. This is one sweet machine! I *loved* the belt drive and NuVinci transmission. The shifting was, as promised, totally continuous and very smooth. Low gear is very low and high is fine for the intended uses. I tried some shifting under heavy load and it worked flawlessly. Nice to be able to shift while pedal OR standing still. The drive belt was quiet. (I have read that they squeak, though maybe that happens after getting dirty.) I suspect that a dry lubricant such as graphite would work well. My only complaints: For this price and the riders who are most likely to shell out $1,300 for a commuter bike, the pedals should be the "convertible" type that accomodate either street shoes or cleats. An easy fix, however. A much more serious problem is the "mustache" handlebars. I do enjoy riding vigorously, even while commuting, and found that the very upright posture they require did not allow me to "pull" into the stroke very well. Similarly, when I tried to ride up a hill while standing, the posture was awkward and I found myself pulling UP on the handlebars...not BACK. The worst, part, though (and test riders should have told this to the designers) was that the wrists-turned-inward angle of the grips makes it awkward, potentially even painful, to rotate the shifter ring! I would definitely swap out for straight handlebars (and a stem assembly that allows for adjusting the height and front/rear positioning). The salesperson told me that the mustache bars were there precisely for the more upright posture. Even so, there is the shifter grip problem--and it is perfectly possible to arrange an upright posture with straighter handlebars. I also thought the old-fashioned look of the mustache bars did not fit an otherwise modern machine.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

The Novara Gotham offers a lot of features for the price. The belt drive is great, very quiet and pretty worry free. I didn't know how I would like the mustache handlebars, but once I adjusted them a bit, I don't really notice the difference. The included headlight works quite well, though it will start to flash if you aren't going fast enough. It would be nice if the taillight was powered by the dynamo hub as well, but you can't get everything. The Nuvinci hub works fairly well, even if it adds a fair chunk of weight.
Basically, if you want an easy riding, low maintenance bike, the Gotham is a great choice. If you feel a need for speed, you probably want to look elsewhere.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

I ride thousands of miles a year including sub zero winters, road commuting, mountain biking and touring. All of my bikes are purpose built for those endeavors.
I was looking for an all weather, easy to hop on and ride in jeans kind of bike. This one is perfect for that. It will take all weather, even winter conditions without complaint.
Excellent quality and a nimble, but sure footed ride. Great design and a lot of thought went into this product.
I'm confident that this bike will give me great service for years.

Service and delivery comments:

Delivery condition was less that satisfactory though...
The fenders were loose and the front fender stays fell out (never tightened), drive belt was so loose that I thought it would flip off. Front brake cable not secured in it's clip so it just flopped around. Lots of tightening of bolts,etc. needed. Really should have been much better. It was clearly put together by someone in a big hurry or without the correct skills/knowledge with the eccentric bottom bracket or belt drive requirements. Spent an hour working on it before I could safely ride it. I love the bike but was disappointed in the condition in which I received it.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

The cycle is very sturdy and comfortable to ride. The internal hub works seamlessly and is exceptionally quiet especially with the belt drive.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

It is a heavy bike, but once you load it up with groceries, or a loaded laptop pannier and lunch, the weight is relative. The 360 hub and belt drive is very smooth and clean! I installed a Brooks saddle and some nice pedals from Orange Velo to add a little bling.

Comments about Novara Gotham Bike - 2012:

I happened by our local REI shop in Greenville, SC and the rep was there with this new wonder from REi. She explained all of the features of the Gotham and let me give her a quick twirl around the parking lot. I own a Townie 8i with internal hub (also an REI E.T.A.) so I was very familiar with internal hubs. It is great to see this technology is progressing and will be happy one day to see it on road bikes. This bike is fitted with all of the goodies that anyone would ever need, disc brakes, lights, rack, great components. This is one bike the only thing you might ever want to change would be to clip ons. Hurray to REI for this bike. It is suited perfectly for the person who doesn't want to put up with the quirks of changing gears and the maintenance that goes along with it. Way to go REi.