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Novara Forza Bike - 2013
Ready to roll, our Novara Forza bike is outfitted with a cushy suspension fork and offers an upright, comfort-oriented ride for riding around town, on bike paths or commuting.
- Sturdy aluminum frame features a relaxed geometry to offer stable handling; flat handlebar places the rider in a comfortable, upright riding position
- Suspension fork provides 63mm of travel to smooth out rough roads; you can lock the suspension out when it isn't needed
- 24 smooth-shifting gears let you spin easy no matter the terrain or grade
- Tektro brakes and levers offer confident speed management
- Comfort-oriented grips and bar ends help support hands
- Freedom Ryder Sport tires and Weinmann rims provide a smooth-rolling ride for cruising efficiently along roads and bike lanes
- Accommodates a rear rack and fenders front and back (sold separately), making the Forza great for commuting or running errands
- Specs on our Novara Forza bike are subject to change
Imported.
Item 825432
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Novara Forza Bike - 2013 Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Handles well (12)
- Comfortable (11)
- Attractive (10)
- Durable (7)
- Lightweight (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting (8)
- Road biking (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (8), Commuter (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (14)
Reviewed by 14 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
Looking for a hybrid bike at a reasonable price. Lightweight, maneuverable, fun to ride. Great buy when on sale for 20% off!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Good Value For The Money
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
- None at this time
Best Uses
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I've only ridden about 15 miles on this so far because of the cold weather. I ride mostly paved trails in parks and on rail/trails. I appreciate the front suspension as the trails in the local park have some bumps from the tree roots. I am surprised at how smoothly it shifts and so far the saddle has been comfortable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Durable
- Handles Well
Cons
- Seat Is Too Skinny
Best Uses
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
Good front shocks. The seat is unconfortably narrow for an older rider. It could use a larger front gear cover to keep you pant leg out of the gears. Over all it's very stylish and easy to ride.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cheap tires
- Spongy brakes
Best Uses
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I bought the Novara Forza as a second bike during REI's 20% off period for members in spring 2012, so it was an REI product for hardly more than some cheap chain store brands. I wanted something a little sportier for weekends than my Trek 7300 commuter bike, but still a machine that was mainstream enough to be used by house guests coming out with me on the trails around DC/VA/MD. The Forza looks great, seems noticeably lighter than the Trek, and has a handlebar with a relatively narrow spread, which makes it feel tight and fun to ride on winding trails. However a few upgrades are essential. Firstly, the supplied tires are horrible: they are a bulbous shape without a distinct front and side walls. The result is that when you turn to the left or right, they want to drag you further in the direction you're turning. (Yes, even properly inflated.) I replaced them with a couple of Kenda Kouriers with puncture protection and this single alteration has grown my confidence in this bike, and love of riding it, immensely. Secondly, the saddle is basic and has no suspension: you'll either need a good pair of bike shorts, or to replace it with a better hybrid saddle with springs for damping. That said, there is front fork suspension which you can turn on and off, and the gears shift pretty much flawlessly (though the levers on the handlebar are noticeably low end compared with the similarly-priced Trek). Finally, the brakes: they're spongy, no matter how much they're adjusted. They will bring the bike reliably to a halt, but only when you pull the levers well in towards the handlebars. Sound like the cable needs tighening? I've done that, and so has an REI technician, to the point where he told me he didn't think he should make them any tighter. It's fine once you get used to it, but does it mean I'll need to keep adjusting the brakes as the pads wear down? In summary, I'm happy with the Forza given the price I paid and the purpose I bought it for. The other day I rode home 15 miles down the Rock Creek trail in heavy rain, and with the bike's stable geometry, responsive gears and the improved tires, it never once came close to skidding on the wet paved surface. Imagine it actually being fun to ride that distance in the rain! That said, though, if I'd paid full price for the bike I'd probably have been a little disappointed: it's possible to get lower end Cannondales, Treks and Raleighs that have better components and would not need the extra hundred bucks or so to get the basics right.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I use this bike to commute to work and other destinations in NYC -- I've been putting around 35 miles per week on it on city streets and bridges. It is comfortable for city riding (lots of breaking and accelerating) and certainly lighter than my former mountain bike. It is not a road bike but I will probably take it on some longer rides in the 50-100 mile range eventually. Although lighter than my former mountain bike, it has been holding up well to the abuse of the city and it would probably be fine on gravel trails -- I haven't punctured the tires yet!! Overall, great value and great for the city!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Great Components
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Light Trails
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
i bought this bike a couple of weeks ago and i have already put over 400 miles on it. This bike is very comfortable to ride. I have done a couple of 55+mile rides and feels great. you wont be disappointed in this purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Great Components
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I got this bike about two weeks ago to use as a commuter bike and I have loved it. I am 6'6" and so purchased the XL frame. I love that it is plenty big. This is the first time that I have ever owned a bike that is actually large enough for me. I have found that it shifts smoothly and handles well.
The places that it has for mounting accessories to the frame seem weirdly placed. It's got the traditional one on the slanted post, but has an additional spot on the upright post that seems too close to the front derailleur to be able to mount anything. I tried to mount my drink cage (the Java cage sold at REI) to that mount and it didn't fit properly. No problem really as it fit on the other just fine. I'm trying to see if I can find a small frame pump for that spot.
The only real downside is that apparently everybody else also knows it is a great bike so it was backordered. It took over a month to get it, but I have been pleased with REI's commitment to making this as pleasant a shopping experience as possible considering the circumstances.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Great Components
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
The bike has worked great for commuting. Before this I used a mountain bike and this has given me a much smoother ride. The narrower tires seem efficient and it handles bumps well. I leave the shocks switched off since I stay on the road.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Great Components
- Handles Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I ride the National Heritage trail system. Some off-road is required and this bike foots the bill well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Comfortable
- Great Components
- Handles Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Road Biking
Comments about Novara Forza Bike - 2013:
I waited 6 weeks before I posted this review.
My goal was to find a bike that works as well on gravel and paved roads.
I had a budget and I went to REI first, to try Hybrid bikes. I walked out of the store as a proud owner of this Forza bike.
I ride 4 Mi every other day. The ergonomics are comfortable forward leaning. A real plus is the handlebar. The grips are designed that your palms are cushioned.
The horns (don't know the proper lingo) at the handlebar end give you another riding position. At first glance I thought the saddle was to hard. My longest trip so far was one hour. It's firm but I had no problem.
Overall Quality: All components on this bike are well made. The fit and finish of his bike is good. I was skeptical first because it is made in China
A positive surprise was that the preload of the front suspension is adjustable, There is not a big difference between the settings.
On my first ride the suspension was locked and it shook me pretty well on the dirt road. After unlocking it by simply moving a dial, my ride became much smoother.
The sales person in the store selected the frame size according to my height. As a result of this the bike fits me like a glove, no compromise as on a one size fits all bike. So far I'm very happy and all my expectations are meet or exceeded.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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