Buzzillions.com - Novara Strada Bike - 2009 Reviews www.buzzillions.com

A Bike that disappears below you

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:01 GMT

A Bike that disappears below you

girlietruck from Detroit, MI

Bottom line: This is a joy of a bike to ride. This is one of those bikes that just disappears underneath you and feels like an extension of your body. It's lightweight and responsive, yet never 'twitchy.' I bought this bike for supported touring (DALMAC) & centuries. The bike is velvety smooth with its carbon fork & seatstays. I'm not a racer, but this bike could do an OK job racing, although it's not the absolute lightest weight bike out there. But then again, you're probably not looking for a bike with triple chainrings if you're racing. Very good components, especially for the price. The full Shimano 105 drivetrain works very well, shifts smoothly, and gear spacing is close, making it very easy to find a perfect gear to be in. One possible disadvantage if you want to be really picky, is the fact that 10 speed chains are more expensive than 9 speed chains. Generally a 10 speed drivetrain is seen as an advantage, but I had to list some disadvantage. Tires - Good, … Read more

Awesome bike!!!

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Awesome bike!!!

bigkampe from Ottawa, IL

This is a great all-around bike. Originally, I was mountain biker all the way, but this bike has completely changed that. I am a spandex wearin roadie now. The bike has very good components, it's light and fast, and it takes a beating. I use it for everything: commuting, long rides, and training. The best thing is the price! I tested many bikes before this, Giant, Felt, Fisher, Scott, Cannondale, GT, Specialized just to name a few and they are generally double the price (If money hadn't been an object I may have gone with the Scott.) My only complaint is the seat. When I sit on that thing for too long I feel like I just spent my first night in federal prison. Yikes! The soreness goes away with time, but I am considering an upgrade. Read more

Excellent bike, great value!

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Excellent bike, great value!

Robyn from Livonia, MI

If you're looking for something one step above entry level road bikes, this bike has excellent components for the price, especially if you catch it during a sale. The seat is a bit on the firm side, but gel shorts help. I might upgrade the seat in the future. Read more

Wonderful!

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Wonderful!

TMac from Nashville, TN

I am a huge Trek fan and was set on buying one. This frame fit me better, it had better Shimano 105 componets at half the price. 1 week in of ownership & over 300 miles and I could not be happier. I do not race & have no idea how this would be for that. I like to ride miles, up & down hills with smooth shifting on a comfortable bike. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to ride a nice bike. If you just like to ride 5-10 miles on the weekend to Starbucks with a group and look at your $2000 bikes, then this may just get half the looks. Read more

Great Bike

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Great Bike

jbws from Raleigh / Research Triangle Park, NC

Great bike. Wanted a road bike so I moved up from a Trek 7.3. Shopped and rode many bikes - Cannondale, Fuji, Trek, Scott, Giant, Scattore and others. There is a lot of discounting in the market, but I thought the price for this bike was fair, especially with REI's name behind it. The 105's shift well, and the pivot feature is nice. The brakes could have a little more grip. Like everyone I believe the set is uncomfortable - I want to replace with an old school Brooks saddle. I also found the stem a little long at 110mm - I am going to replace with an 85mm. Other than that - it's a great bike. I have really enjoyed it. I'm not a heavy duty rider - I probably do 10-12 miles per day with some moderate grades, but it's great for me! I hope you enjoy. Read more