Messages

1

Gear Talk / Novara Safari..opinions of ownership

« on: April 18, 2007, 06:02:35 pm »

Thank you!!
The only other bike I'm seriously considering IS the Volpe.
I'm doing the Charity ride and training events. Like to get into light touring too.
Love to know your opinion of the pros and cons of each. like the trekking bar on the Safari. Do you like it, dislike it, etc.
Ride quality, comfort, etc..anything you can tell me to contrast those two bikes will be VERY much appreciated.
Thanks so much.

Dan

2

Gear Talk / Novara Safari..opinions of ownership

« on: April 18, 2007, 05:29:54 pm »

Just curious to know what opinions/experiences people have had with the Safari by Novara.
Has anyone used one also for just general riding such as training even charity event riding.

Thank you for your thoughts.

3

Gear Talk / Novara Randonee and REI vs. Volpe

« on: December 30, 2006, 09:39:14 pm »

Thank you for the reply. I guess you buy the bike. Anything can be repainted, right?
What has your experience been with both the Randonee and REI? How long ago did you purchase it and where?

thank you again,
Dan

4

Gear Talk / Novara Randonee and REI vs. Volpe

« on: December 30, 2006, 09:37:15 pm »

thank you very much for replying. I am also considering the Safari as an alround touring/bike path/charity training and riding bike.
Roads and paths here are rough on Martha's Vineyard. I like the 1.9 tires and wider wheels.
Glad to know your experience with the Safari and REI too has been good.
Great to hear.
Dan

5

Gear Talk / Novara Randonee and REI vs. Volpe

« on: December 26, 2006, 08:44:33 pm »

Hello,

Thank you so much for your insight and experiences. I appreciate it.
Yes, Novara, doesn't have the same high profile, but maybe that results in the lower prices.
great to hear that the store too treated you with seeming very competent support.
Continued success with you bike!
I agree, the brown color is best painted over.
Dan

6

Gear Talk / Novara Randonee and REI vs. Volpe

« on: December 22, 2006, 08:22:38 pm »

 Yes, in this area, a new bike, bought locally, not at their shop, will not be received well.
Of course a bike bought years ago, like my old Raleigh, is different. But a brand new Bianchi or Novara, not a Jamis, Trek or Gary Fisher, which CAN be bought locally, is brought to one of the two shops here, a week for a tuneup turns to two and alot of extra "broken" parts get replaced. Alot of people go off-island for a spring tuneup just to avoid the hassles.

I asked for insight about two brands, not an inquiry and lecture about local bicycle politics.
thanks

This message was edited by MVDan on 12-22-06 @ 4:47 PM

7

Gear Talk / Novara Randonee and REI vs. Volpe

« on: December 22, 2006, 04:58:41 pm »

Looking at the Randonee and the Bianchi Volpe. I'd like the opinions of people who have bought the Randonee and what their experience was (what store) in dealing with set up and assistance with REI. I've read that some of their shops' mechanics are less than great.
Going through a bike shop for a Volpe has some great advantages.
Wondering if some shops will turn their nose up at an REI product, like they sometimes do at any product not purchased through them.
Looking to use whatever I get for charity rides too. Not just light touring.
Any experience with either bike will be greatly appreciated.

thanks

This message was edited by MVDan on 12-22-06 @ 1:16 PM

8

Gear Talk / cannondale

« on: December 26, 2006, 09:02:50 pm »

Roadwarrior,
Thank you SO much for your insight. No, I haven't actually seen one. Dealers local to me never stock them. Not unusual, I suppose. Not a high-volume sale.
Your info about component strength and reliability is very key.
I won't initally load it up. Starting with 100-200K charity rides to get up to speed.
I think I've made up my mind. Going with a Cannondale!

Thanks so much. Appreciate your time and thoughts.
Happy Holidays!
Dan

9

Gear Talk / cannondale

« on: December 24, 2006, 01:42:49 pm »

Paul,
Thank you so much for your input. It's very helpful.

Continued good luck with your Cannondale.

Merry Christmas.

10

Gear Talk / cannondale

« on: December 24, 2006, 10:42:48 am »

Good Morning,

I also ride a vintage steel(Nishiki) bike. I weigh about 215. Curious to know your thoughts, or even your friend who sells Cannondales, about someone my weight going to an aluminum-framed bike.
I am believing, maybe wrongly, that I need steel at my weight.
Anyone's input is GREATLY welcomed.

Thanks everyone.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

11

Gear Talk / The Rocky Mountain Sherpa is SWEET

« on: December 23, 2006, 09:58:27 am »

Great write up!! Thanks for sharing so much information. Better pics than you ever get on a website. Very helpful.
Rocky Mtn. looks like a great bike, sold here through EMS stores.
Well worth considering, especially at that end-of-year price.

Thank you. Good luck with it!

This message was edited by MVDan on 12-23-06 @ 6:15 AM

12

Gear Talk / Trek 520 v Cannondale T2000

« on: December 22, 2006, 04:46:47 pm »

Hi,

I am going to post the question about the REI Randonee.
Considering it or the Bianchi Volpe.

How do you still like the Novara? Any problems other than the usual new bike adjustments?

thanks so much.
Dan