Messages

46

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: April 09, 2010, 09:55:18 pm »

Hi Tourista,
You asked a few days back about Safari & Randonee tire sizes. I contacted REI. Here is their reply:
"The Novara Randonee will accept tires 28 to 47mm in width.
The Novara Safari will vary depending on which size bike you go with, as the small/medium will have a 26" wheel, and the large/x-large sizes will have a 700c wheel. The small/medium Safari frames will have a 26x1.75 tire on them. You should be able to fit up to a 2.1 and go down to a 1.5. For the large/x-large size frames, the bike has a 700x48 tire and you should be able to put a 700x35 on. I would be leery of going lower though, especially if you plan to carry heavy loads on the bike."

Neil you are welcome. Did you ever find out if you could take a tire wider than a 700X32?
I can see why they drew the line. If you go to the handle bar of the Safari, they would have to change the brake levers and shifters. I wish they could change out your rear derailleur, front crank, and rear cassette. Regarding the handle bars, check the width. I went to a 44c wide anatomic designed drop handlebar and my bike felt more stable.

Another thought, can you get to Watertown, Mass? There is a very good bike shop called Harris Cycles. (the home of the late great Sheldon Brown) They are off of the Mass Pike. They may have a Surly or maybe another option. It may be worth the extra money. Then you would get a bike with 26" tires and a drive train that is better suited for loaded touring. Call them first
If your budget was a little higher, there is a company, in the UK that you can order a touring bike with either straight or drop handlebars at no extra charge. They even give you a choice of short and long top tubes. The name of the bike is Thorn and the model is the Club or the Sherpa. In the March Adventure Cycling Magazine, John Schubert wrote an article on my girlfriends Thorn MK3 Audax, a light touring bike. I wish more American bicycle companies would allow one to buy a stock bike and let you customize it the way you would like. Let me know how you make out. Bob

47

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: April 06, 2010, 11:11:31 pm »

Hi Tourista,
Thanks again for the information. I had no idea Sheldon Brown was a Mass. local. You are well-informed! I will pay a visit to Harris Cycle as well as Belmont Wheelworks, both of which sell Surly Long Hauls. Thorn looks to be beyond my budget. I will ask REI what the maximum tire width is for the Safari & Randonee next time I visit.
Best,
Neil.

48

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: April 04, 2010, 12:18:44 am »

Hi Tourista,
Sorry for my delayed response. Thanks for going the extra mile to provide additional information. That was very helpful. I went to visit my local REI today. I test rode a large Safari and a medium Randonee. Both were all that was in stock. Both felt small to me. I liked the feel of the Safari but it seemed very heavy & the tires too bulky for a bike to ride long distances by paved road. I did like the gearing.  The Randonee was a comfortable weight but the handling seemed a little too shakey for me (I am currently doing all of my riding by mountain bike). The gearing seemed weak when climbing. I might get used to do that over time. I asked REI about whether I could buy the Randonee and buy the drive train & handlebars of the Safari for it. They were fine with changing out the handlebars but drew the line at the drive train. They will build a size large Randonee for me this week & I will ride it when ready. I will try & press them to at least change the rear cogs to the dimensions you specified in your earlier post. Thanks again!
Neil

49

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: March 30, 2010, 11:51:11 pm »

Hi Trailpatrol & Tourista,
Thanks very much for sharing. I will be trying out the Safari & Randonee ASAP. I am grateful for Tourista's detailed recommendations on what parts to swap out on the Safari.
Best,
Neil.

50

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: March 29, 2010, 10:18:34 pm »

Hi Tourista, Aggie, Rvklassen, & John,
Thanks very much for your excellent replies. I plan to visit the local REI soon & follow-up on each of your recommendations.
Best,
Neil.

51

General Discussion / REI Bikes

« on: March 29, 2010, 02:50:51 pm »

Hi everyone,
I am new to bike touring & new to the forum. My local REI sells a number of touring bikes. The Randonee & Safari seem to draw the most attention. However, REI also markets some other bikes as suitable for touring: the Marin Lombard Bike, GT Type CX, & the Scott CX. What do members of the forum think of these bikes in terms of their suitability for loaded touring on mostly paved roads, plenty of hills, and occasional dirt and gravel? Please let me know.
Thanks,
Neil
Brookline, MA