Hugga visited REI HQ to preview the 09 Novaras with Steve Gluckman, Brand Manager. The 09 line is well-equipped, incremental, with lots of refinements; the introduction of a Buzz 29er, 700c Safari, and an Alfine bike featured in this video …
We’ll spend more time with Novara next month, riding their bikes in Boise, and blogging it all up.
Note that final bike specifications may change. We previewed factory samples and products are still being finalized.
Notes
- Audio Sample Bebel Gilberto — Un Segundo. Also available on our Amazon.com store.
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- Photos from our photostream
Looks like a sweet ride! Any idea on price? I’ve been thinking about a Trek Soho 4.0 or a Specialized Globe Centrum for a commuter, but depending if the price is right, i might just have to wait for the Novara… only thing, isn’t Alfine supposed to be an internally geared system? Is that a derailleur hanging off the drop outs?
It’s a great looking bike and Afline is a “magical thing.” The derailleur is a chain tensioner because the rear has vertical dropouts to accommodate the disc brakes. The price hasn’t been publicized, but expect it’s similar to the 08 Fusion, at $749.00.
That’d be great considering that the only other ‘09 Alfine commuter style ride I’ve seen so far is the Giant CRX, which has an MSRP of $1300+
Question for Steve - When do you expect the ‘09 Fusion to officially hit the shelves and do you have a finalized list of specs you can share? Is the Transfer getting a similar makeover? After watching this short preview, I’m sold.
Chain tensioner??? Would it really have been difficult to put one of the many types of horizontal dropouts to allow for chain tensioning? Seems like a short-sighted choice for a bike designed to take an IGH. That’s really too bad as the chain tensioner pretty much precludes using a chain/gear case like the slick ones made by Hebe. One of those would make this bike into the ultimate low-maintenance commuting machine for a very small weight penalty.
NOVARA, what were you thinking???
Checked with REI and they expect to have them in stores in November, 2008. It’s on their website already and the list price is at $899. A bit more expensive, but considering what you get, still a pretty good value.