Novara Transfer at REI. Questions.

I am not an expert on different bikes and how much they weigh, but I have picked up both of mine and stood on the scale, out of curiosity. My Trek 7.5FX, which I paid about $750 for 4 or 5 years ago, weighed 28 pounds. If you told him that a 30ish lb hybrid with a regular retail price of $800 was too heavy for your intended use, I would expect he was trying to show you what he thought you were saying you want.

Sure, he might have been trying to upsell you, but based just on what you’ve described, I would think not necessarily.

Fwiw, it’s been quite a few years ago now so my experience may not be entirely relevant, but I bought my first adult bike at REI and they sold me exactly what they should have, which was the cheapest hybrid style bike they had that fit me. After I walked in totally clueless about what I wanted to buy.

My impression is that REI salespeople don’t work on commission so I don’t think the upsell was for that reason. I started out riding with a 30+ lb full suspension hybrid (looks like a nicer versioni of Cabi) which I rode 4,500 miles on in two years then moved to a drop bar aluminum bike for $1,500. I haven’t looked back and will probably sell the hybrid (may keep it only to use as a beater bike should I move). I use my Cannondale Synapse for commuting and fitness/group rides. I say go for the best you can afford since it will save you money in the long run. The only caveat I would add is that if you have to park the bike in a dicey neighborhood on a daily basis then I would go cheap since it will probably get stolen. The other option is to try lots of bikes, find out the style/size you really want/fit then hope something comes along on Craigslist.

P.S. Make sure there are eyelets for a rack (and possibly fenders).

P.S. BicycleSpace lets you try out their bikes on the weekend group rides so you get a nice long time in the saddle to see if you like the size/style.

There are many things beside weight that can factor in to how nice/easy the bike rides. My hybrid doesn’t weigh too much more than a Surly LHT, but (I suspect) the difference in ride quality to be great.

The only thing to do is start test riding various bikes.

@lordofthemark 52790 wrote:

I guess I didn’t make myself clear then. I guess there’s minimal chance I will be riding with groups looking to do high speeds anytime soon – though I do want to ride faster than I do now. I find hills give me lots of trouble – I find the eastbound Custis somewhat stressful – I know thats partly a matter of getting into better shape, which should come with regular commuting, but I also want a bike that makes it easier. My regular commute (I don’t know how often I will do it – I’ve done it once – lets say once a week?) includes the stretch from the Pentagon to Jefferson Memorial, where I definitely feel the grades. So I may be overly sensitive about the weight of my old MTB. (yes, several folks have suggested switching out the tires on the MTB). I picked the Novarra up, and I guess I hoped it would feel noticeably lighter than the MTB. I may have been unrealistic – and the NoVarra did have a rack and fender on it, which the MTB does not.
I can of course aim to get a “real” road bike sometime down the line. Right now I would prefer to spend less than $400.

So is the Novarra a really good deal? Should I go pick it up, assuming its a good fit, and not bother hunting for a used bike at my LBS (which specialized in used bike?)

For what it’s worth, I’ve been riding a 25 lb hybrid around for the past 2 years, and switched to a used Cannondale road bike today. It was amazing, I was definitely faster, and the hills we’re SO much easier. I think what some of the others recommend above, about looking for a used road bike that fits you on Craigslist, might be a better deal and more motivating in working your way eastbound on the Custis (which also used to be my trouble spot). You’ll be able to stay at $400 price point, or close, and you’ll get a faster bike that will make things easier. Based on what I think I’ve read, the Novarra might not be a good deal for YOU, even if the price is a deal.

If you do go the Craigslist route, the seller should let you take it out on a good test ride. Ride it right up to the nearest bike shop, explain that you’re thinking of buying it, and ask if they’ll take a quick look for any maintenance, safety or fit issues. They’ll be happy to help you out if they’re not slammed (Saturday afternoons are NOT the best day for this!)

Just for clarification, the REI website lists a Novara http://www.rei.com/product/825376/novara-transfer-one-bike-2013 sale prices at $398 (list $499) and weighing 30 lbs. This is a single speed with coaster brakes. The “Transfer” is sale priced at $693 (list $700), is a seven speed internal gear hub (IGH) with rim brakes and includes a dynamo light with a weight of 36.6 pounds. If REI has a Transfer on the floor priced at $360 I’m guessing it is a previous year’s model and probably a demo?

All-in-all, the Transfer looks like a decent basic transportation bike, but I have no experience with IGH to know how it would handle for your commute. If this was the REI at Baileys Crossroads, you should take it out and test ride it on some hills that are conveniently located next to the shopping center to see what you think.

There are many different types of hybrid bikes and I would suggest riding different types before choosing. It looks like the Transfer is more of an urban bike and is heavier than other types of hybrids. This type appeals to dasgeh, but not necessarily to others on the forum. That said, it’s a good deal at that price point. If you are in REI, I would suggest that you test ride a Cannondale Quick or a GT Tachyon for a lighter, aluminum hybrid bike with a carbon fork. They may not be currently on sale, but it will give you an idea of the different types of hybrid bikes available. I you like the ride of the other hybrids better, I would continue my search. It’s likely more important that you get a bike that fits your needs rather than one that is solely a good deal.

If I was in your situation and was the right height, I would take a look at that Trek 420 on craigslist as well. If the bike is in good shape, it’s a good deal even if the seller doesn’t seem to know what he is talking about.