Gear Preview -- Novara Bikes 2008

The impressive spread that is Novara’s 2008 bike lineup includes cyclocross rides, full-suspension mountain bikes for women and men, a foldable travel model, a “safari” bike, and fender-equipped urban commuters ready to go. All are available now at REI stores or online at REI.com. Here’s a quick peek at five specific models that caught my attention. . .

Novara Safari Bike—Dubbed the “ultimate adventure-touring cycle,” the Safari was made for multiday tours, on the pavement or off. The mountain-bike-like model has an aluminum frame, a double-butted front fork for solid steering under heavy loads, and an included rear rack. Fizik Rondine saddle and Post Moderne suspension seatpost help keep your backside happy on the longest of rides. Pricing: $849

Novara Fusion Bike—This ready-to-go commuter includes touches like internal brakes and shifting, dual headlights, a taillight, fenders, rear rack, bell and kickstand. No need to fool with accessories for your urban commute. Buy it and go. Aluminum frame. Shimano internal 8-speed rear hub cassette system. Dynamo hub powers a dual-beam headlamp, no batteries required. 700c wheelset for a faster ride. Pricing: $749

Novara Buzz Fly-By Foldable Bike—Novara has teamed with Dahon, a folding bike manufacturer, to create the Fly-By, a foldable bike built for urban commuting or taking along on a trip. It folds into a small package and fits inside an included carrying bag. Simply fold the handlebar in half, open the lever to split the frame into two, and bend it back on itself. Bonus: When removed the seat post doubles as an air pump. Pricing: $599

Novara Rivet Bike—Ride the bumps and deep mud with speed on this cyclocross model. An aluminum frame with a carbon fork makes for a fast and light ride. Grippy Geax Blade 700×33c tires to handle mixed terrain, from mud to gravel roads to pavement. Avid Shorty 4 cantilever brakes for stopping power. Fizik Aliante Sport saddle can be “likened to a fine tailor-made suit,” according to the company. Pricing: $1,599

Novara Bliss 2.0 Women’s Mountain Bike—Female-centric geometry with full-suspension shocks, disc brakes and a gender-specific bike saddle make the Bliss 2.0 a literal good fit for women. To reiterate, the Bliss was designed to fit women, not men: the frame sizing accommodates short inseams, and frame geometry conforms to shorter torso and reach lengths. RockShox suspension in the front and rear helps soften landings. Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes allow controlled deceleration and good stopping power. Pricing: $1,199

Go here to see the full Novara line. . . http://www.rei.com/rei/gearshop/novara/index.html