| They're a Seattle based co-op, which started by selling rock
climbing equipment and has really gone after the yuppie clothing
market in the last couple of years.
I've never bought any bike stuff from them because they're always
been more expensive than Nashbar, and the 10% rebate to members
wasn't enough to cover the difference, but they are reputable. I'd
look at their bikes, and buy from the store that gives the best
service. I don't know how knowledgeable REI sales people are about
bikes, but I'd tend to shop at a bike store first.
--David
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I bought a Novara Trionfo a couple of years ago from REI. (Novara
is their bike brand.) It was a well built bike. Actually, I think it
rolled out of the same Japanese factory that was making the Centurion
line, because it was a dead ringer for a Dave Scott Iron Man
Professional.
Their bike people tend to be part time or job changers, as most of
the people I've dealt with over the past few years have moved on.
Their machines all appear to be well built and fitted with good
components, and the prices are very competitive with other MA stores. I
like the Novara bikes better than those with the Nashbar moniker. As
for accessories however, they're more expensive than Nashbar.
Name brand recognition could be an issue if you ever wanted to sell
a used Novara.
You might find something you like there, and they are very
resonable to deal with, offering to trade off a seat or handlebar if
the stock components are not to your liking or size.
They encourage test rides too!
Ed.
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| I have an REI Team road bike, which was (no longer made) a semi-custom bike
built for the REI employee racing team. I got mine because they had a few left
that employees didn't buy (seems they always had a few around). Its an
excellent bike, made by Centurion/Diamondback. Of course, at a list price of
$1000, with a Tange Prestige frame and Ultegra components, I'd expect it to be.
(FYI, I'm trying to sell it, since I don't need it, what with 5 single bikes and
a tandem between my wife and I).
My wife would have bought the Trionfo if they'd ever got one in in her size.
She bought a Centurion Ironman Master instead (probably same bike, as stated
earlier).
Their top-of-the-line bikes, which now tops of with the Trionfo road bike (don't
know about the mountain bikes), are quite good and I'd recommend them. Their
lower level bikes (<$400) I'd probably stay away from, but that also applies to
ANY low level bike.
When I bought my bike, the bike dept manager was a racer and seemed quite
knowledgeable. I wouldn't rate them a top-notch bike shop now, but also
probably no worse than a lot of other bike shops I've seen. (But no shop
compares to Belmont Wheelworks, IMO).
To summarize, all other things being equal in your experience, if you like a
Novara bike, buy it :^)
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