Novara, REI’s bike line, is marking its 30th anniversary with a new line of bikes and gear that includes folding bikes for transportation, road bikes, mountain bikes and reflective clothing. Retailer REI will start to get the 2013 line of bikes, and continue getting new items through spring.
The Novara line includes folding bikes, which appeal to commuters and people who want a ride that doesn’t take up a lot of space when not in use. This line includes the new FlyBy, which features a Nexus 7 internal drivetrain, and REVO twist shifter. The transportation bike line also includes the Zealo, a sportier bike that combines road bike maneuverability with mountain bike sturdiness – that’s what we often say about cyclocross bikes, but we’re listening. The Zealo is built with a Shimano Tiagra compact 20-speed drivetrain, BB7 road disc brakes, and Weinmann rims. The bike takes 700x28c tires to provide a more comfortable ride. There’s also the Novara Buzz One, which has a nostalgic tone to its design. The Buzz One is designed with a flat handlebar, powder-coated deep-dish rims, an alloy chain guard and vintage-inspired saddle. The bike is a single-speed.
The road and mountain also got some attention from Novara in the 2013 line. REI will introduce the new Trenta road bike this spring. The bike is built with Shimano Ultegra shifters and derailleurs, Kinesium butted aluminum frame with a tapered head tube; carbon fork with one-piece alloy crown-steerer tube; FSA Wing Pro compact handlebar and a 3D forged stem. The news for mountain biking is the Madrona 29, a 29er frame designed for women. The Matador 29 is the men’s version. Both bikes include lightweight 6061 butted aluminum frame; SR Suntour XCR MLO 29er fork and Tektro Gemini 2 hydraulic disc brakes.
When you’re on the bike, you need to look good as well as be seen. Novara has a number of new entries in its Mainline collection that do just that. The collection includes technical and reflective features but still passes as streetwear when you step off your ride. Clothing is constructed with hidden, reflective threading and touch points that increase visibility. The line includes the men’s Dutchtown and Cragmont denim pants with reflective bands sewn into the cuffs. The Zilker Woven Plaid Shirt uses 3M reflective thread that can only be seen when light hits it. The women’s Edgewater Jacket uses a reversible belt that becomes a reflective band when the proper side is exposed to light.
An ecological feature makes its way to tube management. REI will debut Tube2Go, a packaging that advances the retailer’s stewardship efforts. Tube2Go is a tube that’s shrink-wrapped into a plant-based, biodegradable and compostable package. It also reduces packaging by over 90 percent. It’s easy to tuck into a pocket or pack in its shrink-wrap to bring along on a ride, and while we don’t think you should toss the wrapper, know that it will break down if it does end up on the side of the trail.