To say there were a few surprises at least week’s Outdoor Retailer Show would be an understatement, notably as we expect the big bike news to occur at Eurobike or Interbike. But REI introduced the Novara, an affordable commuter bike that features the Gates Carbon Drive.
This bike offers a 3-speed hub as well as rear rack, fenders and a basket, but it is the grease-free belt drive that turned out head. It will be just $850 this fall.
Cycling jackets don’t have to feature team branding or other colorful designs. REI’s house brand Novara has introduced the Dutchtown, a jacket designed to provide protection when riding in some wind and rain. It features a Polyester fabric with a durable water repellent finish that resists water to keep you warm and dry on those wet spring days.
The jacket offers roll-down cuffs with reflective trim to help keep you visible in low light, while two front pockets and one inside zippered pocket will let you stash whatever you need to carry. The Dutchtown jacket even features a media port so you can also keep your music player stashed inside and out of the elements.
Riding a bike – even if it is just commuting to work – should be an adventure. And we don’t mean that in a bad way in the least. Cycling shouldn’t an arduous trip, even if it does involve some work or effort. With that in mind outdoor retailer REI’s Novara brand has rolled out the Safari, an “adventure touring bicycle” that can handle the daily commute on the mean streets, weekend rides on fire roads and turn simple trips to the store into an enjoyable ride. This steel bike is built with 27-speed gearing and looks ready to haul serious gear. So even if you never make it to the African veldt the Safari will have you feel like you’re heading on an expedition to fun.