Bicycles Online > Comfort and Hybrid Bikes > Novara Corsa Hybrid/Comfort Review

2012 Novara Corsa Comfort Bike Review

I had the opportunity to review the Novara Corsa Comfort Bike (and it's sister the Novara Mia Women's Comfort Bike) at REI recently and I was quite surprised to discover how well made these REI store brand bikes actually were. I usually lean towards name brands that I know to be high quality and stay away from store brand bikes but I no longer have any reservations about the Novara brand.

The components on this bike are very good (Shimano, SRAM and other quality components) and the design is perfect for a hybrid/comfort bike that can handle touring and distance rides, very comfortably, as well as paved, crushed stone, grass or dirt bike trails.

The Novara Corsa has a nicely padded memory foam seat, handlebar grip twist shifters (not levers), 24 speeds, kickstand installed, high quality components and a comfortable frame design.

The only real difference between the Novara Corsa and the Novara Mia Women's Bike is that the Mia has a step through frame. The Corsa is rated as a gender neutral bike so women really have 2 choices  (the MIA and the Corsa) with the Novara comfort bikes.

Note: As of 2/1/2012 the 2012 Novara Corsa is selling for $449 (new) at REI with free shipping options. See Novara Corsa Comfort Bike for the latest price and customer reviews.

Since this is an REI brand bike, you will have excellent shipping and delivery options. If you have an REI store near you, you'll have the option to have your bike delivered to the store and fully assembled for you for FREE of course (with some restrictions).

If you choose home delivery, then REI will assemble your bike before it is shipped (to your home) then partially de-assemble it (just the handlebars and pedals) for shipping. When you receive the bike there is a minimal amount of (re) assembly required and REI members get FREE standard shipping on orders of $75 or more.

If you've browsed this site, you may have noticed that I favor REI for certain products and I am also an REI member. If you purchase an REI bike online and are not already an REI member, you will want to join for the free shipping. A lifetime membership at REI is just $20 and there are quite a few advantages.

Hybrid and Comfort Bike Comparisons:

Hybrid and comfort bikes, including the Novara Corsa are an excellent choice for casual and comfortable bike rides as well as an occasional longer distance (bike path or touring) ride.

You can find some cheaper brands of comfort bikes (at Wal-Mart for example) but you will usually "get what you pay for" and will not be able to find the same quality as you will get with the Corsa for the same (or slightly higher) price.

Another brand that REI carries is Marin, but I was not nearly as impressed with the Marin bikes that I reviewed at REI as I was with the Novara brand bikes.

Customer Reviews:

There was only one review of the Novara Corsa (4 of 5 stars), at REI at the time of this review.

Most Relevant Comments included...

The Pros included: "Attractive Design, Bell Included, Chain guard Included, Durable Great Components, Handles Well, Kickstand Included, Lightweight"

The Cons included: "Low Detail Manual Package"

Another one of my favorite resources for reviews and cycling information is BikeForums.net. One of the posts by "Patch29" included:

"I own two Novara Bikes. I have been happy with both and have not had any problems. I have a Novara Team I bought in 94 and it has served me well and it is still in use today. I also have a Novara Randonee that I bought a year ago, again no problems. They do have sales often, as was stated, especially at the end of the season, or if you can find last years model...."

Novara Corsa Features at a Glance:

• Bike frame material Aluminum
  
• Frame 6061 aluminum
  
• Fork Cromoly
  
• Crankset SR Suntour XCT, 48/38/28
  
• Bottom bracket Cartridge
  
• Shifters SRAM 3.0 Twist
  
• Front derailleur Shimano FD-TX51
  
• Rear derailleur SRAM
  
• Rear cogs SRAM PG-820 11-32, 8-speed
  
• Number of gears 24
  
• Brake type Rim brake
  
• Brakes Tektro 855AL
  
• Brake levers Tektro
  
• Rims Weinmann XTB-26
  
• Front hub Alloy, 32h
  
• Rear hub Alloy, 32h
  
• Wheel size 700c
  
• Tires Kenda K-841A, 700x40
  
• Handlebar shape Moustache bar
  
• Handlebar Aluminum
  
• Pedals Platform
• Weight 28.9 pounds
• Gender Unisex

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