Bicycles Online > Comfort and Hybrid Bikes > Novara Mia Women's Hybrid/Comfort Review

Novara MIA Women's Comfort Bike Review

I had the opportunity to review the Novara Mia Comfort Bike (and the Novara Corsa 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 Mia has a nicely padded memory foam seat, front and rear suspension (shock absorbers) 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 Mia Women's Bike and the Novara Corsa 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 8/1/2010 the 2010 Novara Corsa is selling for $449 (new) at REI with free shipping options. See Novara Mia Women's Comfort Bike at REI for the latest price and more 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.

lf 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 Mia 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 were no reviews of the Novara Mia at REI at the time of this review, but the Novara Corsa review below is relevant to the Mia since they are the same bike except for the step through frame. See Novara Corsa Review at REI for more information and additional customer reviews...

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 Mia Women's Comfort Bike Features:

• Frame - aluminum
• Fork RST suspension, 50mm travel
  
• Crankset SR Suntour 48/38/28
  
• Shifters SRAM 3.0
  
• Front derailleur Shimano C051
  
• Rear derailleur SRAM X3
  
• Rear cogs SRAM PG-830 11-32, 8-speed
  
• Number of gears 24
  
• Brakes Tektro Linear Pull
  
• Brake levers Tektro
  
• Rims Weinmann XTB-26
  
• Tires Kenda fast comfort 700x40
  
• Handlebar Aluminum riser
  
• Stem Quill
  
• Seat post Aluminum suspension, 40mm travel
  
• Saddle Velo Comfort
  
• Pedals Comfort platform
  
• Gender Womens
  

More helpful online bike sales resources:

See Best Buy Bikes Online - for the latest sales and deals on quality brand names bikes for sale online.

Most popular bike brands in US - WIth so many bicycle manufacturers, bicycle types and popular brand names sold in the US, that it can be difficult to find a comprehensive summary of the top 20 bike most popular bike brands.

See Online Bike Stores - for a complete listing of where to purchase the most popular brands for all bike types online.

Recommended Hybrid Bike Brands and Online Bike Sites

** REI.com - Cycling has a great selection of Cannondale, Raleigh, Scott, and Novara brand Hybrid Bikes that you can buy online. FREE shipping with REI store pickup or REI membership.

* Performance Bicycle has a nice selection of comfort and hybrid bicycles for sale online including Schwinn, K2, Mongoose, GT,and Dahon brand bikes. Bikes can be delivered to your home or to a Performance store for FREE shipping.

See Bikes at Wal-Mart for a good selection of hybrid and comfort bikes at very low prices. Walmart offers Schwinn, Kent, Mongoose, and Huffy brand hybrid bikes for sale online.