novara, randonee or verita?

[alex hansen]

Im looking at buying a bike for commuting the 17ish mile ride to work and also use for light tours. Currently im considering the novara randonnee, and the verita. As an rei employee i get a significant discount on them so thats why i started with those two, but im open to other ideas if they are in the 700$ range.

As a bicycle noob, what things can you all offer to help me make a decision?

People say i need a steel frame to tour, is this true? I feel like it should be similar to backpacking, light load means light pack. Right? Same thing apply to bicycles?

[Eric Douglas]

Alex–

I looked at the specs for the randonee & verita and can offer a few thoughts:

The Verita looks like more of a go-fast bike, with no room for larger tires and a geometry that is not intended for load carrying. Fine for what it is, but I would not want to tour on it.

The Randonee looks like a fine touring bike. The only thing thing I don't like is the 10 speed components–9 speed chains being stronger and less finicky than 9 speed–but certainly not a deal killer–plenty of people tour with such drivetrains. If you get an employee discount, I looks like a good deal.

REI also sells the Surly Long Haul Trucker. If can get the employee discount for it–I would very much consider it. I think its a better bike–I would not hesitate to do a cross country tour on it.

Most frame materials are fine for touring–titanium,steel, aluminum, etc. I would only avoid carbon fiber.

As to weight: The key difference between hiking and biking is that in hiking you bear the weight of the pack while with biking your bike bears the weight. Weights matters for touring, but not nearly as much.

Cheers,

Eric

[alex hansen]

thanks for the insight, im hoping to score a super good deal on a 2011 Verita, they are on clearance right now and after discount id get it for about $650. for the amount of touring id do in relation to the amount of commuting id do, i dont feel like a full blown randonee would be the best option for me. the verita should handle the occasional 1-3 night tour and thevery often 15 mile ride to work much better than the randonnee

[Eric Douglas]

Alex:

In my opinion both touring and commuting require the same qualities: The ability to carry a load well, room for tires of at least 35mm and overall stability. The ability to mount fenders is a big plus.

I disagree that the Verita will handle a commute better. I can't think of any reason it would. The Randonee will be more stable, dryer (with fenders) and just as fast–Actually, possible faster, as some studies have shown that 32-35c tires are often faster
than more narrow tires.

By the way, I'm no expert– However, I commute about 30 miles a day and I've done many manymulti week tours. I've been riding for about 30 years and I've built every bike I've owned–even designed most of the frames I presently own. Again, this does mean that my opinion is right, but I have come by it honestly.

Regards,

Eric

thanks for the insight, im hoping to score a super good deal on a 2011 Verita, they are on clearance right now and after discount id get it for about $650. for the amount of touring id do in relation to the amount of commuting id do, i dont feel like a full blown randonee would be the best option for me. the verita should handle the occasional 1-3 night tour and thevery often 15 mile ride to work much better than the randonnee

[Mitchell Rossman]

I completely agree with Eric in all aspects. The LHT is the bike to buy. If you want other opinions, post your query on BikeForums.

[Eric Douglas]

Alex–

I think the suggestion to seek other opinions on other forum might be worthwhile. If you choose to do so, my favorite forum is at:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!forum/internet-bob

It's in my opinion the best bike forum around–nice folks who really know their stuff and are quite helpful with "newbies".

Regards,

Eric

[James Couch]

Alex,

I will go against the grain here and give you a counter opinion.

I think he Verita is a great commuting bike and one of my favorite Novara models. It will accommodate 28c tires with fenders just fine which works well for commuting most places. For 1-3 day light tours (similar to light backpacking) loads it would work fine as well. Handling is more nimble than the Randonee, makes it a lot more fun to ride when you are not carrying a touring load and it handles fine with moderate loads. If you load it down with heavy touring loads the handling would not be so good and you would want wider tires at that point.

The Long Haul Trucker has a cult legendary status, and it is a great long distance touring bike, but heavy with 'ponderous' handling. Great for the person who wants to do long tours with all of the comforts (think traditional backpacker) but not much fun to ride unloaded in my opinion. It is not so much that it is actually slower, but because of the heavy frame and long wheelbase it feels slow.

I would prefer something lighter and more nimble for both touring and especially for commuting, but keep in mind I often commute on a road racing bike when the weather is good. :)

As for steel as a frame material, not absolutely necessary for touring, but I prefer the ride of steel frames over most other materials myself for any kind of bike. Titanium can be nice as well, but will certainly be far more expensive.

Feel free to PM if you have more questions. I have worked in the bike industry for over 30 years and currently work at the Clackamas (#102) REI as a Sales Lead and CE trainer.

[alex hansen]

Thanks everyone for your insights. I think I may need to give them both a test ride. I previously owned a randonee until it was stolen a couple years ago. (There's a special type of hell designed for bike thieves) I remember it feeling very slow to me and think I may prefer the more nimble verita.

Thanks jim for going against the grain. I am a sales spec in roseville ca. #74 in camping ,clothing , footwear, and very occasionally action sports.

[Joshua Billings]

I like the randonee front crankset. The long haul trucker disc is sweet too.

[Will Elliott]

Some thoughts on geometry and the LHT in particular

The touring bike is overkill for commuting. It really is a load monster. The geometry is great for keeping you and 40 lbs of stuff going in a straight line when you are really tired. It is not zippy. For me, commuting is a lot of starts, stops, and dodging stuff in the road. A touring bike works against you in these situations. I got rid of mine. It was like using a big Kelty external frame pack for day hikes.

If you are set on Surly, try the cross check and leave the steertube uncut for a more upright position.

A mini front rack (eg, Soma, $30) and bungie cords are lighter and cheaper than a rear rack and bags.

Have fun on your new bike!

[Will Elliott]

RE: touring bikes

Aa friend rode from Alaska to Florida on a steel cyclocross bike pulling a BOB trailer. Take the trailer off and he still has a fun bike. It's like putting a roof box on your rally car— no need to go out and buy a separate minivan when you need more luggage room.

[Don Morris]

I am a happy commuter and tourer on my Surly LHT. Sometimes I have carried a fairly appreciable load when commuting, and I like the stability of a touring frame

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