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Novara Forza Bike

Cycling > BicyclesRated: **** by 5 reviews.

REI

The Novara Forza is a sporty comfort bike that runs as efficiently on gravel as it does pavement!

  • Forza is truly all-purpose, as at home cruising to work as it is towing kids in a trailer or hopping curbs on the way to the store
  • Relaxed frame geometry offers stable handling, and the flat handlebar places the rider in a comfortable, upright riding position
  • Rugged and lightweight, the Kinesis 6061 aluminum frame responds quickly to pedal pressure and is easily hoisted for storage or for mounting on a rack
  • RST Neon fork provides 63mm travel to get you over life's little bumps; you can lock it out when a firm ride upfront makes more sense
  • SRAM/Truvativ ISOflow drivetrain provides 24 smooth-shifting gears for an easy transition from steep climbs to fast downhills
  • Tektro brakes and levers deliver reliable stopping power; integrated bell in brake lever alerts cyclists and pedestrians to your whereabouts
  • Kenda EuroTour tires, Alex ACE 17 rims and Formula Alloy hubs provide a big-wheel ride for cruising efficiently along roads and bike lanes
  • Accommodates a rear rack and fenders fore and aft—great for commuting or weekend getaways
  • Specs are subject to change

Bike weight:Why we don't provide weights
Bottom bracket:Truvativ
Brake levers:Tektro Alloy
Brakes:Tektro linear pull
Chain:SRAM PC-38
Crankset:Truvativ ISOflow 48/38/28
Fork:RST Neon, 63mm
Frame:6061 aluminum
Front derailleur:Shimano C102
Front hub:Formula Alloy
Gender:Unisex
Handlebar:Kalloy Flat
Headset:Semi-cartridge
Number of gears:24
Pedals:Platform
Rear cogs:SRAM PG-830 11-30, 8-speed
Rear derailleur:SRAM SX-5
Rear hub:Formula Alloy
Rims:Alex Ace 17
Saddle:Vello
Seat post:Kalloy Alloy
Shifters:SRAM X-4
Stem:Alloy adjustable
Tires:Kenda EuroTour 700x35

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Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
Silver
Silver
Sm (14")549.00
Lrg (18")549.00
Med (16")549.00
Xl (20")549.00

Legend

  •     - REI

Novara Forza Bike Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****0
****5
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Bicycle Reviews.

Reviews:

Fast & Verstile

Rating:****
Living in an area that hosts both paved and gravel paths, the Forza's versatility makes it an excellent choice.

I am a real big fan of the locking option on the forks which allows me to lock them in on paved trails and to open the shocks up for a smooth ride on the gravel.

I swapped out the seat and pedals which made a great improvement to the ones that came stock.

I have been very happy with the bike. It's fast and apart from the components that I swapped out, its very well made. I have put about 100 miles on the forza and really had a good time with it. It also pulls a trailor well (I pulled my son in a Chariot most of those 100 miles).

Overall, the Forza is a great purchase if you are looking for a well-made hybrid.
stanger at REI on 04/06/2009

Good ride for comutting and cruising

Rating:****
I have the 2008 model. It responds well for commuting to work, the store, and just cruising around town or on graded bike paths such as rails-to-trails paths both paved and graveled. The 2008 model is a bit heavy, and like any other bike, the higher center of gravity when using a backpack can make handling a little less responsive. I have the Topeak Explorer MTX Rack, but have not found the right bag/trunk for my needs. I don't know if this rack accomadates paniers other than Topeak,s trunk with integradted zip-down paniers which I would not trust with my laptop. Topeak does offer a pair of Pannier DryBags, but I have not looked at this other than online. I like the Forza's locking front fork when I am riding on paved roads. Over all this is a good ride for commuting and cruising.
Wandering Loon at REI on 03/14/2009

Enjoyable Ride But Handle with Care

Rating:****
I have had this bike for a couple of weeks now and have enjoyed some trail rides as well as commutes on it. It rides very nicely and is as light as a feather. The only downside is that it has amassed more scratches and paint dings than my mountain bike did in 12 years of regular use. I have tried to be extra careful, but it seems that even transporting my bike on a trunk-mount rack has caused deep gashes in the paint. At least since it's an aluminum frame, it won't rust, I guess.
MNGopher at REI on 05/29/2009

fast and fun

Rating:****
I got this bike three days ago I was surprised how easyly it goes up hills. I love the lock out feature i can go from gravel road to paved road in the swithch of a button.The gears change realy fast but i was going up a hill and the back gear derailer totally snaped off. It was disaponting to have such a great bike with a not so great gear derailer.
bikenhike at REI on 03/23/2009

nice easy ride

Rating:****
this bike is a great addition to a summer activities. rides very well on paved as well as on unpaved roads. quite comfortable: i do not experience any arms numbing as i used to have with other bikes.
zadra5 at REI on 06/27/2009