Bicycles Online > Comfort and Hybrid Bikes > Novara Buzz Hybrid Bike Review

Novara Buzz Bike Review
Affordable Hybrid for Local Rides and Commuting

The Novara Buzz is a very affordable multi purpose bike that falls into the Hybrid category that leans more towards a comfortable, upright position road bike than towards a mountain bike. 2013 Novara Buzz Hybrid

Some hybrid bikes come with front suspension and sometimes with disc brakes and lean much more towards traditional mountain bikes.

The Novara Buzz, on the other hand, does not have the heavier front suspension or disc brakes ~ except for the Novara Big Buzz model ~ keeping it lighter and faster than other hybrid bikes and it definitely leans more towards a road bike.

Although Novara is an REI store brand bike and is very affordable ~ especially when on sale or combined with the other REI deals ~ these bikes are actually made very well and come with good components. The Novara Buzz, for example comes with both SRAM and Shimano components.

Note: The 2014 Novara Buzz is no longer available online as new. REI has replaced the Novara brand with the Co-Op brand.

REI claims that the Novara Buzz is best for commuting and touring, which is fine, but the Buzz can also handle light trail rides ~ paved, dirt, grass or crushed stone ~ just fine too.

The Novara Buzz is a 27 speed bike with a unisex frame design and a steel frame. The steel frame is going to be heavier than an aluminum frame, of course, but Novara keeps everything else fairly basic which keeps this bike from being too heavy.

Novara Buzz Model Comparisons:

The 2012 Novara Buzz Bikes have 3 price/component/design levels. The Novara Buzz One is a one speed bike (no gears) and is the least expensive. The Novara Buzz is the mid-range model and the Novara Big Buzz is the high-end and the most expensive.

Below is a ball park summary of the major differences among the 3 Novara Buzz models for 2012.

  • The Novara Buzz One comes with a Steel Frame, has only One Gear (so there are no shifting components) and linear pull brakes.
  • The Novara Buzz comes with a Steel Frame, has 24 Gears, Shimano and SRAM components and linear pull brakes.
  • The Novara Big Buzz comes with an Aluminum Frame, has 27 Gears, SRAM components and has hydraulic disc brakes.

There are, of course, other differences in the Novara Buzz models but I believe that the biggest differences are those listed above. See the REI link above for more detailed specifications or to use their comparison feature.

About-Bicycles Review:

The Novara Buzz is a good quality hybrid bike designed more for the road than for the trails. What you get is a fast and sturdy bike that handles commuting, running errands and urban/suburban riding very well.

Regarding the 3 Novara Buzz models, the original Novara Buzz is probably the best selection for a decent hybrid at a good price. The Novara Big Buzz has the best features of the 3 models but is priced a little high for what you get (unless you get a good price on this one).

I would not really recommend the Novara Buzz ONE, because of the one gear limitation, for anything other than a really basic and durable knock around bike.

Overall the Novara Buzz (the original) is a good selection for a quality Hybrid Bike ~ that leans more towards a road bike ~ at an affordable price. I would recommend this bike when you are looking for this style of hybrid bike and want to keep your costs down.

Customer Reviews:

The Novara Buzz has been around for quite some time now and there are no shortage of Customer Reviews for prior year models although there are currently no reviews on the 2013 model (as of our latest update).

I would suggest checking out the latest reviews at the REI links ton this page for the most detailed customer information.

See the Novara Buzz at REI links (above) for specifications on the other Novara Buzz models.