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.Novara Mia Comfort Bike 2014

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

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:

The 2013 Novara Mia was rated at 4.5 of 5 stars(4.5 of 5 stars) from 5 customers at REI as of the last update on 10/21/2013.

See the REI link above to get the Novara Mia online and New at the lowest price.