Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Novara Fusion

Novara Fusion. Available on sale at REI for $589.93 (regularly about $700).

Watch the unveiling of the '09 Fusion on video at Bike Hugger.

Some real nice touches: Internal brakes and shifting; dynamo hub powered dual headlight; tailight, fenders, rear rack.

Specs:

Frame: 6061 Aluminum (Note: It's not clear what frame sizes are available at REI)

Crankset: RPM City Single 46TT

Shifters: Shimano Nexus 8-speed Revo

Brakes: Front and Rear Roller (apparently the '09 model will have disc brakes)

Rear cog: Shimano 21T

Front hub: Shimano Nexus Dynamo

Rear hub: Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal

Rims: Alex ACE 17

Tires: Vittoria Randonneur 700x32

Stem: Kalloy Alloy Adjustable

Handlebar: Kalloy Cozy Comfort

Seat post: Post Moderne Suspension

Saddle: Velo Fast Comfort

Pedals: Alloy Platform

Chain: Shimano IG31

Weight: 34 pounds

Good deal.

Monday, September 15, 2008

The "San Jos8," from Harris Cyclery

The San Jose is terrific bike, but if one gear just doesn't do it for you, Harris Cyclery will set it up with Shimano's Nexis 8-speed internally geared hub and shifter. With some lights and fenders, this bike approaches an ideal drop-bar all-rounder. The idea came from Sheldon Brown, which is reason enough to try it: The San Jos8, at Harris Cyclery.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Bianchi San Jose

The Bianchi San Jose is a single speed available at Capitol Hill Bikes for $700. They call it a "simple, worry-free, do-it-all" bike.

2008 Specs

Frame: Double-butted CrMo; sizes: 44-49-52-55-58-61
Crankset: Sugino 42T
Chain: KMC Z30
Sprocket: Shimano SF-MX30
Wheels: Alex Solo Track
Tires: WTB All Terrainasaurus 700 x 32C
Brakes: Cane Creek SCX-5

Pretty simple. Add fenders and a rack and call it a day.