REI Novara Aspen Safe to Ride?
01-11-20, 08:02 PM
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REI Novara Aspen Safe to Ride?
I have an chro-moly frame REI Novara Aspen that I've ridden off and on over the years without any problems.
However, I just read that several people sued REI for Novaras breaking their frames, especially when running over debris on the street.
I don't see any damage on my frame, but I'm concerned.
What should I be looking for in my Aspen?
Thanks
However, I just read that several people sued REI for Novaras breaking their frames, especially when running over debris on the street.
I don't see any damage on my frame, but I'm concerned.
What should I be looking for in my Aspen?
Thanks
01-11-20, 08:56 PM
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I have an chro-moly frame REI Novara Aspen that I've ridden off and on over the years without any problems.
However, I just read that several people sued REI for Novaras breaking their frames, especially when running over debris on the street.
I don't see any damage on my frame, but I'm concerned.
What should I be looking for in my Aspen?
Thanks
However, I just read that several people sued REI for Novaras breaking their frames, especially when running over debris on the street.
I don't see any damage on my frame, but I'm concerned.
What should I be looking for in my Aspen?
Thanks
01-11-20, 09:00 PM
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I think I would be more concerned about not riding over derbies. Andy
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01-11-20, 09:13 PM
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Call REI and see if there is a recall or replace.
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01-11-20, 09:18 PM
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Update
Thanks for your reply. I don't know the bike's year. I also couldn't find any recalls, though the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website is not easy to search.
So far, I found the only recall being unrelated to the Aspen: the 2005 Triofono's carbon fiber fork.
However, there were lawsuits over another Novara's aluminum frame breaking in the triangle. It's from news reports of the time and lacks specifity.
Any other ideas on how to find out?
So far, I found the only recall being unrelated to the Aspen: the 2005 Triofono's carbon fiber fork.
However, there were lawsuits over another Novara's aluminum frame breaking in the triangle. It's from news reports of the time and lacks specifity.
Any other ideas on how to find out?
Last edited by FirstDahon; 01-11-20 at 09:39 PM.
01-11-20, 09:50 PM
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Thanks for your reply. I don't know the bike's year. I also couldn't find any recalls, though the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website is not easy to search.
So far, I found the only recall being unrelated to the Aspen: the 2005 Triofono's carbon fiber fork.
However, there were lawsuits over another Novara's aluminum frame breaking in the triangle. It's from news reports of the time and lacks specifity.
Any other ideas on how to find out?
So far, I found the only recall being unrelated to the Aspen: the 2005 Triofono's carbon fiber fork.
However, there were lawsuits over another Novara's aluminum frame breaking in the triangle. It's from news reports of the time and lacks specifity.
Any other ideas on how to find out?
You don't even provide the year of your bike.
If it has Shimano equipment look up the date code on it.
Last edited by Bill Kapaun; 01-11-20 at 09:53 PM.
01-11-20, 10:11 PM
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I don't know the year the bike was made, because I bought it used about 10 years ago.
On the underside of the bottom bracket, there's a paper serial number that is faded and says 08910198. It has center pull brakes, "CRMO Frame Tubing" and "Made in Taiwan" labels on the seat tube, Shimano Altus front derailleurs, Shimano Acera rear derailleurs, 3 sprockets in the front and 7 sprockets in the rear.
On the underside of the bottom bracket, there's a paper serial number that is faded and says 08910198. It has center pull brakes, "CRMO Frame Tubing" and "Made in Taiwan" labels on the seat tube, Shimano Altus front derailleurs, Shimano Acera rear derailleurs, 3 sprockets in the front and 7 sprockets in the rear.
01-11-20, 11:12 PM
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Catastrophic steel frame failures are extremely rare. Many that are claimed as such turn out to be many miles of use during which cracks are growing, often with failure to keep up with basic maintenance (and the chance to find/monitor a crack during cleaning).
This bike is ideal as a family rec. one. Good choice for a low cost ride that's stored off site (vacation home, distant family, the boat) Andy
This bike is ideal as a family rec. one. Good choice for a low cost ride that's stored off site (vacation home, distant family, the boat) Andy
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01-11-20, 11:28 PM
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I don't know the year the bike was made, because I bought it used about 10 years ago.
On the underside of the bottom bracket, there's a paper serial number that is faded and says 08910198. It has center pull brakes, "CRMO Frame Tubing" and "Made in Taiwan" labels on the seat tube, Shimano Altus front derailleurs, Shimano Acera rear derailleurs, 3 sprockets in the front and 7 sprockets in the rear.
On the underside of the bottom bracket, there's a paper serial number that is faded and says 08910198. It has center pull brakes, "CRMO Frame Tubing" and "Made in Taiwan" labels on the seat tube, Shimano Altus front derailleurs, Shimano Acera rear derailleurs, 3 sprockets in the front and 7 sprockets in the rear.
You can Google that.
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01-12-20, 01:35 AM
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01-12-20, 01:35 AM
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I have snapped a couple of aluminum frames. One terribly at the bottom bracket area on a climb. Another at the rear triangle. Neither was a catastrophic failure. Could not be ridden back but nothing exploded!
01-12-20, 06:42 AM
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Unless, of course, there is evidence of recalls or successful lawsuits....
Unless, of course, there is evidence of recalls or successful lawsuits....
01-12-20, 08:18 AM
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You say the lawsuit was for an aluminum frame and yours is Cr-Mo so it's unlikely to be part of the problem. As recommended above, contact REI with your bike's description and serial number and ask them.
01-12-20, 08:19 AM
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Lawsuits often come from a feeling of being wronged. If one's something breaks and causes some loss (skin, work, bike) then it's human nature to want to blame someone (else).
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