Novara Safari year???
02-27-21, 12:55 AM
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Novara Safari year???
I just just purchased a Novara Safari thats was in practically new condition from a local bike shop for $580 out the door with taxes. I tried to research the bike year, model and blue book value before buying, but couldn't find much on how to identify certain years. The seller said the bike was in practically new condition and appeared to be hardly ridden. Im curious if I got a fair price and how can I identify the year of it?
Thanks!
Scott
Thanks!
Scott
Last edited by Djscottlapinski; 02-27-21 at 12:59 AM. Reason: Spelling check
02-27-21, 04:46 AM
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Get to 10 posts and post a photo. I have 2 of the brown colored frames like this. I think the "Safari" model ended in 2016 iirc.
Posting some specifics such as frame color, model of derailleurs, hubs and tires might help someone date it.
They are good solid bikes. $580 for a capable touring bike spec'd as Safaris were seems like a fair price. Good luck with yours.
Last edited by stevel610; 02-27-21 at 05:01 AM.
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02-27-21, 07:38 AM
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Correct. The Safari was discontinued after 2016.
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02-27-21, 09:09 AM
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Thanks for the info! I will try and post some pictures of the bike when I get to 10 posts. The frame is made of aluminum so I'm guessing its on the older side since the newer models appeared to be steel.
02-27-21, 09:43 AM
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02-27-21, 10:25 AM
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I think it’s the other way around: older are steel, more recent are aluminium. I looked at Safari for awhile— bought a Buzz— and think REI really improved that bike nicely over the years. The alu ones are pretty cool, I think.
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02-27-21, 10:37 AM
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I just looked on one of the handlebar gear shifters and saw the date T02FEB09. I'm guessing it's an 2009? Pretty old bike for $500+! The guy at the shop said they don't really look at years but the condition it's in and how many miles it's looked to be ridden.
02-27-21, 11:11 AM
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02-27-21, 11:31 AM
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02-27-21, 12:16 PM
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You can put pictures in an album in your gallery and we can post them here for you.
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02-27-21, 08:29 PM
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John
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02-27-21, 08:43 PM
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Last edited by Darth Lefty; 02-27-21 at 08:56 PM.
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02-28-21, 12:02 AM
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Mine is a 2012 approx. Aluminum frame. $ I paid $425 for it 2014. They are awesome bikes, imho. I toured mine down the CA coast and it is still one of my go-to commuter bikes. I love it.
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02-28-21, 07:36 AM
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Former REI employee here. The Safari didn't change much from year to year. Novara/REI don't make brand new models every year, so the Safari was the same bike for several years. I worked there 2013-2015 and the brown one with 29" wheels and v-brakes was still "new" when I started.
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02-28-21, 10:02 AM
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how on earth did you find this and how far back do they go? I’ve been trying to figure out the year/model of my high school bike which was probably something around 89-91. An Arriba or Arroyo or Aspen. I don’t expect to find a PDF but there must have been catalogs for C&Vers to scan
https://www.google.com/search?q=2009+novara+safari&rlz=1CAKVPC_enUS837&oq=2009&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i60l3.2162j0j7&so urceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
02-28-21, 10:21 AM
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how on earth did you find this and how far back do they go? I’ve been trying to figure out the year/model of my high school bike which was probably something around 89-91. An Arriba or Arroyo or Aspen. I don’t expect to find a PDF but there must have been catalogs for C&Vers to scan
02-28-21, 10:31 AM
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Former REI employee here. The Safari didn't change much from year to year. Novara/REI don't make brand new models every year, so the Safari was the same bike for several years. I worked there 2013-2015 and the brown one with 29" wheels and v-brakes was still "new" when I started.
02-28-21, 10:46 AM
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These bottom out at '04 so still interested in 1989-91 ish stuff - like when the Ponderosa got yellow with a suspension fork, that's the one my dad had.
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02-28-21, 12:07 PM
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02-28-21, 12:16 PM
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As long as you are happy about it, it was a fair price to pay. What will finding out you were a patsy do for you?
My younger son several years ago bought a late 80's model Schwinn Paramount in great condition for 150 bucks. It had been well ridden by a person that raced it, but it was also well cared for.
My younger son several years ago bought a late 80's model Schwinn Paramount in great condition for 150 bucks. It had been well ridden by a person that raced it, but it was also well cared for.
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04-14-21, 02:45 PM
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Looks like a 2014 to me, based upon the color and the configuration. They sold for about $1150 when new. Its a formidable touring bike - VERY long wheelbase, adequate gearing (although I would change the11/32 for an 11/34), built for either rim or disc brakes, and an substantial aluminum rear rack. Your bike is a long distance touring machine - load it up and hit the road!
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04-17-21, 08:49 AM
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Thank you for the post and info! Very much appreciated! I finally found out that its a 2009. Kinda old but in such great condition that I couldn't pass it up. I've been loving it so far!👍
