When I began assembling what I needed to become a bicycle
tourist I did it slowly while trying to balance cost and quality. Because I had
given up car ownership two years ago I felt comfortable with investing money in
better equipment. This idea grew when I finally had a bike suitable for the
task of long distance touring.
There are better and more expensive bikes than my Novara
Safari, but it exceeds adequate. I’d wrestled with the pros and cons of its
aluminum main frame then found that for 2011 it had been reborn as all
chromoly. It offers high value versus its cost, which was significantly less
that the list price of $899. At 20% off and free shipping I could avoid a trip
to Atlanta to purchase it and have the bike I’d wanted since I conceived the
idea of hitting the road after retiring. The only other bike I considered was
the Salsa Fargo, but at $1600, it cost more than I had saved when the Safari
was offered at a discount.
Since purchasing the Safari in April 2011, I have ridden
about 4000 miles (3916), mainly weekday commuting. I have made additions and
adjustments to make commuting better and to prepare for my first tour up the
East Coast.
Delta Riser for too low handlebars.
Ortlieb Back Roller Plus Panniers.
Tubus Tara front rack
Ortlieb Front Roller Plus Panniers.
Ortlieb Ultimate 5L Handlebar bag.
Brooks B-17 Saddle
Schwalbe Marathon Plus HS348, 700c x 38
Princeton EOS Headlight
Planet Bike Superflash Taillight light, which was stolen and
replaced with P/B Blinky 3 LED Taillight
SKS Chromoplastic fenders, Black
Topeak Road Morph G Bike Pump and Gauge
Four Delta Inox Water Bottle Cages
Click-Stand
Minoura SGL - 300 Accessory Bar
Lezyne tool
Some things had to be replaced or serviced;
Handlebar tape.
Pedals
Chain
Cane Creek Head set (probably because it was not properly
installed. )
Bottom bracket was loose.
Brake pads rear at 2190 and front at 3000.
Original Continental Town Tires in 700c x 42 were still
serviceable but I wanted to experience Schwalbes in a narrower size.
Replaced original pedals which were inadequate and screws
loosened.
The total cost for everything as of January is about $2200.
I have invested about 700 in camping/touring gear, including;
Big Agnes Lynx 3 tent
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag
WhisperLite Internationale, MSR-11780
Snowpeak Titanium Hybrid Summit Solo, SCS-004th
SnowPeak Spork, SCT-004
MSR Fuel Bottle, 887 ml, MSR-11832
Ortlieb PD 350 Dry bag
Adventure Cycling maps for East Coast.
After nearly 4000 miles I believe I made the right choice.
It is a helluva bike. I also have the best friendly neighborhood bike shop.
