Novara Gotham 2012 City Bike Review

Price $1299 USD

Find it at rei.com

Available in Rei stores across the US and online

The Gotham is a cromoly steel frame bicycle with 700c wheels and a sloping top tube. It is a fully kitted out city bicycle with smooth, shiny aluminum fenders and chainguard, a sturdy black rack with an integrated light, front light powered by a Shimano hub dynamo, Shimano mechanical disk brakes, swept back Metropolis handlebars, ergonomic cork grips, bell, kickstand, and a Gates carbon drive paired with a NuVinci rear hub, making this bike extremely low maintenance from winter grime.

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Quiet as a mouse, the belt drive, with NuVinci hub makes this bicycle ride exceptionally smooth and free of the regular click clack clonks that are usually heard on a bicycle after it has been ridden for a few weeks or months. You can change gears even at a full stop.

Wish List

I wish that the rear taillight was connected to the hub dynamo and that there were more low-end gear options to make this bike suitable even for those riding in hillier cities like Vancouver.

Ideal Rider

The sloping top tube allows for an easy step over, making it well suited for both men and women. This bicycle is ideal for the city rider who wants their ride to consistently work well.

Overall

The Gotham is a thoughtful full-featured upright city bicycle that keeps the rider clean and dry. I felt comfortable riding to work in my suit and tie knowing I would not get dirty.

This bike was generously put together by JV Bike in Vancouver, BC. jvbike.com