Bike models › Cruiser
Novara Transfer: specs, upgrades and what fits
REI's ready-to-commute city bike: chromoly frame and fork, Shimano Nexus 7-speed internally geared rear hub (twist shifter, one 21T sprocket, 42T crank), Tektro V-brakes, a Joytech dynamo front hub powering a Basta headlight, Vittoria Randonneur Cross 700 x 40 tires, plus rack, fenders, taillight and kickstand. Original US price $649. The gears are inside the hub, so it is set up here as single-speed for chain and sprocket parts; the 2011-2012 Transfer kept the Nexus 7 and dynamo but has an easy-mount frame, moustache bar, Shimano V-brakes and 700 x 35 tires, and 2007-2009 Transfers were aluminum. Best for: All-weather commuting and errands.
Put this bike in your garageSee it in 3D
My take, from the specs
Built for daily all-weather commuting, it comes ready with rack, fenders, kickstand, a dynamo front hub that powers the headlight, and a Nexus 7-speed hub that keeps the gears sealed away from road grime. Seven hub gears handle flat and rolling routes well, but the V-brakes on 700 x 40 tires need regular pad checks in wet weather. On a used one, make sure the dynamo light still works, that all seven gears engage without slipping, and look for rust under the fenders and rack.
Sizes: M: 5′7″–5′10″ (170–178 cm)
Stock specs
| Type | Cruiser |
|---|---|
| Year | 2010 |
| Price when new | $649 |
| Sold at | REI (discontinued; common used) |
| Wheels | 700c × 40 mm tires |
| Gears | Single speed · 42/21 |
| Brakes | Tektro Linear pull |
| Fork | Novara Chromoly pinpoint |
| Crank | RPM City single, square taper |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano Square taper |
| Axles | Bolt-on |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Stock colors | Olive Leaf |
Upgrade limits
How far each part can go on this frame, and why. Measure your own bike to confirm the estimated ones.
| Part | Limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Widest tire (current wheel size) | 40 mm | Unknown until measured. Your 25 mm internal rims suit roughly 37–65 mm tires. |
| Other wheel sizes | 700c only | Rim brakes are set to the rim height, so the wheel size cannot change. |
| Tubeless | Not recommended | Tubeless needs a rim built to seal (bead hook + channel) and tubeless-ready tires. |
| Valve type | Unknown | Decides which tubes and pump heads fit. Presta tubes fit Schrader rims with a grommet; not the other way. |
| Replacement wheels | Bolt-on · 100/? mm | Any wheel matching axle type, spacing and brake mount fits. Rear also needs the right freehub. |
| Brake pads (rim) | Threaded-post pads (V-brake / U-brake) | Rim brake pads are sorted by how they mount, which depends on the brake: threaded post with a nut (V-brakes, U-brakes), smooth post in an eye bolt (cantilevers), road cartridges (dual-pivot calipers) or short threaded pads (side-pull calipers). Any compound… |
| Front gears | 1x (42T) | One ring, no front derailleur. Adding a front derailleur needs a mount on the seat tube and a 2x crankset, so most riders change the ring size or cassette instead. |
| Chainring size | Unknown (now 42T) | Estimated from similar frames. Measure the chainring-to-chainstay gap to confirm. Check whether your ring is bolted or riveted. Spindle length (? mm) sets chainline; a big change in ring size may need a different BB spindle. |
| Gear count upgrades | Single speed | One cog and no derailleur. To change the gearing, swap the sprocket or the rear driver/cog (more teeth on the cog = easier pedaling). |
| Cranks & bottom bracket | Square taper · 68 mm shell · ? mm spindle | Any square-taper crankset fits with the right spindle length. Upgrading to Hollowtech II needs a new BB (same threaded shell). |
| Pedal thread | 9/16" × 20 | Every adult multi-piece crank uses 9/16". One-piece kids/cruiser cranks use 1/2". |
| Stems & bars | ? steerer · ? mm bar clamp | Any stem for a 1-1/8" steerer with a 31.8 mm clamp fits. You can cut a bar narrower but not wider. |
| Drop-bar conversion | Possible with mods | Needs road brake/shift levers (microSHIFT R8 makes 8-speed ones that pull Shimano 8-speed cable correctly), a drop bar, tape, and road-pull brake calipers because road levers pull less cable. Usually $250+. |
| Seatposts | ? mm | Buy posts in exactly this diameter. |
| Racks, fenders, bottles | Rack ✓ · Fender ✓ · 0 bottle | Threaded eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays take a rack and fenders. Fork leg mounts take cargo cages. |
| Max load (rider + cargo) | Unknown | Wheels are usually the weak point under heavy loads. Stay under this with rider plus luggage. |
Best upgrades by area
Three options that fit the Novara Transfer as-is in each area, from budget to best. ★ marks the one most worth the money. How we pick. Typical US prices, checked October 2026. They change often: check the price at the store.
Upgrades that fit as-is
Tires
- WTB Byway 700x40 (pair), $$$. 40 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Panaracer GravelKing SK 700x40 (pair), $$$. 40 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Schwalbe Marathon 700x38 (pair), $$$. 38 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Panaracer Pasela 700x38 wire (pair), $$. 38 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Schwalbe Marathon Almotion 700x38 (40-622) V-Guard Addix (pair), $$$. 38 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Continental Contact Urban 700x40 (40-622) wire (pair), $$$. 40 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x40 (2025, pair), $$$. 40 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
- WTB Riddler 700x37 TCS Light (pair), $$$. 37 mm tire ↔ your ~40 mm clearance
Tubes
- Thorn-resistant tubes 700x35-43 (pair), $. 700c wheel size matches
Brakes
- Kool-Stop Salmon V-brake pads, threaded post (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Shimano Deore cartridge V-brake pads (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Jagwire Mountain Pro brake cable kit (Kevlar KEB-SL housing), $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Shimano Deore BR-T610 V-brakes (front + rear), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Shimano S65T V-brake pads, threaded post (2 pairs), $. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Kool-Stop threaded V-brake cartridge holders with salmon inserts (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Shimano Alivio BR-T4000 V-brakes (front + rear), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
Comfort
- Ergon GP1 ergonomic grips, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Budget ergonomic lock-on grips, $. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- WTB Volt saddle, $$. Medium-width shape that suits most riders. Measure sit bones if comfort is the goal.
- Brooks C17 All Weather saddle, $$$. Vulcanized rubber top that flexes like a hammock, and this All Weather version is fully waterproof. No break-in like leather. Firm, not padded: made for long…
- Bikeroo oversized comfort saddle, $. Wide, soft and sprung for short upright rides on cruisers and hybrids. On rides over an hour wide padding can chafe; a firmer saddle that fits your sit bones…
- Ergon GA3 lock-on grips, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle, $$$. Made for a 60° "moderate" back angle (most flat-bar hybrids). Very upright cruisers suit the wider Respiro Relaxed. Standard round steel rails.
- Fizik Terra Argo X5 saddle (150 or 160 mm), $$$. Pick 150 mm for narrower sit bones, 160 mm for wider. Round 7 mm alloy rails fit every standard clamp.
- Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp saddle (men's or women's), $$$. Comes in S/M and M/L widths (measure your sit bones) and men's and women's shapes. Round CroMo rails; 120 kg rider limit.
- Ergon GP5 ergonomic grips with built-in bar ends (S or L), $$$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
Control
- Race Face Chester composite flat pedals, $$. Big platform with pins. Feet stay put on bumps and in rain. Install with an 8 mm hex key (no wrench flats).
- ROCKBROS aluminum flat pedals, $$. Budget metal platform with pins. A big step up from stock plastic.
- Shimano PD-M520 SPD clipless pedals (cleats included), $$. Nearly indestructible two-sided SPD pedals. You also need SPD (2-bolt) shoes, about $60–100 more. Set the release tension low and practice unclipping before…
- Crankbrothers Stamp 2 aluminum flat pedals (small or large), $$$. Sized by shoe: small for US men's 5–10, large for 10 and up. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- OneUp Components Aluminum flat pedals, $$$. Bearings and bushings can be serviced with a cheap kit instead of replacing the pedal. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- Shimano PD-EH500 dual-sided SPD / flat pedals (cleats included), $$$. Comes with SM-SH56 multi-release cleats, which are easier to get out of in a panic. You still need 2-bolt SPD shoes to clip in.
- Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 SPD pedals (cleats included), $$$. Cup-and-cone bearings are fully serviceable and last for years. Shoes with a 2-bolt SPD cleat sold separately.
Utility
- Topeak Explorer rear rack (disc mount), $$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
- USB rechargeable front + rear light set, $$. Daytime flashing lights cut collisions. Required by law at night.
- Pletscher adjustable kickstand, $$. Handy for errands. Check it clears the rotor and chainstay.
- Lisen clamp-style handlebar phone mount, $. Cheap and tool-free for maps on paved rides. On rough gravel or trails a locking mount (Quad Lock or Peak Design, about $45–70 plus a case) is much safer.
- Topeak TopLoader top tube bag (0.75 L), $$. Keeps snacks, keys and a multi-tool within reach. Straps on, with a rain cover. Check your knees do not rub it when you stand up.
- Knog Oi Classic bell, $. Slim ring bell that wraps the bar. Large fits 23.8–31.8 mm bars; Small fits 22.2 mm kids and BMX bars. Required by law in some places.
- Wald 137 front basket, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Planet Bike Beamer 200 + Blinky Squared USB light set, $$. USB rechargeable, tool-free mounts. Use flash mode in daylight. Rear light is 30 lumens: good for town, modest on fast roads.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 + Hotshot Pro 150 USB light set, $$$. Nine headlight modes including a daytime flash. Aim the beam slightly down so you do not blind oncoming riders.
- Trek (Bontrager) Ion Pro RT + Flare RT light set, $$$. Daytime-running flash modes on both lights. ANT+ lets a Garmin or Wahoo show battery and switch them. Full power runs about 1.5 hours; medium lasts much longer.
- Topeak Super Tourist DX Tubular rear rack (disc), $$$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
- Tubus Disco steel rear rack for disc brakes (26" or 28"/700c), $$$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
Drivetrain
- KMC Z410 1/8" single-speed chain (112 links), $. 1-speed chain ↔ your 1-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z1 Wide EPT 1/8" anti-rust single-speed chain, $. 1-speed chain ↔ your 1-speed drivetrain
- KMC K710 Kool Chain 1/8" (BMX / single-speed), $$. 1-speed chain ↔ your 1-speed drivetrain
Fits with small changes (10)
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x35 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Kenda Kwest 700x35 (pair), $$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer Pasela 700x32 wire (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x32 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 700x32 clincher (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer Pasela 700x35 wire (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Stan's NoTubes tire sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Orange Seal Endurance tubeless sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Magura HS11 hydraulic rim brakes with levers (front + rear), $$$. Replaces your brake levers.
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Buying one used? Fair prices
Worked out from the price new ($649), age and condition, not live market data. If it needs tires, a chain or brakes, take off what fixing them would cost.
| Condition | Today (2010 model) |
|---|---|
| Like new | $165–$220 |
| Good | $145–$190 |
| Fair | $120–$155 |
| Needs work | $90–$120 |
See what these really sold for on eBay · Other used bike prices
Geometry (size M)
| Head angle | 69° |
|---|---|
| Seat angle | 72° |
| Chainstay | 457° |
| Wheelbase | 1110 mm |
| Seat tube | 508 mm |
| Standover | 777° |
Compare with
- Schwinn Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c · compare frames side by side
- Huffy Nel Lusso 26" Women's Cruiser · compare frames side by side
- Electra Townie 7D Step-Over (formerly Townie Original 7D) · compare frames side by side
- Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Over · compare frames side by side
Sources: REI (archived): Novara Transfer Bike - 2010 (item 791145) specs, $649 · REI (archived): Novara size chart incl. 2010 Transfer geometry · Bicycle Blue Book: 2010 Novara Transfer spec list · REI (archived): Novara Transfer Bike - 2011 (next version, for comparison)