I have had the Novak for 9 months and ride most days. A great multi purpose bike. I clip on my pannier for shopping trips, sprint around town and sometimes ride the 29 miles to work when the mood takes me. The frame soaks up the rough British country roads and the gears help on the hills. Nothing has gone wrong with this bike since I got it! The more I ride it, the more I love it.

Posted by: MJ Simmons | July 20, 2010 -1:57 am

Great dimensions, great components, comfortable seat. Sturdy commuting bike, but hubgear makes rear wheel heavy and 3rd gear is too noisy. I love it, though.

Posted by: Zoltan Giricz | June 08, 2010 10:59 am

This is the first new bike I've ever owned. Previously, most new commuter/all-purpose bikes I saw were a combo of the following: aluminum, derailered, 21+ geared, suspensioned, with a NASCAR-level of gaudy graphics. I wondered where I could find a good quality, rigid steel, derailer-less, all-season, multi-purpose bike with about 3 speeds...was simplicity too much to ask for? Then I discovered and joined the Swobo Novak support group for individuals who thought they were crazy for wanting a more practical and elegant bike than what was typically offered. Thank you, Swobo.

Posted by: Nate | February 16, 2010 9:49 am

I was just getting into riding earlier this year when I bought this bike. I was riding it for a few weeks before I tore my ACL during a freak kickball incident (yes, that is a true story). A while after my replacement surgery I started riding it again. It has helped me rehab so well! I love this bike! One of the best purchases I've made in a while!

Posted by: Cliff McCurley | November 04, 2009 -1:34 am

i got my bike last november, and after an ankle injury, am just getting into riding it regularly. i don't really know much about bikes, but all of my bike-riding friends have geeked out to the max on this bike. it's not too heavy, and i've found that three speeds is just enough for me. the internal hub is easy to maintain, and i am just all-around happy with this purchase. i look forward to riding it every time.

Posted by: Samin | April 22, 2009 -2:27 am

This is really the best bike I have ever ridden, A friend of mine purchased the bike then decided they needed a lighter bike so it was sold to me, I was jazzed at the chance to get a really nice bike that I could not otherwise splurge on...but it was the best purchase ever..it is simply a smooth ride, very responsive handling,perfect in the city..its just super fun to ride, I would suggest that you get another seat, not the most comfortable seat, and the rear light will be have to be taken off because its hard to lower seat..you can always purchase a new rear seat light...other than those two very small gripes this is a GREAT bike

Posted by: Anon | October 26, 2008 8:14 pm

Got my Novak last February and have about 500 miles on it, mostly commuting over the summer. It's a really good functional bike and has classic good looks, especially with the fenders. Had one of the screw eyes break off the rear fork early on, but I got a longer screw and put it together with the rear rack stay. The 3-speed hub works great, all the gears I need. Recommended.

Posted by: Doug | September 24, 2008 5:28 pm

Got the bike in december to replace a stolen Marin, and love the 3spd. vs that marin 21spd. less thinking. bike to work 2x per week — love the bike.

Posted by: WDH3 | September 24, 2008 7:45 am

6 stars! (This is like turning the volume to 11.) This bike is a smooth cruising machine that looks as good as it rides. I have the silver fenders just to complete the sparkly picture. Not the easiest way to get up a big hill, but it will get you there if you are willing to work.

Posted by: Laurel Hunter | September 23, 2008 1:22 pm

5 stars. Best commuter ever. Added fenders, a front CETMA rack with gigantic front Wald wire basket, (zip tied on of course) and rear racks. Like another poster one of my fender tabs came off but doubling up (fenders and rack) on the remaining tab. Seems to be holding. Rear internal hub is perfect for Seattle city riding. Steering is precise, ride is smooth and the chain guard is great for those trips to the store when wearing jeans. Every morning I am stoked to get on the Novack. Highly recommended.

Posted by: Erik Anderson | September 23, 2008 9:46 am

Fantastic bike- been commuting on it every day since I got it (4 months). 3spd internal hub is ideal for the commute, and adding fenders, rack and panniers was a breeze. One fender tab did tear off, but customer service has been exquisite. Kinda squirrely steering, but nice when you need to take a quick corner that snuck up on you. Integrated post light constrains how low you can drop the saddle, so buy a size down if you're unsure. Absolutely the best commuter I've ridden, I highly recommend it.

Posted by: Eric Jankowski | September 23, 2008 8:13 am

Yeah, pretty much the greatest bike I've ever owned. Fast, fun to ride, and the bottle opener just kicks A$$. Gets me around Chicago in style!

Posted by: Jan Hulstedt | September 23, 2008 8:12 am

Wicked killer bike. Takes me where I need to go and doesn't complain. I'd highly suggest a 2am-6am bike ride on this thing. Doesn't get much better than that. Only gripe is that the bottle opener on the seat likes to break the neck off the bottle instead of taking the cap off. Oh well, I'll still drink the beers like that. Makes the bottle look more manly.

Posted by: Ryan Reese | September 23, 2008 7:44 am