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Date: 09 Jan 2006 13:36:20
From: Ken M
Subject: More test rides - RANS
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Well I just got back from a 80 mile car trip to a RANS dealer. First
impressions, even to a none bent owner(yet) I can definately tell the
difference between the SUNs and RANS. I test rode a STRATUS and a V-REX.
Judging from my short parking lot test ride, the STRATUS feels like a
good long haul bike. But seemed to have some fit adjustment issues, as I
was making a u-turn, while pedaling my right knee tapped the brake
lever. I don't know exactly where an adjustment would be made to correct
that. But overall it was a fine bike. It will stay in my short list of
possible bike to buy. But I think I will look for a used one if I decide
to buy a STRATUS. The $1600 price tag was a bit out of my range, by
about $600.
The V-REX is definately a short wheel base, much less of a turning
radius. I liked the seating and the higher BB height. And the flip
forward stem design was a nice feature. Until I rode the V-REX I was
only considering a LWB bike, but after riding a quality SWB, I have
changed my mind and will consider a SWB bent. But again I think the
V-REX is outside of my price range.
A couple of questions: First SWB bikes, do you get chain rub off on your
pant leg if you ride in anything other than cycling
(lycra/spandex)shorts or tight / pants. Second how are SWBs for touring?
I have done a 1100+ mile tour on a df hybrid, and might want to do some
touring on my first bent.
Thanks for any feedback.
Ken
P.S. The above is a copy of a message I posted on BROL.
--
Quit? You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed
with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with
the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike
and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a
good reason to quit. So what are you dying of that's keeping you from
the finals? - Lance Armstrong in "Dodgeball - A true underdog story"
Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/
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Date: 09 Jan 2006 18:02:49
From: Johnny Sunset
Subject: Re: More test rides - RANS
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Ken M wrote:
> Well I just got back from a 80 mile car trip to a RANS dealer. First
> impressions, even to a none bent owner(yet) I can definately tell the
> difference between the SUNs and RANS. I test rode a STRATUS and a V-REX.
>
> Judging from my short parking lot test ride, the STRATUS feels like a
> good long haul bike. But seemed to have some fit adjustment issues, as I
> was making a u-turn, while pedaling my right knee tapped the brake
> lever. I don't know exactly where an adjustment would be made to correct
> that. But overall it was a fine bike. It will stay in my short list of
> possible bike to buy. But I think I will look for a used one if I decide
> to buy a STRATUS. The $1600 price tag was a bit out of my range, by
> about $600.
RANS offers different handlebars and steering risers, so you should be
able to find something that works:
<http://www.shoprans.com/Handlebars.asp >.
> The V-REX is definately a short wheel base, much less of a turning
> radius. I liked the seating and the higher BB height. And the flip
> forward stem design was a nice feature. Until I rode the V-REX I was
> only considering a LWB bike, but after riding a quality SWB, I have
> changed my mind and will consider a SWB bent. But again I think the
> V-REX is outside of my price range.
I rode the RANS V-Rex and RANS Rocket back to back several times, and
ended up taking a Rocket home with me, as I preferred it independent of
price.
> A couple of questions: First SWB bikes, do you get chain rub off on your
> pant leg if you ride in anything other than cycling
> (lycra/spandex)shorts or tight / pants. Second how are SWBs for touring?
> I have done a 1100+ mile tour on a df hybrid, and might want to do some
> touring on my first bent.
If you want to keep your right leg clean, add a chain tube.
The V-Rex (or Rocket) will make an excellent touring bike with the
addition of a HT rear rack (for the light but bulky items) and the Easy
Reacher under seat rack for the heavier, more compact items. You do not
want to put too much weight behind the rear axle:
<http://www.shoprans.com/Racks.asp >.
See also <http://www.phred.org/~alex/bikes/rocket.html >.
--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley
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Date: 09 Jan 2006 16:58:53
From:
Subject: Re: More test rides - RANS
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Ken, I have a 99 Stratus with over 25000 miles on it. You won't regret
buying this bike.... I found this bike in the classified section at
Hostelshoppe.com. Check it out. THe owner is asking $800. That's a
good price.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/122839170.html
Jim Reilly
Reading, PA
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Date: 10 Jan 2006 06:44:05
From: Jon Meinecke
Subject: Re: More test rides - RANS
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<jreilly@enter.net > wrote...
> Ken, I have a 99 Stratus with over 25000 miles on it. You won't regret
> buying this bike.... I found this bike in the classified section at
> Hostelshoppe.com. Check it out. THe owner is asking $800. That's a
> good price.
>
> http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/122839170.html
>
That link currently goes to a page titled "RANS Stratus Recumbent
2002 Dark Green - $800", but the pictures of linked form that page
show a red SWB RANS (Rocket), not a LWB RANS Stratus...
There is a red RANS Stratus listed at:
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/122996930.html
Jon Meinecke
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Date: 10 Jan 2006 06:48:37
From: Jon Meinecke
Subject: Re: More test rides - RANS
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"Jon Meinecke" <jonmein@nospam.not > wrote in message
news:43c3ac16$0$21544$6d36acad@fe5.nntpserver.com...
> <jreilly@enter.net> wrote...
> > Ken, I have a 99 Stratus with over 25000 miles on it. You won't regret
> > buying this bike.... I found this bike in the classified section at
> > Hostelshoppe.com. Check it out. THe owner is asking $800. That's a
> > good price.
> >
> > http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/122839170.html
> >
>
> That link currently goes to a page titled "RANS Stratus Recumbent
> 2002 Dark Green - $800", but the pictures of linked form that page
> show a red SWB RANS (Rocket), not a LWB RANS Stratus...
Ooops, I stand corrected, -- scroll down on the pitcure page to see
the Stratus pictures...
Jon Meinecke
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