input on rans fusion lineup

[jeebus]

I'm looking into getting my first non-cheap bike, and would
like to get some input from people who might already own
the types of bikes I'm looking at.

My main goal is that I want a comfortable bike that I like
to ride frequently, including both commutes and recreational
usage. My commute is roughly 15 miles each way. Also I
live on the second floor and want to keep the bike inside,
as expensive as it's going to be (so that pretty well rules
out trikes for instance).

I started off interested in the force 5 LE due to it's
wonderful aerodynamics, but I'm not confident of how well I
would navigate frequent start/stops in traffic in a commute
on such a bike.

My current interest is the rans fusion lineup:
http://www.angletechcycles.com/bikes/hybrid/specifications.htm
I expect I would be happy with the comfort and stability,
and for commuting that's why I'm leaning toward these bikes.

My question is about how well these perform. I'd guess
they offer little aerodynamic benefit like the other
recumbents do.

Would an extra $100 to go from the fusion to the cruz model
be worthwhile to get the slightly higher level components
(mostly sram 7 instead of 5)? And what about tires? 1.95"
on the cruz seems crazy wide to me. I want them thin
enough I'm not just giving up speed for no good reason,
but wide enough to be safe and secure. How hard would it
be to put thinner tires on the cruz, and what would be a
sensible width?

I'm fortunate in that my LBS will order a bike if I express
a solid interest, but I don't want to take advantage of
them and make them bring in everything that happens to catch
my eye. I'd like to get as much certainty as I can online,
then go to them and get the bike shipped in so I can test
ride it to make sure.

[Mild Al]

I was hoping someone would reply to this post, since I had the same basic question. In searching through Bike Forums, I've found only a few posts about the Rans Fusion series. Most of those were positive, but I haven't seen any recent posts.

Could the Fusion series owners give us an update? How do you like them now, after months of riding?

[geebee]

This has been recently heavily discussed at bentrideronline.co look in the forum under general and foot forward.
They say that the fusion style bikes climb very fast and are comfortable, there is a road bike equivalent in the range.

[jimmythefly]

Yes, I think the $100 difference is worth it for the upgrade, considering your commute and if you use it everyday. I'd put more like a 1.5 or 1.35 tire on it, both reasonable. (remember, folks happily commute on 23c road tires).

I have only ridden a fusion for an afternoon, but found it to be like a spork: not really a good fork, nor a good spoon. What I'm saying is that for me, I'd rather either have a nice standard frame style bike, or a full on recumbent. With the fusion I felt I didn't have a nice seatback to push against for really putting power down on sustained hills, yet it was also awkward to try and stand and pedal or even get my torso forward to put my weight over the cranks.

It was big enough that carrying it upstairs would be about the same effort as a SWB, maybe something like a Rans rocket.

I don't own a recumbent, but if I were looking for a non-diamondback riding position, I'd get a recumbent before a fusion. That's my take on it, but you should certainly talk to folks who own them!

[5port]

I own a Giro 20 and a Fusion 26/26.

Carrying the Fusion in and out of the house you put your hand in the middle of the upper frame tube and lift. Since upper frame tube is low you carry the bike with one hand (27 lbs) and it fits thru doors nicely. Easier to carry around then my Giro.

The Fusion is a wonderful mix of bike types. Since I've been riding it I've never found a need to stand on the pedals (on-road riding only). Climbs very well. Tire size at 1.5" seems to fit this bikes purpose well, 100 psi helps there. Once you get the bike set-up correctly you dont miss the seat back. Your back is straight up and arms are straight out in front of you.

The first thing that struck me was the performance available if you want to put out the watts the bike will go. It is more likely to be influenced by winds do to the riding position. Shifting seems smoother than my Giro. Not kidding, I like the shifting on the Fusion better than the Giro 20. I did remove the idler pulley so the drivetrain would be quieter. Brakes work very well and I see no need to upgrade them.

This Bike really surprised me in how much it fits my lifestyle. I prefer the Fusion now for my commutes to work. I split my riding about 50/50 between the Giro and Fusion and find that they both work different muscle groups. I seem to get a more aerobic workout on the Giro and more of a relaxed workout on the Fusion.

I was split between the Cruz and the Fusion before I bought. If I had it to do again I'd go for the Fusion unless you really like the curvy frame on the Cruz. The component level on the Fusion is quite acceptable. Please dont judge these bikes by looking at a picture on a page, They must be test ridden to really see the true value.