Recumbent - Easy Racer: Easy Sport LE - what competitors does this model have?

I'm dead set on purchasing a recumbent this year. I've done quite a bit of research but it is only recently that I have decided on what style of recumbent I would like.

Before I go to a dealer I'd like to know what bike I should cross shop the Easy Sport LE with. Here are the things I love about the bike:

+ Cost under $1,500. $1,500 is my absolute limit. I wish I could go higher but I can't :(
+ The crank is not too high. A Rans Tailwind for example probably has it as high as I'd want it
+ Rear 26" wheel provides a little more comfort on uneven paths/roads
+ Easy to pack inside an SUV w/o taking off any wheels
+ Comes with decent components
+ Not incredibly fast, but not a snail either

- The Rans Tailwind seems alright, but I'm worried about 20" wheels being a bit rough
- The Rans V2 seems a little too long, and the crank is higher than I'd like

Any others competitors that I am not thinking about?

After alot of internet research I had narrowed my choices between two bikes. After trying both bikes I was underwhelmed. I rode a third bike and was still not happy with my choices.

Then I rode a fourth bike with a high bottom bracket and 26/20 wheels. I didn't want to look at high bottom bracket models but that bike is in my garage now. My advice to you is to try as many bikes as you can. You really can't compare bikes by components or features because the overall design gives an overall ride. For $1500, you have alot to choose from. Burly has 4, Bacchetta has 3, Volae has 3, Rans has 3, Lightning has 1, Sun EZ has many.

Ride em all.

I'm dead set on purchasing a recumbent this year. I've done quite a bit of research but it is only recently that I have decided on what style of recumbent I would like.

Before I go to a dealer I'd like to know what bike I should cross shop the Easy Sport LE with. Here are the things I love about the bike:

+ Cost under $1,500. $1,500 is my absolute limit. I wish I could go higher but I can't :(
+ The crank is not too high. A Rans Tailwind for example probably has it as high as I'd want it
+ Rear 26" wheel provides a little more comfort on uneven paths/roads
+ Easy to pack inside an SUV w/o taking off any wheels
+ Comes with decent components
+ Not incredibly fast, but not a snail either

- The Rans Tailwind seems alright, but I'm worried about 20" wheels being a bit rough
- The Rans V2 seems a little too long, and the crank is higher than I'd like

Any others competitors that I am not thinking about?What is your X-seam, or inseam... and how tall are you? Also, describe the terrain you'll be riding please.

...you have alot to choose from. Burly has 4, Bacchetta has 3, Volae has 3, Rans has 3, Lightning has 1, Sun EZ has many. Ride em all.
The dilemma may be that there is no place or means for 610 to do all that. I based my own first recumbent purchase on thorough research and money-back satisfaction guarantee. I did not have the luxury to "Ride em all." As it turned out, it worked out for me. Seems to me 610 has done his/her homework as well.

There's also the ActionBent Manta Ray GT (http://www.actionbent.com/mantaraygt.html), which might fit the bill. It's priced well below your limit, too.

Based on price and configuration, Cycle Genius has a couple of models that meet your criteria. At least, as much as the EZ Sport does. The EZ Sport is going to be quite a handful wrestling into a vehicle. I don't know anything about CG, though it may be equally large and heavy. A couple of points to think about:

1. Any bike with a 26" wheel will be longer and harder to fit in a vehicle than a bike with 20" wheels.

2. If you have 3 inches of padding in the seat, then the harsher ride of a 20" wheel will be imperceptible.

What is your X-seam, or inseam... and how tall are you? Also, describe the terrain you'll be riding please.

X-Seam: 45
Height: 5'11
Terrain: Around the neighborhood and limestone packed bike paths.

I've ridden a lot of crushed limestone trails with my EZ Sport. I bought it in '02 and it has held up well. I have 3000 miles on it. It doesn't do well on hills over 5%. The bike is 84" long. It uses up almost the entire length of my Grand Caravan.

I've ridden a lot of crushed limestone trails with my EZ Sport. I bought it in '02 and it has held up well. I have 3000 miles on it. It doesn't do well on hills over 5%. The bike is 84" long. It uses up almost the entire length of my Grand Caravan.... and weights a hefty 45 pounds.

610, You've created difficult parameters. With your height (xseam) the Tailwind is not a realistic contender - CoG would be too far aft.

A much better choice than the EZ Sport, is a RANS Stratus LE - XL size (Approx $1250), then equip it with Schwalbe "Big Apples". Weights about 31 pounds.

What about the Rans Stratus?

What about the Rans Stratus?

I *love* the Rans Stratus but it is impossibly big for my vehicle. I mean, do they get any bigger than the Stratus? If somehow I could get a Stratus at around 70 or so inches that would be wonderful. I have a Honda Element and this is what I'm trying to squeeze it into without messing with the tires.

Dude for $1,500 you can get freakin awesome bike. Or almost two bikes.

What about a Rans Rocket? You should be able to get one used for less than $1,000.

I *love* the Rans Stratus but it is impossibly big for my vehicle. I mean, do they get any bigger than the Stratus? If somehow I could get a Stratus at around 70 or so inches that would be wonderful. I have a Honda Element and this is what I'm trying to squeeze it into without messing with the tires.

"Low cranks" are usually found behind the front wheel. This crank placement is what stretches the wheelbase - in addition to extra inches needed for your lengthy x-seam. Personally speaking, you'll fit a SWB (short wheel base) nicely, but have to tolerate the heigher cranks... take your pick.

Most quality 'bents come OEM with "skewers" (or "QR's" - quick release axles) to allow wrenchless and instant wheel removal. Takes all of what?... 90 seconds to reinstall after unloading the bike.

I *love* the Rans Stratus but it is impossibly big for my vehicle. I mean, do they get any bigger than the Stratus? If somehow I could get a Stratus at around 70 or so inches that would be wonderful. I have a Honda Element and this is what I'm trying to squeeze it into without messing with the tires.

I had a Honda Element and rolled a Tour Easy into and put the front wheel between the front seats. Flipped the rear seats up on the side or took them out completely. Lots of room! Boy I miss my Element!

Besides, that Sport LE is not that much bigger than the standard Stratus. Got one of those now. 63" wheelbase and it now sits on a rear hitch-mounted rack, which might be an option you could consider.

Re your original question: If I could have fit on a Sport LE I'd own one now. I loved the ride of that bent but it was too tall for me and I could barely reach the ground while seated. You asked for similar and named some: RANS Tailwind, RANS Stratus LE (cheaper than Stratus), a used Tour Easy, Burley Koosah or Jett Creek, Bacchetta Cafe, Cycle Genius CLWB models.

These are all I can think of!

I *love* the Rans Stratus but it is impossibly big for my vehicle. I mean, do they get any bigger than the Stratus? If somehow I could get a Stratus at around 70 or so inches that would be wonderful. I have a Honda Element and this is what I'm trying to squeeze it into without messing with the tires.

There's only a 4" difference in the overall length of the STratus and the EZ Sport.