Here is my question...would love your opinions.

[johnhutch]

Hello all,

I have enjoyed snooping on your forum for a while.

I have ridden bikes mostly casualy, somtimes seriously for many, many years. My average trip these days is 10 to 20 miles. Well, my back is a bother and my wrists ache a bit so I thought a recumbent style bike might be for me.

I have had my eye on several models for a while and finally made the plungetoday. It was between a Burley Hepcat and a Rans Rocket but here is the catch.

I was able to ride the Burley quite a bit and liked the way that it handled but could not get comfortable, the seat in particular was not right. Plus it was a bit to high price wise. So I bought the Rocket but had to order it sight unseen. ALso, there was nothing similar to compare it to in the store except a Velocity squared, and only the seat was the same on that, but man what a comfortable seat. The Rocket was right in my price range and I do like the short wheel base style bikes.

So did I make a good decision buying a bike sight unseen. Is the Rocket a good bet, it seems I only hear good things about them. My only real reservation about the bike was the small back tire and some of the problems it might present.

What do you think, opinions please. And thank you in advanced for any info you all may have to share.

All the best,

John

[bentbaggerlen]

John,
The rocket is a fine bike. When you get it you will find that it handles a little faster then the Burley (also a fine bike) I think you will enjoy the rocket

Do you know what seat was on the Burely? The newer bikes have a new seat with a mesh bottom. I have mounted RANS seats on Burely bikes for customers.

[Clark]

John,

I'll sound like a broken record if you read my other replies... give yourself time to get used to once you start riding it. You will likely NOT be comfortable at first. But you WILL get more comfortable with every mile you ride.

My Rans V-Rex solved a major problem with my wrists and numbness in my hands. If the problem persists try wearing a wrist brace at night. They cost abou$15 each and they will hold your wrists in a restful position while you sleep. Some people add stress to a carpal tunnel problem because they bend their wrists inward while they sleep. As my MD nephew put it... if wearing the brace makes it better, then for $15 you've got both the diagnosis and the cure.

You'll like the Rans. Very well made bikes! Great seat!

Clark

[ksquared]

Hi John,

[ksquared]

Whoops hit a tab which sent the message before I wrote it.
I wouldn't worry about the small wheels. I personaly beleive they climb better than the full size although some will disagree. THe Rockets a great bike. Just make sure you get it adjusted properly. If you find you have any discomfort especially on long rides (once you get used to it of cource) you may need to make osme adjustments to the seat back posiiton and seat distance to the handle bars. If it's correctly adjusted to fit you, you won't have any problems (ie: no aches or pains just a lot of fun). Enjoy!

[johnhutch]

Thank you all for your time and reasuring words.

Clark:
You are right about the bent style taking a little getting used to. When I first tired one the store employee was holding up the bike and running behind me while I scrammbled to put my feet on the pedals. It was wobbly as all get out. But before long he yelled "you're doing it yourself", and I felt like a 6 year old kid who just had his training wheels removed, exhilerated and scared at the same time.

I was lucky in that the shop has a large area to try the bikes. Before long I was feeing rather confident, and wow what fun, it is like rediscovering the bicycle all over again.

ksquared:
That is good to hear about the small tires it was really my only reservation.

bentbaggerlen:
It was a 2002 Burley so I did not have the benefit of a newer seat, and though the Corbin looks very cool, I just felt right at home when I sat on the Rans.

Thank you all for the time it took you to reply. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you when I get my Rocket. Unfortunately that will be a month from now. Oh well.

All the best,

John

[tayman]

How can you go wrong with the 2000 Recumbent bike of the Year......

[detrieux]

John,

I had test ridden a short wheel base Trek. Did not like the weight due to the extreme hills in my area. Ordered a Rocket over the net and have enjoyed it.

You made a good decision.