Rans V2 Formula 26 vs. Bacchetta Agio

[Bearonabike]

I am looking for my first bent and, at 345#, have narrowed it down to these two. The Rans is rated at 325# max and costs about $1800 while the Agio is rated at 350# max and costs $1200.

Anyone have any info on these two bikes?

[Bearonabike]

Which model Rans?


Like the thread title says, Rans V2 Formula 26

[Recumbomatic]

Like the thread title says, Rans V2 Formula 26

Duh, sorry I should have seen that. :rolleyes:

I haven't ridden these two, but the V2 is the faster bike. More aero rider position, the bigger front wheel will handle bumps better, and the frame will be stiffer. Probably climbs hills better than the Agio.

I suspect the Agio has the cushier ride and better low-speed handling.

[milkoholicBear]

Bear,
I see the Agio rated at 275#, where did you get the 350# from ?
I am in a similar boat, my choices are the RANS Formula 26 HD or the Lightfoot traveler.

BN

[Bearonabike]

Bear,
I see the Agio rated at 275#, where did you get the 350# from ?

BN


Went to the bike shop and got the printed specs, not off the web.

[Ric]

2007 Agio Specifications Specification Value
MSRP $1,295.00
Prices are subject to change and do not include shipping and handling or sales tax. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Frame
Bacchetta Custom Ovalized Aluminum
Wheelbase 63"
Fork Bacchetta Cro-Moly w/Disc Tabs
Handlebar Bacchetta Aluminum
Stem
Riser Bacchetta XT Top Load
Headset VP 1 1/8" w/BFT Adjuster
Bottom Bracket Truvativ 113 Square SL
Crank Truvativ IsoFlow 52/42/30
Chain KMC Z9000
Front Derailleur microSHIFT road
Rear Derailleur Sram SX5 grip shifters
Cassette Sram PG-950; 9 speed
Shifters Sram SX5 grip shifters
Brakes Tektro Io Mechanical Disc
Brake Levers Tektro SU 2.0
Front Wheel HJC, DA-16, 20" (406), 32 hole Formula hubs
Rear Wheel HJC, DA-16, 26" (559), 32 hole Formula hubs
Front Tire Kenda Kwest, 100 psi.- 20" (406)
Rear Tire Kenda Kwest, 100 psi.- 26" (559)
Pedals Wellgo LU 975
Seat Bacchetta Re-Curve
Seat Options
Color Royal Blue
Sizes Standard
Weight 32 lbs
Frame Sizes
Standard Fits normal proportioned rider from 5'2" to 6'2"
Weight Limit 275 lbs (includes rider and gear)

[cfblue]

I know several big guys who ride the older V2 with the 26/20 wheel config. It is also a bike with a good reputation that I would guess will hold resale value better. Or put another way, the V2 is the mid range (used to be top of the line) bike from a top rated manufacturer, the Agio, the lowest end of another top rated manufacturer.

Bottom line, be sure to ride before you buy.

[Opedaler]

I don't know the answer to this but a question that might help Bearon decide; What is usually the limiting factor when a bent fails under excess weight, wheel or frame? If it is the frame then the model of bike is important but if it is the wheels then possibly a wheel upgrade on whatever bike you enjoy.

BTW, We have an Agio and Stratus (no V2) and really enjoy BOTH, but if I were really concerned about carrier weight being a limiting factor I'd take a hard look at a bike (ie V2 HD) that is designed around a heavier carrier weight.

[sch]

Weight limits on bikes are based on the frame, not the wheels.
There are wheels that have limits, but these will be ultralight
low spoke count wheels, not seen on entry level bents costing
under $6000.

[Opedaler]

Weight limits on bikes are based on the frame, not the wheels.
There are wheels that have limits, but these will be ultralight
low spoke count wheels, not seen on entry level bents costing
under $6000.
Interesting and thanks for filling me in as well.

[milkoholicBear]

Weight limits on bikes are based on the frame, not the wheels.
There are wheels that have limits, but these will be ultralight
low spoke count wheels, not seen on entry level bents costing
under $6000.

Not always true, I think it is wrong to generalize either way.
Most of the time, the first piece that you're gonna destroy is the rear wheel.
I weigh in at 375 and have commuted all last year on my Specialized Expedition. About 1000 miles later, the rear wheel came untrue after a fast ride on a VERY bad road, filled with potholes. The CrMo frame could probably support much more than the wheel.

Look at the two RANS v2 formula 26. The regular is rated for 275#, the HD for 325#. THe only difference are the rims, tires and brakes.
http://www.ransbikes.com/V2HD07.htm
http://www.ransbikes.com/V2%202607.htm

[vik]

Not always true, I think it is wrong to generalize either way.
Most of the time, the first piece that you're gonna destroy is the rear wheel.
I weigh in at 375 and have commuted all last year on my Specialized Expedition. About 1000 miles later, the rear wheel came untrue after a fast ride on a VERY bad road, filled with potholes. The CrMo frame could probably support much more than the wheel.

+1 the wheels on low cost bents are usually poorly tensioned machine built wheels made up of poor to average grade components. Once you get a human to tension them properly they will likely be okay for a typical rider, but I wouldn't count on them to work for a heavier person.

Most companies understand the weaknesses in their bikes and if you call them and explain your specific circumstances they will let you know if their bike will handle your needs. They'll also know if a stronger set of wheels is req'd or if the frame itself will be compromised at your weight.

[chtorr]

I have the Formula 26, but I test rode the Agio the same day I bought the Rans. It was a tough decision. I actually think the Agio may handle slightly better, but the Rans is slightly faster, though probably not by much. I also bought a Bacchetta Giro with a 20" front wheel and it's barely slower at all than the Rans.

I guess I just liked the looks of the Rans more than the Agio, stupid reason I know. You can't go wrong with either bike. I would probably have been just as happy with the Agio. I know the Giro is a great bike as well.

For your situation it sounds like the Formula HD may be the way to go. The components on my Giro and Formula are comparable. They have the same shifters, so the Agio may be the same too since it's in the same price range. I do like the disc brakes on the Formula but it's not a make or break deal.

I actually like the Kenda tires on the Giro and Agio better than the Primo Racers on the Formula, which are go fast tires but aren't too good on gravel or rough roads. For those who ride on rough country roads, the Agio may be the way to go, though I still manage to ride the Formula in those situations.

[Sandwarrior]

I tried the Rans, and didn't care for it. Bought the Agio and have been loving it ever since. I started out at 265, and just made the weight limits (with the junk I carry commuting). Odd thing, you say both bikes are rated at 350, but the owners manuals I saw on the Rans and the one I have for the agio, both say 275. The web sites say 275 as well. Maybe a call to the manufacturer is in order?

[mbriant]

2 months ago I decided I would investigate recumbents and also quickly narrowed my selection down to the the Rans V2 Formula 26 and the Bacchetta Agio. To be honest, I really wanted to buy the Rans because of the polished aluminum finish (I know it shouldn't be, but aethetics are important to me), but after taking them both out for a test spin twice, it became quite obvious that the Bacchetta's low speed handling was considerably better .... especially for a newbie like myself. The sales rep suggested that once I got used to the feel of riding a recumbent, I'd appreciate the bigger front wheel on the Rans, but again, the initial difference in handling between the two was so dramatic, and since I wanted to be able to make my short city commute to work as enjoyable as possible on the bike, I played it safe and went for the Agio. The other consideration was that I weigh 280 lbs., and with some accessories and a carrier full of stuff, was way over the Rans' brochure's limit. ( I too went by the brochure specs which showed the Agio having a higher weight capacity.)

To make a long story short, after two months, I absolutely love the Bacchetta. My weight doesn't seem to be an issue and I can ride it all day without any back, butt, or neck pain .... something I could never say about my mountain bike. My confidence level has definitely increased on it since my first iffy ride, but there's still a level of instability there ( I call my bike "The Blue Wobbler") that I wouldn't want to see increased, and I can't help but think that the Rans would still be too scary for me at low speed and on city streets. Perhaps after a few months I'll think differently.... I still really like the look of that V2.

[FlyingAnchor]

I bought an Agio about four months ago. It is my first bent and so far I really like it.
The other day I was taking it down a this hill for the first time. The hill is about a mile long and something I can't ride up without stopping many times. I can't figure out the steepness but it is a literall pain.
Anyway I was going down and hit some S curves at 35 miles an hour and almost drifted into the other lane, across a double yellow line.
I had to do some fancy steering in order not to drift over the line (car was coming also) and the bike did all I asked it to. it was steady and sure but really responded quickly. I was really pleased to be on the Agio. I really had to lean way over to make the turns and she stuck to the road.
Someday I'll try another bent but I won't let my Agio see me, she might get jealous. :)
Hope you enjoy whichever bike you get.
Steven

[redbikee]

I am a pretty heavy rider and I have a V2 Formula 26/20 and also a Rans V-Rex SWB. IMO the Rans triangulated frames, both in steel and aluminum alloy, are plenty strong for riders in the 300-375 range. When Rans sells their seats and seat mounting system to other manufacturers, i.e. Barcroft, I am told that they spec it with a 275 pound weight limit, so perhaps they have done some testing to indicate that the seat mounting (rad-loc) may have some issues over that weight, however I have never had any problems with either of my bikes and I have put about 7,000 miles on the two of them so far. Wheels are another story. The back wheel on a LWB bike carries most of the weight and is prone to failure, breaking spokes and going out of true, with a heavy rider. A deep-V section rim, minimum 36-spokes, built by a competent wheelbuilder and you will probably be ok. Mavic and Velocity are good choices.

[windbent]

hey i just bought the rans (used) it came with 1" tires(x26) i swaped them to 1 1/2" tires till i learn the dead stop start this bent is sooooo fun to ride iweigh 285# i am a welder by trade and am unusualy impressed with this frame (system 26) the ride is cushy and there is a learning curve, slow speed handling will improve when i do.but you cant go slow on this,soooo fun