Stratus or Stratus XP

[Chaco]

I'm brand new to this world & this forum. In a week or so, I'm planning to sell my car and use a recumbent for all my transport. I've investigated various makes and models and have kind of settled on one of these two. I know the XP is selling for around $300 more, and is around 6" longer.

I will be going up fairly uneven terrain - hills, flats etc. -- nothing too steep, but hardly flat, either.

The regular Stratus is in stock at a local shop, so I could get one right away. The XP is back ordered, and I'd have to wait 3 to 4 weeks.

Question: Is the XP worth the extra $ and the wait? Would I regret going with the regular Stratus?

Also, the bike shop is 24 miles from home. I'm wondering if it is a really foolish idea to ride the bike home on the first day, never having ridden a recumbent in my life. I am in very good shape, and my quads, hams, and glutes are in prime condition for my age. But I don't want to be stupid about it, either. The 24 miles includes 3 hills that are about 2 to 3 miles long.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[John C. Ratliff]

I have the Rans Stratus, and I would recommend that you try each bike out first. You really cannot tell without trying them.

John

[Dchiefransom]

Try riding both of them up the same hill, and on flats. This can make your decision for you.

You can also see what's in stock at Bent Up Cycles.

http://bentupcycles.com/index.cfm

[Chaco]

The only one I've tried is the classic Stratus. As I mentioned, the Stratus XP is back ordered, so there's no way to try one out.

[Opedaler]

Chaco,

I have the Stratus (the LE) and like it but the others are right. The XP is not just a Stratus with a large front tire. It is a similar but new design with the larger front wheel. I have never ridden one but here's some things to look for when (not if..... don't hurry with a purchase just because one is not on the floor)you test ride;1) which one handles the best (many think that the XP doesn't handle that well at slow speeds. 2) If speed is important the XP is supposed to be faster. Not because of the large front tire but rather because the crank is higher. 3) The large front tire may make rough roads a little easier to get over. 4) The lower price of the Strat will allow you to upgrade (if you don't like what's on it originally) easier. You'll have a few bucks to upgrade or add commuter items (bags, mirrors etc) with the bucks you save. 4) The lower crank and seat will make stops and starts easier on the Strat. 5) Some have told me the Strat is more comfortable for a long ride, but a few would rather ride the XP. 6) How important are those three extra inches.... for some alot... for others nothing at all. 7) The XP might have higher resale if it catches on. 8) You need two different sizes of tubes with the 26/20 and only one for the 26/26.

You really need to be honest with yourself and make up your own....after all, you will be the one riding it.

[EriktheFish]

In a week or so, I'm planning to sell my car and use a recumbent for all my transport.

The regular Stratus is in stock at a local shop, so I could get one right away. The XP is back ordered, and I'd have to wait 3 to 4 weeks.

This is probably the shop you are already going to (but in case it ain't, they also sell Rans):
http://www.kirksbikeshop.com/index.html

Before you sell that car, give the folks up in Garden Grove and N. Hollywood a call and see if they have an XP in stock that you can test ride. Personal riding is the only real way to decide. Either bike is a winner and will work for you.
http://www.richardscyclery.com/Recumbents.htm
http://bentupcycles.com/index.cfm

You can also call the good folks at Rans and chat over the differences:
http://www.ransbikes.com/bikecontact.htm
http://www.ransbikes.com/#

You can also post this question over at BROL for another audience of bent riders: http://www.bentrideronline.com/

[Chaco]

Thanks, Opedaler and Erik. I didn't even know about that bike shop in Ramona. That's only about 45 minutes from here, whereas the dealers in L.A. are about 90 minutes away. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if they have an XP in stock to test ride.

[Chaco]

Update - just talked to the owner of the bike shop here in San Diego. They're supposed to get in 3 XP's before the end of next week, and he'll let me test ride it before buying. So problem solved!

[Hank244]

I own a Stratus XP and have no hesitation in heartily recommending the bike.

Of course, each person has his own tastes/preferences. Try before you buy and go with what you personally prefer.