Recumbent - New Rans Fusion bike

Take a look

http://www.ransbikes.com/Fusion/Fusion.htm


I find myself quite taken by this bike. I've looked into recumbents in the past and was discouraged by some aspects of the bikes.

1. The complexity of the drivetrain. rollers, tensioners, idlers, stranglely routed and long chains.

2. The price

3. Appearance. Well call me vain, but most recumbents don't have much visual appeal to me. This one is the first that I think looks "cool"

Anyway, I don't know if the bike can really be called a recumbent. It combines attributes of both a recumbent and an upright bike. I just wondering what other think? Do you think this design will have better performance than something like a BikeE

I've not ridden or seen one yet but the concept is intriguing.

I wonder about the seat post, though. At that angle of rake
there's got to be lot of stress on that post and tube. If a
heavy-set rider hit a bump or jumped a curb I envision
it could bend or collapse entirely.

I'm sure it's been tested for this. RANS is a quality company.

If the Fusion appeals to you, also take a look at Easy Racers
EZ Sport. It has a classically simple curved frame design,
like the Fusion, but is a full recumbent with a fairly
upright position similar to the Fusion.

I would love to see the Fusion replace "comfort" bikes in local bike shops. This really is more of a hybrid bike than a recumbent.

What worries me about this bike is the seat. I like the Rans chair but have never tried this molded seat on the fusion. It appears not to have the same Rans quality cushion the company is famous for on their other bents. Since the bike has no rear suspension, the rear seat is what worries me.

Other than that, it looks geat.

I just bought a fusion and like it very much. its exactly a cross between a concentional bike and a recumbent. its far easoer to start going than any other recumbent ive owned. its faster than a low bracket recumbent, though perhaps not as faast as a high bracket. handling is far and away better than any recumbent ive ridden its like my honda 80cc scooter. its great diving into turns. the seat is strangly attached to the frame, but no problem, i weigh 250 lbs. its rans lightest bike also and also the cheapest. an excellent bike imho

[FONT=Arial] Tell me more about the RANS FUSION> How stable is it. My main thought is that it might be unstable or unsafe to be up that high and reclined that much. I just don't know, really.

I have ridden the Fusion, as well as the Giant and Vision bikes of this type. (but what to call them) It's a very well built bike, handling is sold. First thing that came to mind when riding it was "chopper" it was all I could do not to make motor sounds :)

The Fusion should have much better performance then a Bike-E, The Bike-E has never been know as a fast bike. But bike performance has more to do with the rider then the bike.

Those of you that own it, or have seen it (test ridden it) -
any idea as to how large of a volume tire would fit on the back wheel?

In other words, would a Schwalbe Big Apple 26"x2.35 fit?

BB

I just bought a fusion and like it very much. its exactly a cross between a concentional bike and a recumbent. its far easoer to start going than any other recumbent ive owned. its faster than a low bracket recumbent, though perhaps not as faast as a high bracket. handling is far and away better than any recumbent ive ridden its like my honda 80cc scooter. its great diving into turns. the seat is strangly attached to the frame, but no problem, i weigh 250 lbs. its rans lightest bike also and also the cheapest. an excellent bike imho


Hi Sport, and Hi to Everyone!

I've been looking at the Fusion with great interest...I've pretty much given up on my upright city bike, because I always walk away with numbness in my wrists, palms, "nether" region, along with pain in my butt and lower back...I also presently own a Burley Django--very comfortable! But I have a tough time getting it up a good hill(3-4 mph, and wobbley)...I've heard some really good things about the Fusion, and would love to hear from those of you who've owned your Fusions for some time, and have had a chance to get some mileage on them! Are you still loving them? How are they on hills? Are you happy with the stock components, or would you recommend upgrading them at some point? Most importantly, would you recommend the Fusion for folks who'll take them on 12-15 mile loops that have flats, rollers, and a couple of good long climbs thrown in for even more fun?

Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts and comments! Take care.... ;)