Recumbent - Rans Rocket Handlebar Setup

Greetings,

I just bought my first recumbent last week - a 1997 Rans Rocket, Saturn V - and have been having a great time. Before purchasing, I test rode a few different recumbents to see what I would like - and I really liked the handlebar positioning on the Volae Sport. I noticed that the 2007 Rocket has a similar handlebar setup as the Volae.

Does anyone know if the 2007 Rocket handlebar setup would work on a 1997 Rocket? I think the '97 Rocket might be slightly less long than the '07 (not sure about that, though).

I'd also be happy to hear any advice or input on making the most of my new (to me) Rocket. Thanks!

-Steve

I ride a Tailwind and don't have any firsthand info for you but here are a couple of links:
http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/rans/rans_rocket.htm
http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/rocket.htm

Looks as if your bike has a shorter wheelbase than newer Rockets.

Have you checked the RANS site for handlbar info?

There is no reason you couldn't use a U-bar on an older rocket.

Does your Rocket have an adjustable riser? That will make things very easy to get the bars exactly where you want them.

Enjoy your new bent. My GF rides a 2007 Rocket and really likes it.

Stock, a '97 Rocket will have a fixed riser. To convert to the new 'hot rod' setup, you'll have to buy the new Flip-It, riser and handlebars, as well as a threaded-to-threadless converter. You'll probably need to replace cables and housing, too. But yes, it can be done.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

I do have the flip-it riser (the Saturn V was an upgraded Rocket), so it sounds like I would just need the handlebar stem, threaded-to-threadless converter and handlebars (along with cables, etc.).

The handlebar riser and handlebar are one piece on mine (I think they are separate on the new Rockets).

-Steve

I should clarify . . . on my Rocket, the riser and handlebar are one piece and the flip-it assembly is a seperate piece.

I'd call RANS and chat with them. They'll know exactly what you'll need and can probably sell it to you if you'd like.

Just heard back from an email sent to Rans yesterday. For anyone interested . . . looks like it would work and I just need the B-39 handlebars, B-42 riser and possibly a clamp for the based of the riser (at the flip). Thanks for the input.

I want to do the same thing to my 2005 Rocket. Have you tried to tackle the job yet? I'm curious which cable set you used.