Recumbent - RANS V3 recumbent frame fractures

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : RANS V3 recumbent frame fractures

xransrider
11-17-07, 10:55 PM
If you own, or know anyone who owns a 2007 RANS V3 then please inspect the frame for cracks or damage. The images below are two completely different RANS V3 s. One has a weld break at the lower head tube and the other V3 broke the angled cross brace, just below the seat.

http://www.imagehost.ro/pict/18073558473fcf3e1d4f6.jpg

http://www.imagehost.ro/pict/18073803473fcfbbb3c92.jpg

bobkat
11-19-07, 10:35 AM
I've been looking at the V3. Wonder if Rans has a frame fix for all the V3's out there? I think the bike is a good one, but I've heard of a couple of failures on the internet, (BROL) possibly both these ones. They look familiar.
The V3 frame might need a bit of beefing up if they are starting to fail in these areas. Haven't heard of any other failures, although I don't know many owners either.
bobkat
11-19-07, 10:36 AM
Hard to tell from the photo but almost looks like weld porosity on the weld failure. The weld should normally be stronger than the metal!

wink
11-19-07, 06:08 PM
For what they cost I would hope the company makes them good.

Wink
bobkat
11-20-07, 06:56 AM
Yep, those aluminum V3's are definitely NOT cheap. They are bringing out a steel on now, but it is heavier. If you want to shatter the bank, buy a titanium one!
BlazingPedals
11-20-07, 09:36 AM
Looks to me like the crossbrace needs to be either double-butted or have more wall thickness throughout.