[UtahWasatch]

Found a '07 Rans V-Rex for sale over on ebay. I hear good things about Rans. Think this would be a good deal for a bent newbie?

Thinking about using this as a "cross trainer" for days when not on road bike.

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[richking1953]

I had a Rans Rocket for years and loved it. The V-rex has a similar riding position but a 26" rear wheel which is better for rough patches on the road. I think it's a very nice bike and you'd get used to it quickly.

[UtahWasatch]

Rich~ Thanks for reply. Think a price,say, under $700 for apparent good condition bike is a decent enough deal? (Think they were msrp $1,799 or something like that)

[bobbycorno]

Thinking about using this (VRex) as a "cross trainer" for days when not on road bike.

For me, the VRex was an ideal intro to 'bents: user-friendly, and a good performer as well. Probably one of the most underrated bikes out there.

Just be careful. I intended use the 'bent as a "cross trainer" last fall when I borrowed a VRex from a friend. I ended up buying it from him, and haven't ridden a df in 8 months now. In fact, I really don't have any desire to ride one at all. And contrary to some folks' perceptions of such things, my switch to 'bents is not at all related to a decrease in the "seriousness" of my cycling: my to-do list for this season includes two full Super Randonneur series, and the Rocky Mountain 1200 grand randonnee. I should end up with around 5000k just in sanctioned rides this year.

But be prepared to be scorned by the fair weather racer-boy/poseur set. Riding a 'bent obviously puts you well below their exalted position in the universe. Funny thing is, those who are serious enough about their cycling to be out on the roads year round, wearing THEIR team kit (instead of the full euro-pro garb and matching bike) are far more accepting of anybody who's also out riding regardless of their choice of platform. Go figger....

SP

[UtahWasatch]

SP~

Thanks for heads up about cross training! I think it will be a blast passing up my crew sans roadie garb. Baggies, flops and a helmet.........soweeeet!

Any idea on max price for year old model?

[gcottay]

The V-Rex is not the most beginner friendly of the bents. Be decisive in starting and relaxed in turning and you will soon get the hang of it.

$700 is not a bad deal depending on condition.

[BlazingPedals]

SP~

Thanks for heads up about cross training! I think it will be a blast passing up my crew sans roadie garb. Baggies, flops and a helmet.........soweeeet!

Any idea on max price for year old model?

I usually figure about 66-80% for a 1-year old model. At $1800 new, that'd make $1200-1450 a good deal, and $700 a steal. I never figured my V-Rex was inherently faster than an upright, although by the time I got done souping it up, it did pretty well. Adding baggie pants and other low-perf accessories won't help in toasting the roadies, and believe me if that's the intent, you'll still need every edge you can find.

[aikigreg]

V-rex is a great bike. My wife was immediately faster, more comfortable, and went for longer as soon as she ditched her hybrid and went to the v-rex, and she won't entertain the thought of anything faster.