Hi all,

I'm looking at recumbents right now. So far, I have ridden the Rans Velocity Squared a couple of times (once for about 45 minutes around the neighborhood by the bike shop), and I really liked it. The bike shop owner said that alot of people have a hard time riding that one, and he's had it on the floor for about 8 months now.

I tried the Sun EZ (not sure which model) at another bike shop, and it didn't feel quite right. It actually felt kind of wobbly and a little difficult to control.

The main difference that I'm seeing between the models is that the Rans pedals are up higher, and this may actually provide more stability?

Next week, I will check out various models from a shipment of Sun recumbents. The bike shop owner suggested the EZ Sport because of a bigger wheel and better handling than the basic EZ.

So I'm wondering if there are any people out there with any experience with either or both of these bikes. Does anyone have any opinions? (I'm not going any higher end than that, so please don't suggest anything beyond the $1500 price range.)

Not those particular models, but I have experience with the brands:

Rans: Good quality, great factory support

Sun: Junk

If you like the V2, make a deal and take it home.

The Sun bikes are designed to be beginner bikes for overweight people. If you like the V2, then buy it and don't look back! The higher pedals are probably what makes it harder to learn, but they are also what makes it faster. Higher pedals mean less frontal area for better aerodynamics.

Not those particular models, but I have experience with the brands:

Rans: Good quality, great factory support

Sun: Junk


The Sun bikes may be a bit heavier, but the upper end models are far from junk. My EZ-Rider AX came factory equipped with a better grade of components all around than the Rans V2. (SRAM X.9 vs X.7, avid BB7 vs BB5, SL1 Single Track rims vs DA16s.) You have to step up to the $3500 Rans V3 AL to get that level of components.

I have a EZ-1 AX (aluminum) that I use for my utility bike. I also have a Rans Stratus. The geometry doesn't look that different but the Rans flies compared to the plodding nature of the EZ-1. They both work for their purpose, I don't care if the EZ-1 is scratched and abused and the Rans hurts my face because I am always smiling when riding.

I have the Rans V2 and a Stratus. The V2 is a little faster and I really have a hard time deciding with I like best. They are both the 26/20 wheel combination and I run Marathon Racers on both. I would go with the V2. But I think you already know that by your decription of your test rides. No experiance with the Sun but my research show the Sun heavy

I ride a Sun EZ Sport steel recumbent. I love it, however it weighs 40 pounds.
It has a higher seat position than the Rans V2 and Rans Stratus LE and is
reported to be slower, and it probably is. I consider the EZ Sport to be a fun
cruising style bike. If I were to get real serious about touring, I'ld look for a
used Easy Racer, though a Rans V2 or Stratus LE would seem to be a suitable
substitute, from what I've read.

Here's a site with some good comparisons...http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/recumbents.htm

Peter knows his bikes, in fact I believe he now owns Linear.

I hope this helps some.

The EZ Sport has a much larger distance between seat height and BB height. This allows you to sit upright, which is my preference. Many riders prefer a more leaned back position, like on the V2. You should try them both and pay attention to this difference. Picking correctly will ensure your personal comfort for many miles. bk