Recumbent - Have you switched bents?

Do you still ride the same bent or brand that you first started riding or did you change? Why? Just curious.

I would have, but...

I currently have an EZ1-SC steel. There was a Turner SWB for sale in the local paper last week. I waited too long to call and it was sold. I probably woulda bought it and sold the SC. It's a fun bike, but obviously very heavy. The Turner had a 26" rear wheel; I really notice the reduced final gearing of the 20" rear wheel on the SC1. And I think I'd prefer a SWB. I think an SWB would fit in the locker I rent; the SC1 definitely did not.

So, technically, no, I haven't switched. But if another SWB deal comes along...

I've switched from an EZ-1 (also steel) to a homebuilt tadpole trike. I got recumbutt on the EZ-1; I get none on the trike.

My new ride is heavier than the old one but my body position is so much more comfortable I don't care. And I can't hardly go fast anyway so the extra weight isn't an issue for me that way.

What is recumbent butt?

BB

1: Recumbent butt is a burning pain from sitting in the seat too long, recumbents don't easily allow one to shift position so some seats cause pain from local pressure. They aren't always as comfortable as they look. This generally improves with time as the posterior adapts.

2: Muscle pain in the upper hamstring and gluteus muscles from using muscles you
don't use as much on a DF bike. This also eases as one spends more time in the bent
saddle.

I ride the same bent, my one and only bent, Rotator Pursuit. Steve

Thanks, Steve. I was unaware of the condition as I thought recumbents were supposed to be devoid of backside pain from standard bicycle seats. Does adjustment of one's position play into the equation? In other words, seat tilt, bottom bracket height, distance from the cranks and what not?

I have a new Burley Koosah and haven't yet experienced butt pain, but then again I have not had time to go for a lengthy enough of a ride to determine if I have everything set right or not. And I assume I need some consecutive days of long hours in the seat to experience some butt pain. I am interested in this topic as I am considering a 7 day journey with the setup.

BB

Do you still ride the same bent or brand that you first started riding or did you change? Why? Just curious.
Hi Mega,
My original bent was a easy racer clone (clown) bike. Still have it but eventually bought a V-Rex for a cross country tour . I find I prefer a swb, the wheel base being closer to that of a road bike. Recumbutt is not a problem either as the higher bottom bracket and the adjustability of the Rans seat allow me to lean the seat back far enough to avoid the problem.
Bob

I started with a Infinity LWB/USS and rode that for many years, it's a good bike. Then I went to a SWB Vision R40 USS for six more years and for the last 3.5 years I've been riding a Vision R44 SWB/ASS. I like the short wheel base the best, nothing wrong with long wheel base, just my personal preference. I also own a tadpole trike. I've been riding recumbents since July 7, 1983 (that's when I got the Infinity which I keeped for 13 years).

I will not be switching completely - simply adding to the stable. I will keep my Bacchetta Strada mostly for the road rides. I am adding a tadpole for the commutes.

""[QUOTE=BruceBrown] I was unaware of the condition as I thought recumbents were supposed to be devoid of backside pain from standard bicycle seats. Does adjustment of one's position play into the equation? In other words, seat tilt, bottom bracket height, distance from the cranks and what not?""

All of these have a bearing on comfort and weight distribution. In my experience most RB symptoms
get better with time in the saddle. You can shift around a little on the bent while riding but can't
get off the seat like you can with a DF. Overall I am MUCH more comfortable on the bent than
when I ride my DF bikes. RB is not a guaranteed occurence, I had a moderate amount initially,
especially on a century I did 6wks after first getting the bent but I have never had much trouble the
last few yrs. Did 4 centuries on the bent last Sept, one on the DF. Steve

mmh, I have really switched either, just added to my collection. I first started off with a tadpole trike, a lovely touring model. Used for getting about, long weekend rides, riding to work sometimes. Its not a very practicle machine in some respects but oh so comfy. I added a M5 Shockproof to my collection a few months back and its been my bike of choice since then, the trike having been relegated to hauling/touring duties ever since.

I've switched from my racing bike.....(an Optima Baron lowracer) to a Velokraft VK2 racer.
I will still ride the baron quite a bit. It will be my training bike now.
Here's some pics of the new bike as it gets put together.

http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=6420

http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=6425

http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=6426

http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=5140

I've switched from my racing bike.....(an Optima Baron lowracer) to a Velokraft VK2 racer.
I will still ride the baron quite a bit. It will be my training bike now.
Here's some pics of the new bike as it gets put together.


Youve got a lovely bike in the works there lowracer. Ive seen most of those pictures before...didnt place the name though :) I cant afford to be spending too long looking at pictures like that...its not natural ;)

I have always ridden the same brand...homebuild-by-me. The bike I built in 99/00 is sort of like a Vision. The bike I am building right now will be more like a Bachetta but with 20" front wheel. I will post pictures when done.

What is recumbent butt? (http://www.recumbent.com/butt.html )

What is recumbent butt? (http://www.recumbent.com/butt.html )

Hi BentLady,

Senior member SCH(Steve) gave a great explanation earlier in this thread. Here it is:

1: Recumbent butt is a burning pain from sitting in the seat too long, recumbents don't easily allow one to shift position so some seats cause pain from local pressure. They aren't always as comfortable as they look. This generally improves with time as the posterior adapts.

2: Muscle pain in the upper hamstring and gluteus muscles from using muscles you
don't use as much on a DF bike. This also eases as one spends more time in the bent
saddle.


--I would add that I believe that recumbent butt seems to occur more on the recumbent bikes that have more upright seat backs and lower bottom brackets. As Steve mentions, more time on the bike(and subsequent conditioning of that portion of the buttocks:eek: ) will probably help alleviate some, if not all, of the discomfort. But keep in mind that discomfort/pain is relative, and the kind of discomfort that recumbent butt can give is still nothing in comparison to the numbing, tenderness, and downright pain that riding an upright df bike can(imho, of course)!


:)

Oh yeah, to answer the original question heading this thread:

I bought my first recumbent in 2001--a metallic blue Rans Wave clwb(it's just like the Tailwind, but with a 16" front wheel). It introduced me to the kind of comfort that bents can provide. It took awhile to get used to the initial wobbliness launching the bike, and it did have quite a bit of tiller steer...but I enjoyed riding it until(like a lot of bentriders) I convinced myself that I wanted a swb with less tiller steer and better performance...

Sooo...I sold it and bought a 2002 Burley Django swb in that gorgeous metallic burgundy color and the cool Corbin leather seat(base)! Not nearly as much tiller steer effect, and quite a bit zippier! But, while I was able to launch it without the wobbliness, the measurably higher bottom bracket(3" above the seat base) made for a steeper learning curve(for me) in just getting really comfortable with the bike...especially whenever I had to stop the bike on the way up a hill. If I forgot to downshift to a comfortably low gear before stopping the bike, it was almost impossible to get the bike going again! I've gotten a lot better with it now, but it's still something I always need to stay aware of....

I rediscovered my childhood joy in riding a bike with the semi-recumbent Rans Fusion! It has a ride that's quite different than that of an upright as well as that of a full-on recumbent. While it doesn't have a seatback to lean back on like a bent, the comfortable tractor-like seat has a lip at the rear that kinda keeps your butt from sliding off. The pedals are positioned forward, though not quite as far forward as that of a clwb bent. The bike handles more like an upright, so it's really easy to launch, and very, very stable at both low and high speeds. Its design makes for really good climbing(pulling back on the handlebars really puts driving power in your pedaling). Its handling and ride reminds me a lot of the Schwinn Stingray I used to ride when I was a kid---FUN!!! So much fun that I'm now selling my Django on consignment at my local bent dealer.

I thought I was done with buying a new bike for at least a few years...but my wife stumbled on an opportunity to get a moderately used Greenspeed GTO trike, very well loaded. It was such a good deal, that we couldn't pass it up--so we got it, and thanked each other for an early Anniversary, birthday, and Christmas gift...for the next couple of years! Riding a trike is incredibly fun! But a different kind of fun than the Fusion fun...between the Fusion and the GTO, I'm having so much fun riding, that I'm beginning to think that I should feel....guilty.....

Yeah, right.... :rolleyes:

It should be noted that the vast majority of recumbents have a 'whole lot' of adjustment in the
seat: distance from the BB and in seat angle and occasionally height. Sometimes only a minor
change can alleviate attacks of recumbobutt. My experience with it was limited to the first
500-1000mi on the bent. After that time frame it rarely occurred and the bent has become my preferred century bike. I spend about half my time on the bent, half on DF over the course of a yr. Steve

So, technically, no, I haven't switched. But if another SWB deal comes along... Well, one did. Well, sort of. Another member here (you know who you are - thanks!) clued me in to a Rans Fusion semi-'bent at an LBS about an hour's drive from here; a demo/test-ride bike going for a very good price. I picked it up that weekend, and have been having a blast on it ever since. Yeah, it's not an SWB, but it DOES fit in my locker! Just put fenders on it this weekend, so I now proudly sport my "Keep driving cars and we'll keep fighting wars for oil" sticker on the back fender.

Semi-'bent is cool. Gearing is like my hybrid wedgie, I'm almost as high up (I see them; they see me) as my wedgie. I'm still getting used to the backless seat. Love the hand/arm position. Sometimes I just sorta drape my hands over the grips; I can still brake on a dime just by leaning back and letting the heels of my hands squeeze the levers.

I started out on a RANS V-Rex and now ride a Volae Team. I prefer the twin 650s to the 26x20.

Three years ago, I started out riding bents on a SWB model (RANS Rocket/V-Rex) and have only this season discovered the joys of riding a LWB Easy Racers Tour Easy SS. Being a short person, 5'4", I think I have "found my thrill" on this small TE. I can sit comfortably with my feet on the ground, my arms out in a relaxed position, and this baby just flies! I love it for it's smooth, fast ride and it's classic, beautiful looks!

I shied away from LWB because I thought that managing it and transporting it would be a problem-not so. It fits right into my van and on my rear rack, just like a DF. It only weighs 30lbs, and I can manage that.

I love this bike like no other I've had. When I'm not riding it, I'm thinking about riding it! I'm not sure that I will keep my SWB, at least not this particular one-high seat, cramped cockpit due to my small stature. It's been "gathering dust" since the TE came home, that's for sure!

What's ahead? I think I see a trike in my not-too-distant-future...maybe next year!

Hi ChiliDog,

The lwb is the one bent type that I've never tried riding, much less owning. I'm kinda intimidated by the sheer length of these behemoths! :eek: The closest I've ever come to riding one was with my first bent, the clwb Rans Wave(which is considerably shorter). I liked the Wave, but didn't feel like I had the control that I wanted...I found its tiller steer effect unsettling. But, of course, I was a brand spankin' newbie to bents then...so my experience with the tiller steer may have been "enhanced" by my struggle to get used to the overall differences in a bent's riding dynamics(compared to those of my df).

Was it a steep learning curve for you to get used to the Tour Easy's handling, especially at very low speeds(e.g., launching the bike from a standstill)? Did it take long to feel comfortable with its length, especially when negotiating slow speed turns or going between bike path bollards(I think that's what those steel poles are called...?)?

I've always been interested in lwb bents...they seem perfectly designed for nice, long cruising rides. The Easy Racers models, as well as the Rans Stratus, are supposed to be good climbers(with their gearing), and great, stable, high speed downhill gliders...and, with their long wheelbase and cushy seats, they're said to feel almost like bikes with full suspensions...now that sounds like fun to me!

I'd appreciate any comments or thoughts that you(or anyone else here who rides one of these beauties) wouldn't mind sharing, ChiliDog....I'm done buying new or slightly used bikes for quite some time...but when the time does come, I wouldn't mind adding one of these luxury liners to my "stable". And since I'm trying to sell my swb Burley Django, there may even be room for one in my lil' two car garage!

Thanks! :)

Geoff-
I'm like you. I thought "no way, these are too darn big for me" re LWB. BUT, when I went up to a recumbent dealer to pick up my Rocket, I test rode a RANS V-2. It was just so neat, fun, and different. I was intriqued enough to think that I might pursue one of these LWB bikes for next year.

I love my Rocket for it's peppy, twitchy ride and it's convenience in any given situation. I was more concerned with transport, more than anything else, with the LWB. But, that aside, I decided to go about test riding some others. I rode EZ Sport and Sport Limited (heavy bikes with a heavy feel, taller seatbase from the ground); RANS V2 and Tailwind (tiller was what got me...I didn't like that feeling); Burley Koosah/Jett Creek-both SWEET...would have gotten one of these if I had not "fallen in love" with the Tour Easy. Burley seats are not as comfortable (for me) as the EasyRacers seat, but I was wiling to make some modifications if necessary. The gearing on both the bikes is sufficient, but not the most optimal for long-distance touring, though I was willing to make modifications on that as well. And I wanted the LWB for touring...that was my main goal. I saw a small TE on the bike shop's website: now, do you know how difficult it is to find ANY bent to fit a 5'4" woman? AND, according to the Easy Racer's website, that was my "exact" size. So, I figured...hmmm...is this a sign? And it was RED-my favorite bike color! I had to go up (3 hour trip) to test ride that bike! ;)

The Tour Easy seemed perfect first time I sat on it. Low seating (not too low), optimal hand position, no tiller effect at all. None. Feet lower than bottem bracket, but I've got myself leaning back a bit to counteract any "recumbent butt" and have had not a bit of it over 20 miles stretches. The frame flexes sweetly, the steel rides smooth, the gears run their course like butta. Excellent components, wheelset, and tires. And it was FAST!!! However, the price knocked me for a loop, but I was able to bring it home on a 12 month payment set-up, which made it possible for me. Otherwise, I was looking at the Koosah, which I was just about sold on. The Tour Easy was a "dream bent"...one I would never have thought I would attain due to it's price. It became possible, and I went for it. Life is short and I know it is a "life time" purchase. Other bikes may come and go, but "Big Red" ain't goin' anywhere!!! :D

If price is a consideration, I'd highly recommend the Jett Creek or Koosah. Very adjustable, flexy frame/ride, no tillering. Excellent frame, components, and company. Of course, you probably know that already!

As far as taking off and turning...well, I am working on that part. It's not so difficult. No more than when you first rode a recumbent. If I were you, I'd consider keeping that SWB Django, though. The LWB will not serve you well in all situations, plus, variety is the spice of life! Though I see you have a "well rounded" stable at hand! :)

Congratulations on getting a LWB! I'm just the opposite. I currently have a CLWB and need to get a SWB. How do you like your Rocket? It was one of the choices I had when I got my Tailwind. Haven't noticed any tiller effect on the TW though. Must be the way I have the bars set up. Enjoy your new ride!

'bent Brian

I saw a small TE on the bike shop's website: now, do you know how difficult it is to find ANY bent to fit a 5'4" woman? AND, according to the Easy Racer's website, that was my "exact" size. So, I figured...hmmm...is this a sign? And it was RED-my favorite bike color! I had to go up (3 hour trip) to test ride that bike! ;)

The Tour Easy seemed perfect first time I sat on it. Low seating (not too low), optimal hand position, no tiller effect at all. None. Feet lower than bottem bracket, but I've got myself leaning back a bit to counteract any "recumbent butt" and have had not a bit of it over 20 miles stretches. The frame flexes sweetly, the steel rides smooth, the gears run their course like butta. Excellent components, wheelset, and tires. And it was FAST!!! However, the price knocked me for a loop, but I was able to bring it home on a 12 month payment set-up, which made it possible for me. Otherwise, I was looking at the Koosah, which I was just about sold on. The Tour Easy was a "dream bent"...one I would never have thought I would attain due to it's price. It became possible, and I went for it. Life is short and I know it is a "life time" purchase. Other bikes may come and go, but "Big Red" ain't goin' anywhere!!! :D

Hi ChiliDog,

Thanks for the info and your insight! Having just acquired the GTO trike(and my Fusion just earlier this year), I won't be shopping for another bike for quite some time...but I think a lwb may be my next project. I've got the Fusion(which is almost long enough to be considered a clwb) for rides involving fun, fast handling...the Marin upright city bike for when I'm yearning for some pain and numbing:eek: :D...the trike for when I feel like being just like Speed Racer(in other words, FULL-OUT FUN)...but I can see a future with a luxury liner...for longer distance cruisin'...and when I wanna be able to keep up with my wife on her road bike....:o

Everytime I visit my "local" bent shop(70+ miles away), I see all of the cool swb's, trikes, and lowracers...but I find my eyes getting glued to the Rans Stratus on the showroom floor. I know that model's been around for a long time...and Rans' new V2 Formula is racier and way cool...but there's something about the Stratus...I find it visually stunning(as bents go)...there's nothing I would change in the way it looks...and I hear it's got a great ride...and I feel drawn to the Tour Easy in a similar way...and the Tour Easy's ride(like all of Easy Racer's models) is legendary....

It's wonderful to hear how perfectly that Tour Easy worked out for you...it does sound like it was fate that drew the "both" of you together....perfect size, favorite color(red's mine, too), perfect ride...a way to make it affordable...I'm glad that you didn't pass it up because of its higher(okay, much higher) cost...because that cost, spread over the many years that you're going to thoroughly love and enjoy riding it, will seem like pennies in the end....

Thanks again, ChiliDog! Take care....


;)

Geoff-

In like fashion, I am VERY curious about a trike in my future! I did not have access to a RANS Stratus..have only seen one being ridden on the trail a few times. None for sale around here, or I might have gone that route. It's a "Classic", isn't it? I would love to test ride a RANS Fusion...wonder why RANS discontinued that bike? Never seen one in person...no one around here is ordering RANS in for the showroom floor...not sure why. It's quite odd. I was lucky to get my Rocket back (it's a boomerang purchase-had one before).

I too ride DFs..got a Trek 7500fx road/hybrid that I enjoy and a Trek MTB for a little mild trail riding...

I would love to test ride a RANS Fusion...wonder why RANS discontinued that bike? You sure? It's still on their web site, and it's only the second year of production.

I forget which part of the midwest you're in (Ohio?), but if you ever get to WI, I can think of three shops where you could try out a Fusion (or look me up and you can try mine).

Geoff-

In like fashion, I am VERY curious about a trike in my future! I did not have access to a RANS Stratus..have only seen one being ridden on the trail a few times. None for sale around here, or I might have gone that route. It's a "Classic", isn't it? I would love to test ride a RANS Fusion...wonder why RANS discontinued that bike? Never seen one in person...no one around here is ordering RANS in for the showroom floor...not sure why. It's quite odd. I was lucky to get my Rocket back (it's a boomerang purchase-had one before)....

Hi ChiliDog,

Does your local bent shop sell trikes? If so, and if you haven't already done so, you really owe it to yourself to take one for a test spin! They really are as much fun as everyone says they are! The biggest downside(of which there are few) to a bent trike is its cost. I managed to get mine used off the internet, and saved quite a bit. Tell ya what, ChiliDog...I'll make a lwb my next project if you make a trike yours! How's that for a deal?!? ;)

Yes, the Stratus is considered a classic; Rans has done some upgrading on its component specs, and has increased its base price also...and they now offer a riser/handlebar choice, depending on how open you want your cockpit, and whether you want to eliminate as much tiller steer as possible...but otherwise, the frame design has remained the same over the years...and it's still one of Rans' best sellers.

Where have you heard that the Rans Fusion has been discontinued? I try to keep up with bent news as it becomes available, but I haven't heard of this. If it's true, then it's a real shame...because the Fusion is really a great bike...with a ride unlike anything else out there. And I can say this even after having gone through the hassles, expenses, and headaches of having to send my Fusion back to Rans to replace a defective frame under warranty. After all that, I still don't regret buying the Fusion--anytime I start thinking of what a pain it was to claim warranty on it, I get on the Fusion, take it on my favorite 12 mile loop, and come back with the affirmation that this is the most fun bike that I've ridden to date. I know that the Electra Townie has been selling like hot cakes...but if any of the potential Townie customers had a chance to also take the Fusion out for a test ride, I would bet that some of them would end up going home with a Fusion!

Perhaps the possible discontinuation of the Fusion is part of the bigger problem that's causing dealers to stop carrying the Rans line(imho). I know from chatting with my local bent dealer that he's really close to cutting ties with Rans, the very company that he launched his bent business with, and it was his predominant line for years. Apparently, he's not feeling like he's getting anywhere near the support that he used to get from them anymore. He's had some problems with some of the bikes, and he couldn't seem to get a Fusion in his store, even after having ordered it last year as part of his pre-season order. When he heard of the problems that I was having with mine, he decided to cancel his order(s). Because the problem that I had with my Fusion involved a number of Fusions, it could be that a fair number of dealers decided not to carry it. These problems(again, imho only), along with the influx of new lines of recumbents with great quality and competitive pricing(e.g., the Burley line and the Bacchetta line) may have some dealers making hard decisions about what lines they will prefer to carry in their stores in the upcoming season and the seasons to follow....

If you're ever in Northern California, you'd be more than welcome to test ride my Fusion! Or my GTO!

;)

Wow! That is interesting! I've had excellent dealings with Rans, and my LBS as well. The LBS said that Rans has been supportive. I accidentally snapped off a chain keeper with my foot, my fault. I called Rans to order some replacements, even offered to pay for them. They immediately sent out a package of six for free! They said I should be out riding and not waiting around for parts! They did have a delivery problem this spring due to delays in getting some of the components but I believe it was resolved.

'bent Brian

Wow! That is interesting! I've had excellent dealings with Rans, and my LBS as well. The LBS said that Rans has been supportive. I accidentally snapped off a chain keeper with my foot, my fault. I called Rans to order some replacements, even offered to pay for them. They immediately sent out a package of six for free! They said I should be out riding and not waiting around for parts! They did have a delivery problem this spring due to delays in getting some of the components but I believe it was resolved.

'bent Brian

I've also had nothing but a great experience with my V-Rex and my Rockets. I've called RANS for little things, little questions, and have always been treated royally. I don't know the reasoning, but around here, 4 major bent dealers have no RANS bikes on their floors anymore and aren't ordering any. This led to a rumor in the spring that RANS was going under, but Randy Schlitter got on BROL and quickly nipped that rumor in the bud. Now there is a rumor out that they are developing a trike...wouldn't that be cool? I love RANS, I really do.

As for the Fusion-yes, I see it's on their website. Hostelshoppe does not carry it in the RANS line...maybe I assumed that it was discontinued. Me bad.

I've also had nothing but a great experience with my V-Rex and my Rockets. I've called RANS for little things, little questions, and have always been treated royally. I don't know the reasoning, but around here, 4 major bent dealers have no RANS bikes on their floors anymore and aren't ordering any. This led to a rumor in the spring that RANS was going under, but Randy Schlitter got on BROL and quickly nipped that rumor in the bud. Now there is a rumor out that they are developing a trike...wouldn't that be cool? I love RANS, I really do.

As for the Fusion-yes, I see it's on their website. Hostelshoppe does not carry it in the RANS line...maybe I assumed that it was discontinued. Me bad.

Hi ChiliDog, Brian, and Madpogue!

I wrote a bunch in my last post for this thread about the stuff that went on with my Fusion...the defective frame...having to claim warranty on it...etc...I want to tell you guys that, initially, Rans was excellent about my claim. I sent my bike to Rans, and, within 24 hrs of receiving it, they replaced the frame, rebuilt the bike, and shipped it back out(to my LBS, per my request)...all the while keeping in contact with me with updates via email. My mechanic at the LBS started rebuilding the bike, when he found a new problem...with the new frame. To make a dreadfully long story a bit shorter, I contacted Rans to tell them of the new problem...while the mechanic spent hours trying to fix the problem himself. By the end of this whole "experience", I had spent about $175 between the cost of shipping the bike to Rans, and for all of the LBS labor involved in this entire process--$175 out of my pocket because of a manufacturer defect. Add to that the fact that Rans never got back with me after I had to contact them about the second problem with the new frame....

So I do have some bitter feelings about Rans now...but that doesn't change the fact that I still love their bikes. I love my Fusion...and I would be thrilled to have a Stratus or V2 in my garage....

You're right about Hostel Shoppe not showing the Fusion on the Rans products page on their website, ChiliDog...but I called them when I was shopping for the Fusion...and a rep there said that they do get a small order of Fusions in whenever Rans can get it to them...so it's just a matter of asking them. I believe the same goes with People Movers in Southern Calif., and Angletech in Colorado--they don't show the Fusion, but you can order one through them. A cool thing about Angletech is that you can order the Fusion(or almost any of the models that they sell) as stock as Rans makes it...or you can order it custom spec'd through one of Angletech's plans...and then you can get a very high end Fusion that'll be lighter, have a much broader gear range, and that'll really fly!:p

I think a Rans trike would make a fine addition to your stable, eh, ChiliDog? Brian? Paul?
:D

If anyone is looking for an in-stock Fusion, I test rode one last week at The Bike Rack in St Charles, IL. Their website is http://thebikerack.com/site/intro.cfm

HMM, A Rans Trike. That could be interesting and cool!

'bent Brian

If anyone is looking for an in-stock Fusion, I test rode one last week at The Bike Rack in St Charles, IL.

Hi MrEWorm,

'Just out of curiosity...what did you think of the Fusion's ride? I hope that The Bike Rack had the seat slightly angled down towards the front--that really seems to make a difference in the ride(Rans honcho and Fusion designer Randy Schlitter recommends that the seat be angled this way on the Fusion website page). Speaking of the Bike Rack, that's where I got my first bent--the Rans Wave!

And, ChiliDog, if you're listening...ahem.... ;)

Mrs Worm was test riding an EZ1 and other bents. I rode the Fusion around the parking lot in a few circles. It isn't a bad bike, but it doesn't have the seat back, so Mrs Worm didn't like that.
We did pick up the EZ1 lite this evening and she did 5 miles on the Gilman trail. It's not the sexiest bike, but she felt comfortable on it and was able to keep her balance. She fell over when another shop put her on a Hep Cat, and didn't feel safe on an EZ Sport.

I've been riding the BikeE AT I got 3 years ago. I'm ready for an upgrade. I get bad sore butt after 4O miles on BikeE. I think I want something a little more recumbent with a higher bottom bracket. Thinking of Rans Rocket or Force 5. Can anyone tell me if the lack of active suspension on these bikes will make a difference in my perception of comfort? Comfort is important. There is no dealer near me and I can't afford to travel to one.

I've been riding the BikeE AT I got 3 years ago. I'm ready for an upgrade. I get bad sore butt after 4O miles on BikeE. I think I want something a little more recumbent with a higher bottom bracket. Thinking of Rans Rocket or Force 5. Can anyone tell me if the lack of active suspension on these bikes will make a difference in my perception of comfort? Comfort is important. There is no dealer near me and I can't afford to travel to one.

I had a BikeE AT as a starter bent and since went on to a V-Rex and Rocket. Now have the Rocket and I can tell you that you will NOT miss the suspension one little iota. The RANS seat, plus the flex in the chromoly frame of the Rocket make it one sweet ride. I think you'll find all the RANS bikes to be like that, as well as most of the other lines as well. Suspension devices are heavy and best for off-road use, IMHO.
If you do miss it, you can always add front suspension or PanTour hubs, which offer some suspension.

There are a couple of Rockets on Hostelshoppe classifieds. Another RANS bike you might consider is the CLWB RANS Tailwind, V2, or even the V-Rex. Saw some of those on there too. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Thank Chili-
I feel a lot better about making a large purchase like this after reading your post.
When I purchased the BikeE I was sure it would be my last bike, as it was so sweet.
I guess that's progress. Biking is my only means of transport besides Greyhound Bus, so it's a big deal for me.

Thank Chili-
I feel a lot better about making a large purchase like this after reading your post.
When I purchased the BikeE I was sure it would be my last bike, as it was so sweet.
I guess that's progress. Biking is my only means of transport besides Greyhound Bus, so it's a big deal for me.

Hi Izgod,

ChiliDog made some great suggestions! The Rans seat is considered the recumbent seat comfort standard by many, and riding on one will eliminate most, if not all, of any "recumbent butt" issues, especially if it's a little more reclined than that of the BikeE AT that you've been riding.

Like ChiliDog said, you probably won't miss the suspension of your AT, as Rans non-suspended bikes still soak up a lot of the bumps and jolts of road imperfections(with the Rans seat and their frame design), especially the longer wheelbased models....however, if after test riding those models, you still feel the need for more suspension, there are some bikes with actual suspension built in. The Rans Vivo is fully suspended and, although Rans no longer makes this model, there are quite a few of them still floating around, waiting to be picked up. There are other high quality makes of suspended bents, like the Burley Limbo(clwb), all models of HP Velotechnik, Cannondale's Easy Rider, to name a few. If you can find a non-suspended bent to your liking, all the better. Suspension components add weight, maintenance issues, added costs, and complexity to the bike's mechanics.

Since this bike will be your only means of transportation besides Greyhound, you may want to consider a lwb bent, like an Easy Racers Tour Easy or Rans Stratus. These bikes are luxury liners in the bent world, and ride wonderfully(even though they're not suspended), especially on long mileage rides. And they can be easily fitted with racks and panniers, to help carry whatever stuff you need to bring along with you.

There are many sources of bent classifieds to check out...Hostel Shoppe(as "CD" mentioned), BentRider Online's Message Board, the ihpva mailing list, Recumbent Cyclist News(RCN) classifieds...I believe Easy Racers also has a forum with a classified section...and there's always eBay too!

Good luck! Let us know how your search goes....

:)

New LWB bikes, Koosah and Jett Creek (Burley) both have great frame flex, at an affordable price. My Tour Easy LWB is so "flexy" that I feel like I am sitting on a taunt bow string at a stop...you can feel it flex and float> suspension? no worries, mon. :D

Check out Cycle Genius too. They have a decent line of 'bents. Although I love my Tailwind. Some day though I would like to ride an SWB just to see what it is like.

'bent Brian

Brian-

I highly recommend that you hop on a Rocket, the Tailwind's "inverse cousin". You'd love it!

CD

Thanks chillidog! I was thinking along the lines at some point of adding a SWB, and the Rocket was an alternate bike Rans recommended before I got the Tailwind. I wonder how many miniature horses the missus will want to add to the stable before I get a second 'bent? (That was the deal when I got the Tailwind, he, he).

'bent Brian

Brian-

I highly recommend that you hop on a Rocket, the Tailwind's "inverse cousin". You'd love it!

CD


Hi, Brian! Hi, ChiliDog!

Yeah, Brian, since you're havin' a blast with your Tailwind, you should definitely take a Rocket out for a spin...everyone who owns one says they're a ton of fun to ride, and they're still a bargain! You know, come to think of it...I've never test ridden a Rocket, either...:eek:
When I was shopping for a swb at my local bent shop, I was somehow convinced that the 20/26 configuration was the only way to go...so I test rode the venerable Rans V-Rex, the Burley Hepcat, and it's lower spec'd and more economically priced sibling, the Django...all three rode very nicely and were quite stable in the shop's parking lot. Since the Hepcat was quite a bit more expensive than the other two, I decided to choose between the V-Rex and the Django...and since they were only $100 apart, and since I couldn't really tell much difference in their ride in the parking lot, I went for the Django, mostly because its metallic burgundy paint job was so beautiful...not too scientific, eh? :rolleyes:

There was a Rocket available for test rides and was for sale...but because I was so set on getting a 20/26 swb, I didn't even try out the Rocket. I regret that decision, because I may have loved the Rocket's ride the most out of the four bikes...and it would have been the cheapest to buy, too! I also kinda regret choosing the Django...don't get me wrong...it's a great bike...but it, like the Hepcat, has a more extreme riding position(more reclined seatback, bottom bracket almost 3" above seatbase height) than the V-Rex(seatbase height and bb height the same, and seatback can be adjusted to a more upright position than the Django/Hepcat can be)...I think the V-Rex had a slightly more stable ride at really slow speeds, and would be easier to launch/re-launch because of its lower bb(crank) height...and it had a higher quality component mix than the Django....oh, well....:o

Do you still ride the same bent or brand that you first started riding or did you change? Why? Just curious.

I switched from a BikeE CT which is a CLWB to a Burley Canto which is a SWB/LWB convertible. I switched because I wanted bigger wheels for touring. Plus I do like the SWB/LWB convertible option. That way I do not have to decide which is best.

Derek

Geoff-
I'm like you. I thought "no way, these are too darn big for me" re LWB. BUT, when I went up to a recumbent dealer to pick up my Rocket, I test rode a RANS V-2. It was just so neat, fun, and different. I was intriqued enough to think that I might pursue one of these LWB bikes for next year.

I love my Rocket for it's peppy, twitchy ride and it's convenience in any given situation. I was more concerned with transport, more than anything else, with the LWB. But, that aside, I decided to go about test riding some others. I rode EZ Sport and Sport Limited (heavy bikes with a heavy feel, taller seatbase from the ground); RANS V2 and Tailwind (tiller was what got me...I didn't like that feeling); Burley Koosah/Jett Creek-both SWEET...would have gotten one of these if I had not "fallen in love" with the Tour Easy. Burley seats are not as comfortable (for me) as the EasyRacers seat, but I was wiling to make some modifications if necessary. The gearing on both the bikes is sufficient, but not the most optimal for long-distance touring, though I was willing to make modifications on that as well. And I wanted the LWB for touring...that was my main goal. I saw a small TE on the bike shop's website: now, do you know how difficult it is to find ANY bent to fit a 5'4" woman? AND, according to the Easy Racer's website, that was my "exact" size. So, I figured...hmmm...is this a sign? And it was RED-my favorite bike color! I had to go up (3 hour trip) to test ride that bike! ;)

The Tour Easy seemed perfect first time I sat on it. Low seating (not too low), optimal hand position, no tiller effect at all. None. Feet lower than bottem bracket, but I've got myself leaning back a bit to counteract any "recumbent butt" and have had not a bit of it over 20 miles stretches. The frame flexes sweetly, the steel rides smooth, the gears run their course like butta. Excellent components, wheelset, and tires. And it was FAST!!! However, the price knocked me for a loop, but I was able to bring it home on a 12 month payment set-up, which made it possible for me. Otherwise, I was looking at the Koosah, which I was just about sold on. The Tour Easy was a "dream bent"...one I would never have thought I would attain due to it's price. It became possible, and I went for it. Life is short and I know it is a "life time" purchase. Other bikes may come and go, but "Big Red" ain't goin' anywhere!!! :D

If price is a consideration, I'd highly recommend the Jett Creek or Koosah. Very adjustable, flexy frame/ride, no tillering. Excellent frame, components, and company. Of course, you probably know that already!

As far as taking off and turning...well, I am working on that part. It's not so difficult. No more than when you first rode a recumbent. If I were you, I'd consider keeping that SWB Django, though. The LWB will not serve you well in all situations, plus, variety is the spice of life! Though I see you have a "well rounded" stable at hand! :)

Chilli, I have tried out a lot of different bents and currently own a Ti Rush. My girlfriend is only 5 feet tall and she likes the Rans Stratus. I rode her Rans Stratus today for the first time. I am interested in a comparison between it and the Ti Rush. I will know over the next few days.

Jason

Do you know if I can add a larger wheel to my Rans tailwind to increase the speed? I spend 50-60 % of my time in the hardest gear. The Rans is okay, but I prefer the under seat steering I had on my home made recumbent.

Do you know if I can add a larger wheel to my Rans tailwind to increase the speed? I spend 50-60 % of my time in the hardest gear. The Rans is okay, but I prefer the under seat steering I had on my home made recumbent. The frame won't allow you to install anything larger. There are plenty of 'bents (including several other Rans models) with 26" and 700 rear wheels, which would give you the higher gearing you seek.

My wife and I bought our first bents in the spring of 2002 trying to find a bike that my wife could ride without pain (she lost both of her collar bones due to radiation treatments for cancer). :eek: We found two BikeE ATs at our LBS and fell in love with them. :) We have ridden them for the last three seasons and have decided that we want bikes that are more touring orientated since I retired and we can get away for all day rides, (55 miles last Saturday) :D So this Monday we ordered two V-Rexs from a LBS and will pick them up next week (one had to be shipped from Hayes). So we are still riding the BikeEs until we get the Rans and then we will be selling the BikeEs and all the extra equipment I picked up when BikeE went under that were proprietary to the BikeEs. :rolleyes:

I just sold my Rocket on Ebay...don't really need two right now, and I'm primarily riding the Tour Easy anyway. I am thinking more along the lines of adding a trike next year, so can't justify THREE bents! :D

Anyway, the extra money is nice and someone can be enjoying it....