Folding Bikes - Crank Forward Minivelo by Rans

Saw this on the Rans website. For those who don't know, Rans is one of the original American recumbent manufacturers. I find it interesting that they are making a minivelo.
Are minivelos becoming more popular?

http://www.rans.com/mini

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CPb35_GnNqU/T2Pc6BZeeWI/AAAAAAAAAqI/JVJLm6eJEbg/s800/Rans%2520mini%2520s.jpg

Thats a cool bike, but way out of my price range.

Thats a cool bike, but way out of my price range.

It does seem very expensive for what it is, doesn't even have multiple chainrings up front.

It does seem very expensive for what it is, doesn't even have multiple chainrings up front.

looks expensive compared to walmart bikes. But I did a check and it seems like this bike is made in the USA. If you start comparing them to other local US made bikes like bike friday it doesn't seem that bad at all. Not having multiple chainrings in front can always be modified to work. It's a pretty unique design and seems like some owners like the ride style. This seems to be a 38 year old company that's been making aircraft and using this expertise on bicycles too.

looks expensive compared to walmart bikes. But I did a check and it seems like this bike is made in the USA. If you start comparing them to other local US made bikes like bike friday it doesn't seem that bad at all.

I hope lots of people think like you do that this bike is a good value and that they sell a bunch of these minis. The Schiltters brothers are good people and between Rans and Bacchetta they have done a lot to promote recumbents and cycling.


Not having multiple chainrings in front can always be modified to work.

This may not be as easy as you think, the angle of the seat post is too shallow for proper placement of a front derailleur. If you look at Rans' other crank forward bikes that have multiple chainrings, you will notice they have a little post welded between the seat tube and the down tube to mount the front derailleur. Welding one on an aluminum frame like this one is beyond the scope of even an experienced bike shop.

Crank-forward bikes are a model in many brands lines,
Trek has some.
perhaps they are trying to strike out from the pack.
smaller wheels do take up less apartment space when parked..

The FD issue is solvable by hybrid cassette IG combo hubs,
made by both S - A and SRAM. 3 speed is then internal to the rear hub.

customer is someone, that will not like stopping the bike
and not being flat foot on the ground like a motor scooter.

Crank-forward bikes are a model in many brands lines,
Trek has some.

I didn't realize that Trek made crank forward bikes. What is the model name? Now I am curious and want to have a look, thanks.


The FD issue is solvable by hybrid cassette IG combo hubs,
made by both S - A and SRAM. 3 speed is then internal to the rear hub.


I like the SRAM Dual Drive, I have one in my velomobile. I love that you can shift it at a standstill.

But as a retrofit to this minivelo, by the time you are done relacing or replacing the rear wheel, if you include the original purchase price of the bike, you will have spent close to two grand in total.