dbikingman

Any thoughts on choosing between these two bikes.

2003 Rans V-Rex SWB or a 2004 Bacchetta Strada

This would be my first bent. I test rode LWB and a SWB the other day. The LWB was comfortable and relaxing once I started. The SWB took a few more tries to start and I was a bit more unstable. I only rode it a block or so around the LBS.

I want to go with a SWB because of the turning radius and I think it will be easier to transport. I know it will be easier to ride with a little more time on one.

Ric

There is going to be a learning curve with either bike and it will take some time or some miles before you feel comfortable on either. If I had to choose between the two I'd have to go with the Strada, but I'm a little bias, I ride a 2005. Something you may want to keep in mind is that year Strada could be converted to the 700c wheels without to much trouble and IMO your getting a lot more bike with the Strada. I'm not a fan of the 20' wheel, I've always thought they made or make a bike unstable and I have rode more than my share including the wifes Rans Formula and I've never been happy on any bike with a 20" wheel, but again that's just my opinion.

MaxBender

Pedals are much higher in the Strada than the V-Rex.
Be sure you are comfortable with the one you choose.

Bias here, too: I ride a Rocket, and can take off the seat and wheels and throw it in the trunk of my Honda.

BlazingPedals

There's some cognitive dissonance going on here - the title says RANS vs. Burley, but the thread is about RANS vs Bacchetta. Between the Strada and the V-Rex, I think they performance will be similar, but have very different rider positioning. Praying hamster bars or Superman? High BB or low? It depends on which position feels better to you; whichever one you get, once you get used to it, control won't be an issue.

aikigreg

For speed, Strada for sure.

dbikingman

Sorry, I couldn't spell Bacchetta so I wrote Burley. Actually, I was reading about the Burley just before I posted here. I saw the mistake, but couldn't change the title to the thread. The information is useful just the same.