My wife wants to do a 300 mile charity ride this summer. Currently rides a BikeE CT. It is fine for the occasional 25-30 mile rides we go out for in the summer. She even did a metric century with it.

I suggested an upgrade to a bike with larger wheels for better roll and efficiency. And was a little concerned about being able to repair it should something go wrong.

We went to the local shop today and found a Rans V-Rex. It isn't an LE so maybe about 2008? It has just been a demo and is in brand new condition. She took it for a short spin and we hope to go out tomorrow for a cold ride depending on the weather. But she seems to be very happy with it. Shop is asking $900.

Any opinions or experiences welcome.

Thanks.

Depends.

The RANS V-Rex is an excellent 'bent, but depending on the rider's dimensions, may, or may not be the optimum choice. If she has short legs (below 29" inseam), then she'd be much better suited on a LWB (long wheel base) with a 18-20" seat height. If she can 'flat foot' both feet while comfortably seated on the V-Rex, she should be fine. (Tippy-toes doesn't qualify)

My 2008 Rex is an LE, so that one is older - not sure what year was first for LE.
Great all-around bike. I prefer my LWB V3 for longer rides but the Rex works better for that than my previous CLWB Tailwind (dual 20" wheels).
$900 for a like-new V-Rex is a deal if it works for her.

If the serial number is on the face of the bb housing, then the first 2 numbers represent the production month. The next 2 numbers represent the production year. So, a ser# beginning 0904xxxxxxx was made in Sept 2004. This is what RANS told me.

$900 for a demo is decent. It is a nice bike to ride. From what I have seen, most folk who ride' em love ' em...unless you really need speed and then you may want a faster bike. Me, while I want more speed I really need a better engine, I suspect rather than a new bike.

As long as seat height isn't an issue with starting and stopping, that should be a good bike for her.

Pre-LE models had higher-level bits such as shifters, derailleurs and brakes. The LE parts work well enough, though.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Well, the sunny, 45+ temps never came today. Got clouds and fog/mist (freezing this morning). So no ride.

It does seem to fit her well. She actually made a U-turn in the street during her ride around the block yesterday. A longer ride is needed for starts/stops, etc.

The shop gave us the bike to take a ride and we have it at home. Don't know that it matters. She is taken with the bike and can't stop grinning. Have a sneaking feeling it will take a real problem to send it back for more than the tune up.

Oh, by the way it is a 2008 LE. I must have misunderstood the guy at the shop .

This was me, when I test rode one at the factory!

Isn't that like someone giving you a cute little puppy "just for the night"?

I think that since she likes the Vrex, and since the bike shop seems to want to get rid of it, that maybe they can walk in with 8 C-notes cash, and probably walk out with the bike...

She will love the v-rex. I have a 2006 which I bought and had been ridden about 5 times max. So condition is much more important than the age. Seems that you got a good price but agree with vic and walk in with $800 cash and would seem they would go for it. In any event, get it. Do us all a favor. Down the road give us an update on her pros and cons on the v-rex from her experience.

I love my V-Rex. It's got over 20k on the frame and it's still my go to bike when a trikes not a good option. She should love the ride and handling.

V-Rexii rock! Mine is a '97.