Inaugural Screamer ride
 

Finally, five weeks after taking delivery, my stoker and I were able to get our on our RANS Screamer for a first ride. Just five miles around our neighborhood, but it was enough to confirm that we made the right move. Woo-hoo!

Photos needed!

It's Screaming Yellow!
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/IMG_2190.jpg

Very cool.

Congrats, JanMM! We've had our Screamer for 8 years now, and have never regretted the decision to go this way. (After 11 years on a Trek T200, the recumbent tandem is a delight!) A few changes in the gearing were necessary for our hilly terrain, but it's a sweet machine. Also, have gone through a bit of rubber and have settled on Schwalbe Marathon Plus as our tires of choice. Blew out a stock Primo Comet on the front (sidewall) which was a little scary, but the bike stayed steady and smooth as we came to a stop. Enjoy your ride! Mike

Our second ride was yesterday - 11 miles including one minimal hill that was fine on the middle ring. We'll figure out whether 30x32 is low enough this Spring on rides that will include some Central/Southern Indiana hills, many of which are short but steep.
Did the Comet blow out from a puncture? Our Screamer has Kevlar Comets - I've had very good luck with both plain and Kevlar Comets on my single 'bents.

JanMM The Primo Comet (also Kevlar) blew out in its second season. Up here in Canada where we have a 6 month cycling season, that would be about one year old, and perhaps with 2,000 km on it. It was a sidewall "swelling" that began thumping on a long but gentle down hill. I was not braking, so did not over heat the rim. The tube was properly sized for the 406 front wheel and the pressure was correct. I have 4,000 km on the Marathon Plus 20" on my Catrike and only the front right tire is showing signs of wear. No flats, no issues whatsoever. Mike

Regarding hills - Short but steep - We find it's best to ATTACK and roll up fast. When presented with a series of roller's, this is a blast. On longer hills, we start out at a decent speed and just drop on gear at a time till I get to "second". I like to leave a bail out option of one more and avoid shifting to it until absolutely necessary or we can see the top.

Our Screamer had Comets when we bought it but not the Kevlar versions. We found the standard comets to be fast wearing and replaced them after I noticed accelerated wear at around 1000 miles. This might be normal for these tires but it seemed quick to me. I replaced them with Schwalbe Marathons and have about 1600 on those so far. It looks like we will get most if not all of this season out of them for another 1200 miles.