Rolling legend that kicked off this adventure into two wheeled recumbents. It has earned the CLASSIC status. A respected machine for handling, comfort, and speed. Tour, commute, cruise, race...a lot.
Strengths: Comfort, durability, reliability, easy to ride, fast speed, good looks
Weaknesses: Off roading, turning radius, hill climbing
Bottom Line:
If you see one of these 2003 Rans Stratus' with the long style handlebars come up for sale, BUY IT! They are the best bicycle ever made. Look for the rare Purpleish blue paint job. It's beautiful. The stock components are very high grade. You can ride all day long in comfort. They hold there value. They are great at high speed down hill. They will track perfectly straight and very stable.
The stock gear ratios are very versatile.
Shifting is very smooth and predictable even under full power.
Strengths: Can you spell: "COMFY"? This is a most comfortable LWB bent! It has some built in frame flex that helps to smooth out the bumps in the road. It rides beautifully. Consider the optional riser tube and handle bars though. It's worth the extra. However, if you have a LBS like mine - they took the original riser and bars in trade for the new optional components!
Weaknesses: The only weakness I had with the bike was the original seat cushion that came with the bike. However, RANS was quick to fix this problem by sending a replacement cushion to my LBS. Once replaced, the bike became 100% the best!
Bottom Line:
Primarily tour on my bikes. Used to ride a Trek 520 until I started to experience hip problems. Test rode a recumbent, and the hip pain was non-existent. My RANS Stratus is my 2nd LWB bent. This is a very comfortable ride. I opted for the optional riser and handlebar steering components when I initially purchased mine. Next to no 'tiller effect' by deciding to do this. I'd recommend this to anyone considering a RANS Stratus.
Similar Products Used: Sun EZ Sport. Comes nowhere near the bike that this RANS Stratus is.
Bike Setup: Being the kind of person I am who just can't leave well enough alone, I have done quite a few changes\additions to my Stratus. Such as 48 spoke front and rear wheels with Shimano Tandem hubs; Race Face drive train (cranks, rings); SRAM chain; Schwalbe Marathon tyres; Salsa Tri-oomph brake boosters; Kool Stop Mtn pads; Performance Bikes Transit front rack; Jandd Mountaineering Expedition rear rack; Shimano XT front deraileur; Planet Bike Protege 5 computer; Chris King head set; Arkel GT-30 bags; Arai drum\drag brake; N-Gear Jump Stop; RealLite 18 LED rear blinkie, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
apcguy
a Recreational Rider
from Louisville, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Strengths: Comfort and removal of aforementioned pains are the utmost testimonial. Componentry is solid and proven to be reliable. I have never owned SRAM anything but am impressed with the SRAM 9.0 shifters and rear derailleur. Flawless shifting, even under load. The wheelset (Alex DA-16 rims, hard anodized, LX hubset) appears to be strong and true, although I would have preferred an XT hubset. Overall fit and finish is superb, a testimonial to RANS as a manufacturer.
Weaknesses: I immediately disliked the "tiller effect", caused by the stock riser and bars. From my perspective, this effect made for a very unstable and "twitchy" machine, especially at low or high speeds. I had to rectify that, if possible. I ordered a different solution from RANS, had them mounted and the tiller problem is almost non-existent. A good fix to correct instability. The RANS seat, the de facto industry standard, causes an issue for myself. When riding and compressing the seat foam pad, the seat pan has a raised lip in the rear which causes irritation where it contacts my posterior. Others are experiencing the same issue. The problem has been reported to RANS...
Bottom Line:
I purchased this machine due to cycling maladies which have crept up on me with age. I suffered from the normal cycling ailments: hand and feet numbness, sore neck and back not to mention untold crotch discomfort and numbness. Much research led me to try a recumbent, a 2003 RANS Stratus in particular. I was drawn to the lower crank position due to the fact I tried to ride a Bacchetta Giro and couldn't start up from a standing start. That would go away with familiarity but the Stratus was for me. I ordered one and am pleased I did so. Comfort and being able to stay in the saddle was what I was after and I'm not disappointed: it has delivered what I expected. I am now "bent" (my wife has always insisted I was this way anyway) and refuse to "wedge" anything between my legs again...
Bike Setup: 4130 Cro-Moly frame, 66" wheelbase, Shimano 105 Crankset and front derailleur, Primo Comet 100 psi tires (26" rear, 20" front)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Rooker
a Recreational Rider
from Rochester, NY USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Strengths: Comfortable and fast. Components work well together. Classic LWB RANS design.
Weaknesses: T-Bar steering could be better designed. It is difficult to access jam nut in stem riser which discourages regular checking. I found it difficult to find a comfpratbable position for the bars. Too high and too springy.
Bottom Line:
Nice bike overall. I was deciding between the Stratus and an Easy Racers Tour Easy. I bought the Stratus because of the price difference. Even though I like the Stratus, I would choose the Tour Easy if I had the decision to make again.
Bike Setup: Completely stock except for Cateye Astrale computer and Vredestien S-Licks to replace the Comets. Highly recommended upgrade.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Alvis
a Recreational Rider
from Rogersville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Strengths: Comfortable, stable long-distance touring bike or commuter. Well-made, good design suitable for tall or short riders. Frame available in 2 sizes. Time-tested, classic LWB design from established recumbent company. RANS seat is used by several competitors.
Weaknesses: Somewhat difficult to haul or carry because of bike length. Slow-speed U-turns take practice; tiller steering awkward at first, but easy to learn. Seat mounting system could be improved.
Bottom Line:
I had Angletech of Woodland Park, CO build up a Stratus frameset with optional components. This is my first recumbent and I've been very happy with its performance and comfort since I bought it in Oct. '99. I would not hesitate to buy another RANS recumbent.
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