A design worthy of being the Stratus reciprocal, the V-Rex has cult and classic status, and its own identity. The stretched short wheel base design gets the ride right where it should be... double sweet like a CLASSIC should be. Tour, commute, cruise, race... a lot.
Strengths: Ergonomics and utility. The RANS seat sets the standard for comfort in the recumbent world. The back is mesh for good ventilation, and it's angled up enough to give a great view of the world while you're riding. The pedals are at seat level, just high enough for good aerodynamics without going to extremes. The triangulated chromoloy frame is bulletproof, as well as stiff and responsive.
Weaknesses: I'd have to say the RANS Flip-It(tm) stem is the biggest weak point. Although it's functional, it's chintzy. When it wears and starts getting sloppy, replace it with a Terracycles Glide-Flex stem and never worry about it again. Also, like many recumbents, the OEM wheels are kind of heavy; replacing them with a nicer set of low-spoke-count wheels will help performance noticeably.
Bottom Line:
The V-Rex epitomizes the 'standard' short wheelbase recumbent. It is fast enough to let you keep up with your non-racer friends, and it's comfortable enough for non-stop century rides. Or, you can add panniers and really load it down for touring. It climbs nearly as well as an upright bike, and handles high-speed downhills with aplomb. I've had mine for 14 years, and every time I sit in it, I have an "ahhh!" moment. I may never sell it, because everyone I know who's sold theirs was ultimately sorry they did. Yeah, it's that good.
Similar Products Used: Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, and an M5 Carbon highracer
Bike Setup: Mine is a 1997 V-Rex24, with a 451 (20") front wheel and a 507 (24") rear wheel. Wheels are Velocity Aero rims built on Shimano XT hubs. The transmission is Shimano 105 crank and derailleurs, 3x9 using SRAM X-7 Grip Shifters. The range is as wide as I can manage: front is 30/44/56T and the rear is 11-32, for a gear range of 21 to 114 gear inches. It uses a V-Brake in front and an Avid BB-7 mechanical disk on the rear wheel.
Strengths: Well made, light, fast, the seat is great.
Weaknesses: I guess some kind of saddle adjustment for the angle would be good. Its a minor issue. other than that. no weakness.
Bottom Line:
This is my second SWB bent. I sold the first 1, A Sun EZ SX SWB. The V-Rex is smooth, light, well made, etc. I ride for exercise, I have had Hernia surgery and my knees are not great. - Too many years of riding uprights. I therefore wear knee braces and an abdominal brace. I can do 16 miles on the V-Rex without any problems. The bike tracks well and is very fast. 1 point to remember when first riding an SWB: Make sure the vertical steering tube is at the same angle as the front fork. If you do not have the geometry right, the bike will feel very unstable. I would recommend this bike to anyone that loves to cycle.
Strengths: Comfort
SPEED
VALUE
abality to shame the wedgie riden, Spandex wearing. Cycleist into rethinking old school bikes.Its so fun to ride this thing once you get used to it.The best thing is that you can pour on the power in a bank turn. You can't do this on a regular bike.. Not like this.
Durable...I ride it hard and put it away wet.Other than tube\tire failure. It has bin flawless.
Value..The only other recumbent that I would concider other than the V-Rex is a lightning P-38.. But thats @$3200
Weaknesses: Paint sucks
Tires suck
To comfortable..Makes my 76 mile trail to short now.
Bottom Line:
After about 5000 miles I can honistly say this bike is the BEST thing I ever bought. I rode the trail for years on a mongoose mountian bike until a shoulder injury made it a chore to do my regular 26 miles without discomfort. Well I got this bike and my "regular" ride went to @40mi. My speed also increased. 38mph top speed so far.
I wish I got it years ago. It took me an injury to consider one. My best advice is JUST BUY THE THING, Change the primo tires to PP tires and ride Your butt will thank you later. What sold me was the fact that with a regular bike the only way to truley relax and to take a break was to get off and sit on a bench or a rock. With this I just stop pedeling. My ride is non stop. Except to stretch 1 or 2 times. Everybody says that I look relaxed when I ride. Thats because I am. And thats part ot the technique to ride the thing. That and gearing. You MUST be in the proper gear prior to taking off.READ THE REST OF THE REVIEWS. We all love our bikes. Join the croud. I'm a very bitter customer. Hard to please type>> Nothing is good enough.. For me to say anything positive about anything I ever bought is so rare...JUST BUY IT ALREADY!!!!!
Similar Products Used: Bruchetta with 2 26" tires
I fell during a test ride
Bike Setup: I changed the tires to continental Puncture resistant somthing or another.
Fenders and bags.. Typical crap.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cwhitacre21
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Strengths: handles curvy bike trails and the open road with ease. Shifts well, climbs well, now that brakes are adjusted it stops well even loaded. Wonderful seat and love the new handlebars.
Weaknesses: little tall, I have to tip toe to balance at stops.
Bottom Line:
bike wasn't put together correctly when picked up. Loose headset, brakes not adjusted, and not cleaned up from shipping. Despite having to work on it right of the box, I now have 1149 miles on it and love it. My fourth bent, second short wheel base and this is the best fit for me at 6'2" and 225#s.
Strengths: Comfort, comfort, reliability. Requires some ingenuity to carry sufficient water for long trips, but great for small items (lock, granola bars, tools).
Weaknesses: New ones are costly, but hold value quite well.
Bottom Line:
I've done about 800 miles, compared to 10,000 with various road/mtn bikes. The V-rex is more comfortable; more, well, civilized than non-recumbents. There is that learning curve, but at this point it's stable, reliable, well-made, and eminently lovable. Wish I'd tried it years ago.
Due to shoulder surgery I will be commuting on a Rans V Rex. It is a recumbent and I know all the sterotypes because I used to think the same thing. I feel like I have been given n Read More »
