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Submitted by
kobaken4
a Commuter
from Date Reviewed: August 1, 2004
Strengths: Great combination of performance and practicality, very reasonable price.Weaknesses: Zephyr seat bottom is difficult to adjust. Stock handlebar configuration may be a little too far forward, limiting seat recline. (Optional long stem is available, and I intend to test it soon.)Bottom Line: This is a very practical bike with good performance. Unlike SWB bikes there are no obstacles between my legs, and the handlebar is far enough that I don't feel claustrophobic. Stepover height is very low, and it's easy to stop and put my feet down. It has a higher BB than most other LWB bikes, which means I can lay the seatback further down, distributing my weight more evenly on my back and bottom. Handling is very natural, and vastly improved from the earlier versions. (I have a 2004 version; I'm writing my review here because there's no entry for a newer version.) It climbs very well thanks to the very stiff frame.
Purchased At: Calhoun Cycle
Similar Products Used: Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica, several SWB bikes including Lightning Stealth and Bacchetta Aero
Bike Setup: 2004 model, standard (steel) frame, optional Zephyr seat, Mueller Windwrap fairing and bodysock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
schaumannk
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004
Strengths: The bike is comfortable. The seat is great. SRAM Grip shifters work fine. Front and rear deralieur have worked without problems. I can ride long distances with little discomfort.Weaknesses: Tiller effect is kind of anoying. The tiller can probably be fixed but it isn't anoying enough to put any money or effort into. I think rans should put a water bottle cage somewhere on the frame with easy access.Bottom Line: This is my first recumbent. I tested several recumbents and baught a 2003 V2. I found that I liked the LWB. Bike worked well right from the LBS. I used to race in the mid to late 80's. Wanted to start riding again without the discomfort of a racing saddle. If I had to do it over again I would buy this bike again. Great price.
Similar Products Used: Tested a couple of short wheel base bikes. Wife has a WhizWheels trike.
Bike Setup: Factory.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
recumbentbill
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Strengths: Bike is fast. Climbs good .No low speed handling problems. Very comfy .Great bike for long 100mile centuriesWeaknesses: No weaknesses. I like every thing about this bike[even the Sram shifters and brakes]Bottom Line: Excellent long wheel base bent.Pics can be seen at webshots.com. Search for recumbentbill.
Favorite Ride: Anywhere in West TN
Price Paid:
$1995.00
Purchased At: hostelshoppe
Similar Products Used: still own a bike e AT. Bike E FX. RANS Gliss. Sold my Vison R40 which was a nice bike but I'm a LWB guy
Bike Setup: Stock with the Aero seat bag
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
toadifer
a Recreational Rider
from Seaford DEDate Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Strengths: Frame stiffness, seat comfort and ventilationWeaknesses: Low speed handling sucks. shifters should be better at this price point. Brakes could be better, too.Bottom Line: Very stiff for a long frame, better than my wife's Stratus. Components do seem on the downscale side for a pricey machine. I will upgrade as I go. Definitely a complete change for a long-haul wedgie rider.
Favorite Ride: seaford to the DE Bay
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At: HostelShoppe
Similar Products Used: Stratus, lightning p38
Bike Setup: LWB, Fairing, half clip half flat pedals
Otherwise bone stock.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Nelson
a Recreational Rider
from San Francisco, CADate Reviewed: August 6, 2001
Strengths: Great looks, ultra-stiff frame translates the least pedal effort into immedate forward motion. Good climber, very comfortable, WindWrap fairing is standard equipmentWeaknesses: SRAM 9.0 components are junk. Brakes mushy, plastic brake levers flex visibly under hard braking, shifting loud and uncomfortable (I don't like GripShift), rear derailleur wouldn't run true on 11T sprocet. Cheap wheels, tires and crappy KMC chain.Bottom Line: This bike is FAST, even with a worn-out rider like me. Although it has the same steering assembly as the other Rans LWB bikes, the low-speed handling is VERY good, and the high-speed handling is rock solid stable. The stiff frame doesn't ride as cushy as a Stratus, but it's a controlled stiffness, not that soggy noodle feeling the Stratus frame has. Replacing all the SRAM running gear with XTR absolutely transformed the bike. Hill climbing is easier than with any of the previous 3 'bents I've owned. Now if it only came in YELLOW!
I'm giving 3 stars for value because of the crappy supplied component mix, 5 stars for overall for the way the bike is now, after my modifications / upgrades.
Favorite Ride: SF-> China Camp
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At: Fool's Crow Cycles
Similar Products Used: Rans 2001 Rocket, HP Velotechnik Street Machine, HP Velotechnik Speedmachine
Bike Setup: Replaced all the SRAM junk with XTR. Replaced wheels with black Velocity AeroHeat with black spokes and XTR hubs. Replaced Primo tires with Vredestein S-Licks. Replaced all cables with teflon-coated ones. Added Avid Rollamajig. Replaced the KMC chain with SRAM PC-59 with PowerLink.
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