Today, finally, after saving many nickels and dimes, I bought a Rans Stratus XP. I don't actually have it in hand as it is being configured with a rack, fenders, a small mirror and some different tires. I'll pick it up next Saturday, assuming I can get a roof rack for my car and an appropriately long bike rack for the roof by then.
I was going to get it back in the Spring, but, well, that didn't quite work out. I test rode a lot of recumbents up in Ft. Collins at Spring Creek Recumbents (which is pretty much the only recumbent bicycle shop in the entire [much] greater Denver area) back then and, honestly, did not much care for the short-wheelbase 'bents that are so popular in the Boulder area. I didn't like the high-bracket position of the pedals, and the steering felt twitchy to me. Maybe I could have gotten used to that, but the whole cycling position did not feel comfortable for me – nothing like the Rans, anyway.
Now I can hardly wait to pick it up. This recumbent will be a weekend enjoyment for me, and once I'm back into shape, a commuting bike as well. And maybe I'll finally lose some weight.
Comments
How is the recumbent bicycle treating you? As an avid weekend bicyclist, I've been thinking about a recumbent bicycle due to some neck problems. I know you've only had a week with the new bicycle, but any regrets?
-Bryan
http://rarepattern.com/nodes/2008/rode-my-rans ;)
Hey Laura,
I'm thinking of getting the Stratus 700 (On the Rans index page - scroll down to "Into the Ride")
This will be my first Recumbent. Any thoughts, imput, will be appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris
The 700x is very different from the Stratus XP. I test rode one like it, and it's interesting -- kind of a cruiser feel. If you like it, I'd say go for it. Rans seems to have very solid quality workmanship.
Were you able to find a bike rack for your RANS. If not, you might try cyclesimplex.com. They are also on the RANS "Instructional" page
I found a great bike rack right here in Boulder, at RockyMounts. Photo in this post.
Saw your later post that you had gotten your XP and gone for a ride. A wonderful bike - I have a 2007 XP. Had to comment here since this post was on my birthday!
They're great bikes. I can't wait for the season to turn so I can safely ride without hitting ice.