RANS V2 Formula

Jack Davis said:

Now that RANS is finally shipping the V2-F, does anyone have enough time

on

Quoted message said:

one to comment? I intend to buy one but have yet to even see one....I'd

be

Quoted message said:

buying on reputation of the RANS company and experience with other RANS models. Thanks....

Jack, do you live anywhere near Sacramento? You could try prying me off mine. I'm enjoying my new V2
Formula XL demo bike very much. Somehow even the seat bottom agrees with my bottom, but that could
be due to my expanding girth. It's definately faster than the steel V2's I've ridden and sold, but I
do wish it came with a long cage RD and a wider ratio cassette. That's one area I will be addressing
soon since I ride in the Sierra foothills.. The welds and finish are superb!

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

In article <[email hidden]>, Rick Steele says...

Quoted message said:

Jack Davis said:

Now that RANS is finally shipping the V2-F, does anyone have enough time

on

Quoted message said:

one to comment? I intend to buy one but have yet to even see one....I'd

be

Quoted message said:

buying on reputation of the RANS company and experience with other RANS models. Thanks....

Jack, do you live anywhere near Sacramento? You could try prying me off mine. I'm enjoying my new
V2 Formula XL demo bike very much. Somehow even the seat bottom agrees with my bottom, but that
could be due to my expanding girth. It's definately faster than the steel V2's I've ridden and
sold, but I do wish it came with a long cage RD and a wider ratio cassette. That's one area I will
be addressing soon since I ride in the Sierra foothills.. The welds and finish are superb!

Regards Rick Steele

Rick,

A couple of questions. First, how would you characterize the ride? I'd be worried about the aluminum
frame feeling a bit harsh.

And second, any chance of getting a true weigth on your bike?

Steve Christensen

Rick,

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about that narrow gear range too. If you have the XL, how tall
are you? I would like to avoid the extra wheelbase....it's long enough as it is.

I went thru Sacramento on an Amtrak train headed for SF a couple of years ago and the ride over
the Sierras was beautiful, but I live in Ohio....(The Heart of the Rust-Belt)....about 2 thousand
miles away.

Maybe I'll be able to find one in Columbus, or Cincinnati???

Ride on,

Jack

"Rick Steele" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jack Davis said:

Now that RANS is finally shipping the V2-F, does anyone have enough time

on

Quoted message said:

one to comment? I intend to buy one but have yet to even see one....I'd

be

Quoted message said:

buying on reputation of the RANS company and experience with other RANS models. Thanks....

Jack, do you live anywhere near Sacramento? You could try prying me off mine. I'm enjoying my new
V2 Formula XL demo bike very much. Somehow

even

Quoted message said:

the seat bottom agrees with my bottom, but that could be due to my

expanding

Quoted message said:

girth. It's definately faster than the steel V2's I've ridden and sold,

but

Quoted message said:

I do wish it came with a long cage RD and a wider ratio cassette. That's one area I will be
addressing soon since I ride in the Sierra foothills.. The welds and finish are superb!

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote

[snip}

Quoted message said:

A couple of questions. First, how would you characterize the ride? I'd

be

Quoted message said:

worried about the aluminum frame feeling a bit harsh.

I was very surprised by the ride quality despite the fact that I'm riding on the CF seat base with
thin foam covering, and narrow section Stelvio tires. Rides very smooth with my 6'2" / 185lb body.

Quoted message said:

And second, any chance of getting a true weigth on your bike?

I just weighed my Formula XL with standard Velocity wheels at 28 lbs, no pedals, cages, etc.. Also,
I swapped the medium riser 0032 with the longer 0033 for improved reach. I'm sure the weight given
by RANS is for the standard frame. Swapping for the new RANS Zephyr seat should drop some more
weight. Haven't yet weighed the stock Formula seat yet..

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Rick Steele
"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote

[snip}

Quoted message said:

A couple of questions. First, how would you characterize the ride? I'd

be

Quoted message said:

worried about the aluminum frame feeling a bit harsh.

I was very surprised by the ride quality despite the fact that I'm riding on the CF seat base with
thin foam covering, and narrow section Stelvio tires. Rides very smooth with my 6'2" / 185lb body.

Quoted message said:

And second, any chance of getting a true weigth on your bike?

I just weighed my Formula XL with standard Velocity wheels at 28 lbs, no pedals, cages, etc.. Also,
I swapped the medium riser 0032 with the longer 0033 for improved reach. I'm sure the weight given
by RANS is for the standard frame. Swapping for the new RANS Zephyr seat should drop some more
weight. Haven't yet weighed the stock Formula seat yet..

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

Sorry Rick, Although i certainly respect your opinion, I think your post is slightly emblished.... possibily deceptive. If you've riden both steel and aluminum V2's, you already know what's comin'.

The following quote (and complete Formula article)....:

"The first thing you will notice is the stiffness of the frame, it is like a taught bow ready to release the power. That is good overall since it nets exciting performance, but expect it to be a harsher ride."

Can be found here: http://www.ransbikes.com/ITRFormula.htm

PaPa <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Rick Steele said:

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote [snip}

Quoted message said:

A couple of questions. First, how would you characterize the ride? I'd

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

worried about the aluminum frame feeling a bit harsh.

I was very surprised by the ride quality despite the fact that I'm riding on the CF seat base
with thin foam covering, and narrow section Stelvio tires. Rides very smooth with my 6'2" /
185lb body.

Quoted message said:

And second, any chance of getting a true weigth on your bike?

I just weighed my Formula XL with standard Velocity wheels at 28 lbs, no pedals, cages, etc..
Also, I swapped the medium riser 0032 with the longer 0033 for improved reach. I'm sure the
weight given by RANS is for the standard frame. Swapping for the new RANS Zephyr seat should
drop some more weight. Haven't yet weighed the stock Formula seat yet.. Regards Rick Steele
Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305
Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: http://www.tandems-" rel="ugc nofollow noopener">tandems-recumbents.comwww.tandemsOpen ↗
recumbents.com

Quoted message said:

Sorry Rick, Although i certainly respect your opinion, I think your post is slightly emblished....
possibily deceptive. If you've riden both steel and aluminum V2's, you already know what's comin'.

The following quote (and complete Formula article)....:

"The first thing you will notice is the stiffness of the frame, it is like a taught bow ready to
release the power. That is good overall since it nets exciting performance, but expect it to be a
harsher ride."

Can be found here: ransbikes.comITRFormula.htmOpen ↗

Yeah, but note that he is a lot bigger than Randy Schlitter and that he is on an XL.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by John Riley
PaPa <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Yeah, but note that he is a lot bigger than Randy Schlitter and that he is on an XL.

Speaking aluminum - If the rider's weight falls within the "average" designed rider weight (say +/- 30 pounds), then ride quality will NOT noticeably change. Why?.... because the designer's knowledge of aluminum's fatigue weakness won't permit significant flexing in a properly designed ALUMINUM frame.

I'd hazard a guess that the Formula V2 frame would remain unpleasantly rigid somewhat beyond its designed static load. Why?... because the liability risks demand it.

With all due respect John, "Rides very smooth" is clearly a misleading Formula V2 description.

"PaPa" <[email hidden]> wrote:

And I said:

Quoted message said:

I was very surprised by the ride quality despite the fact that I'm riding on the CF seat base
with thin foam covering, and narrow section Stelvio tires. Rides very smooth with my 6'2" /
185lb body.

[snip]

Quoted message said:

Sorry Rick, Although i certainly respect your opinion, I think your post is slightly emblished....
possibily deceptive. If you've riden both steel and aluminum V2's, you already know what's comin'.

The following quote (and complete Formula article)....:

"The first thing you will notice is the stiffness of the frame, it is like a taught bow ready to
release the power. That is good overall since it nets exciting performance, but expect it to be a
harsher ride."

I gave my own opinion on ride quality, and certainly I should have added YMMV.. Sorry about that.
Strangely, the Formula XL I'm riding doesn't feel all that "harsh" to me and this is without the
thick foam seat bottom the steel V2's come with. I was surprised! In anycase, I don't believe anyone
should buy one or any other recumbent unless they have had a chance to test ride and find out for
themself. We're a test ride center for recumbent and tandem bike builders, and strongly believe that
test riding is very important in making a the decision on which bike to purchase or order..

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

"Jack Davis" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Rick,

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about that narrow gear range too.

Quoted message said:

Lower gearing for the V2 will perhaps require some mods to the idler pulley set up. We had a
standard frame V2 Formula in our shop for a very short period of time and thus I did not have time
to evaluate just what will be necessary to gear it lower but it will require something besides a
lower small ring and lower range cassette. When a 26 tooth small ring is placed on the crank set the
chain rubs the bottom of the brake arm. The new owner was in a hurry to take delivery so my research
was cut short. If you look closely at the V2 chain line over the idler pulley you will note the
return chain line is on the bottom of the idler pulley and on the Formula the chain line is on top.
Might be as simple as reversing the location of the idler pulley to the bottom hole and the chain
keeper to the top. I don't know because I ran out of time while setting the bike up with the new
owner dancing around in the showroom. Kelly

"Rick Steele" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote

[snip}

Quoted message said:

A couple of questions. First, how would you characterize the ride? I'd

be

Quoted message said:

worried about the aluminum frame feeling a bit harsh.

I was very surprised by the ride quality despite the fact that I'm riding on the CF seat base with
thin foam covering, and narrow section Stelvio tires. Rides very smooth with my 6'2" / 185lb body.

Quoted message said:

And second, any chance of getting a true weigth on your bike?

I just weighed my Formula XL with standard Velocity wheels at 28 lbs, no pedals, cages, etc..
Also, I swapped the medium riser 0032 with the longer 0033 for improved reach. I'm sure the weight
given by RANS is for the standard frame. Swapping for the new RANS Zephyr seat should drop some
more weight.

zephyrever teachout doesn't like talk about her weight.

Haven't yet weighed the stock Formula seat yet..

Quoted message said:

Regards Rick Steele

Gold Country Cyclery 3081 Alhambra Dr. Suite 103 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Ph: (530) 676-3305 Fax:
(530) 672-0501 Email: [email hidden] Website: tandems-recumbents.comtandems-recumbents.comOpen ↗

[email hidden] (Kelly) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Jack Davis" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Rick,

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about that narrow gear range too.

Quoted message said:

Lower gearing for the V2 will perhaps require some mods to the idler pulley set up. We had a
standard frame V2 Formula in our shop for a very short period of time and thus I did not have time
to evaluate just what will be necessary to gear it lower but it will require something besides a
lower small ring and lower range cassette. When a 26 tooth small ring is placed on the crank set
the chain rubs the bottom of the brake arm. The new owner was in a hurry to take delivery so my
research was cut short. If you look closely at the V2 chain line over the idler pulley you will
note the return chain line is on the bottom of the idler pulley and on the Formula the chain line
is on top. Might be as simple as reversing the location of the idler pulley to the bottom hole and
the chain keeper to the top. I don't know because I ran out of time while setting the bike up with
the new owner dancing around in the showroom. Kelly

Just curious what you did about the seat track mounting issue. The day before the standard size V2
Formula I had on order for a customer arrived RANS called me and told me that had discovered that it
appeared the entire first batch of standard size V2 Formulas had their seat tracks mounted out of
alignment with the top tube so the seat would be tilted slightly to one side. As soon as I opened
the box and confirmed this frame also had that issue they arranged to have the bike picked up. They
are sending all these defective frames back to the manufacturer in Taiwan and having another batch
done. The XL frames didn't have this alignment issue but all the standard size frames they checked
were affected. My customer didn't want to wait an uncertain amount of time for a replacement so
ordered a Fold-Rush instead which he just picked up today.

Zach Kaplan

PaPa <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

John Riley said:

PaPa <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>... Yeah, but note that he is a lot
bigger than Randy Schlitter and that he is on an XL.

Speaking aluminum - If the rider's weight falls within the "average" designed rider weight (say
+/- 30 pounds), then ride quality will NOT noticeably change. Why?.... because the designer's
knowledge of aluminum's fatigue weakness won't permit significant flexing in a properly designed
ALUMINUM frame.

I'd hazard a guess that the Formula V2 frame would remain unpleasantly rigid somewhat beyond its
designed static load. Why?... because the liability risks demand it.

With all due respect John, "Rides very smooth" is clearly a misleading Formula V2 description.

Not necessarily. The steel V2 seems to be designed to be stiff, perhaps to the point of being
overbuilt. Obviously the wall thicknesses on the alu frame will be a lot thicker, but the tube
diameters seem to be about the same; certainly not the large differences you see between steel and
alu road bike frames. I know alu can't be allowed to flex as much as steel, but in this case, the
steel bike was not designed to allow much flex. So it seems possible that the alu bike might even
feel "smooth" with a larger rider on an XL frame.

In any case, he was obviously just giving impressions based on acutally riding the bike, like the
rest of us here, and to suggest that he was trying to intentionally mislead seems uncalled for.

Average designed rider weight...Hmmm... that's a tricky one with recumbents! ;-)

In article <[email hidden]>, Kelly says...

Quoted message said:

Lower gearing for the V2 will perhaps require some mods to the idler pulley set up. We had a
standard frame V2 Formula in our shop for a very short period of time and thus I did not have time
to evaluate just what will be necessary to gear it lower but it will require something besides a
lower small ring and lower range cassette. When a 26 tooth small ring is placed on the crank set
the chain rubs the bottom of the brake arm. The new owner was in a hurry to take delivery so my
research was cut short. If you look closely at the V2 chain line over the idler pulley you will
note the return chain line is on the bottom of the idler pulley and on the Formula the chain line
is on top. Might be as simple as reversing the location of the idler pulley to the bottom hole and
the chain keeper to the top.

That's curious. My recent steel V2 came with the same idler pulley set up that is shown on the RANS
web site for the Formula, the one mentioned above that has the chain above the lower pulley. My
wife's 2001 V2 has the same pulley system as shown on the current steel V2, the one with the chain
below the lower pulley. Both of our bikes have long cage SRAM rear DRs, 12-32 cogs, and 52/42/30
chainwheels. We did experience a bit of rubbing on my bike on the bottom of the rear brake arm, but
I was able to fix it by just removing one link.

Steve Christensen

Steve,

With all the problems I might end up with a V2 in steel.....How do you and your wife like yours? Do
you think it a big improvement over a Tailwind?

TIA.... Jack

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, Kelly

says...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Lower gearing for the V2 will perhaps require some mods to the idler pulley set up. We had a
standard frame V2 Formula in our shop for a very short period of time and thus I did not have
time to evaluate just what will be necessary to gear it lower but it will require something
besides a lower small ring and lower range cassette. When a 26 tooth small ring is placed on the
crank set the chain rubs the bottom of the brake arm. The new owner was in a hurry to take
delivery so my research was cut short. If you look closely at the V2 chain line over the idler
pulley you will note the return chain line is on the bottom of the idler pulley and on the
Formula the chain line is on top. Might be as simple as reversing the location of the idler
pulley to the bottom hole and the chain keeper to the top.

That's curious. My recent steel V2 came with the same idler pulley set up

that

Quoted message said:

is shown on the RANS web site for the Formula, the one mentioned above

that has

Quoted message said:

the chain above the lower pulley. My wife's 2001 V2 has the same pulley

system

Quoted message said:

as shown on the current steel V2, the one with the chain below the lower

pulley.

Quoted message said:

Both of our bikes have long cage SRAM rear DRs, 12-32 cogs, and 52/42/30 chainwheels. We did
experience a bit of rubbing on my bike on the bottom

of the

Quoted message said:

rear brake arm, but I was able to fix it by just removing one link.

Steve Christensen

In article <[email hidden]>, Jack Davis says...

Quoted message said:

Steve,

With all the problems I might end up with a V2 in steel.....How do you and your wife like yours? Do
you think it a big improvement over a Tailwind?

TIA.... Jack

We are very pleased with ours. My biggest gripe has been that RANS changed the location of the
seat pan when they went to the RAD loc system, and I had to add a lumbar cushion to keep from
having my tailbone bottom out on the seat rim. That, and the fact that I didn't like their new
"open cockpit" handlebar set up, as with it I couldn't recline the seat very much and still reach
the bars. So on my 2003 I fitted the old style bars, which allows me to fully recline the seat to
avoid recumbent butt.

BUT, as I've mentioned before in posts on V2s, ours are not stock. We both ride custom V2s from
Power On Cycling. The frames are steel, but the components have been upgraded to Ultegra level,
and the wheels are Velocity Thracians. Having ridden both the stock 2003 V2s and these I can say
there is quite a difference in performance. The price was about $1800 each. The only difference
between these and the Formulas is the frame material, and the older, heavier, and thicker seat
pads and pans.

As for the Tailwind, I woulnd't think that a stock V2 would feel like that much of un upgrade from a
Tailwind. The BBs are almost the same height, the components aren't that different, the wheelbases
are only 4" apart, with the one great and obvious difference being the rear wheel.

Steve Christensen

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote:

[snip]

Quoted message said:

We are very pleased with ours. My biggest gripe has been that RANS

changed the

Quoted message said:

location of the seat pan when they went to the RAD loc system, and I had

to add

Quoted message said:

a lumbar cushion to keep from having my tailbone bottom out on the seat

rim.

Quoted message said:

That, and the fact that I didn't like their new "open cockpit" handlebar

set up,

Quoted message said:

as with it I couldn't recline the seat very much and still reach the bars.

So

Quoted message said:

on my 2003 I fitted the old style bars, which allows me to fully recline

the

Quoted message said:

seat to avoid recumbent butt.

[snip]

I was dissapointed that the 2003 V2's were coming in with the new 0036 handle bar instead of the
double bend wide 0037 that's stock on the Formula. Most of the V2's we sell leave our shop with the
wider more extended bar
(0037) that improves reach. It allows most folks to fully recline where as the supplied bar doesn't!
I've pushed on RANS to supply 04 V2's with the 0037 bar, but I don't think it's going to
happen. The 04 Stratus models are coming in with the 0037 bar..

Regards Rick Steele Gold Country Cyclery Cameron Park, CA

In article <[email hidden]>, Rick Steele says...

Quoted message said:

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote:

[snip]

Quoted message said:

We are very pleased with ours. My biggest gripe has been that RANS

changed the

Quoted message said:

location of the seat pan when they went to the RAD loc system, and I had

to add

Quoted message said:

a lumbar cushion to keep from having my tailbone bottom out on the seat

rim.

Quoted message said:

That, and the fact that I didn't like their new "open cockpit" handlebar

set up,

Quoted message said:

as with it I couldn't recline the seat very much and still reach the bars.

So

Quoted message said:

on my 2003 I fitted the old style bars, which allows me to fully recline

the

Quoted message said:

seat to avoid recumbent butt.

[snip]

I was dissapointed that the 2003 V2's were coming in with the new 0036 handle bar instead of the
double bend wide 0037 that's stock on the Formula. Most of the V2's we sell leave our shop with the
wider more extended bar
(0037) that improves reach. It allows most folks to fully recline where as the supplied bar
doesn't! I've pushed on RANS to supply 04 V2's with the 0037 bar, but I don't think it's
going to happen. The 04 Stratus models are coming in with the 0037 bar..

Regards Rick Steele Gold Country Cyclery Cameron Park, CA

That's a great point. The double wide double bend 37 is the bar I went with myself. That bar,
mounted on the older 2002 riser and top loaded stem, is a really great combination on the V2.
It's not an open cockpit, but it allows full recline, and offers a very relaxed and natural
hand position.

Steve Christensen

PaPa said:

... With all due respect John, "Rides very smooth" is clearly a misleading Formula V2 description.

Yes, it uses an adjective where there should be an adverb.

Tom Sherman - 41 N, 90 W

Steve, Rick, and all...

Thanks for all the good information.....sometimes the learning is almost as much fun as the buying.

Jack

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, Rick Steele says...

Quoted message said:

"Steve Christensen" <[email hidden]> wrote:

[snip]

Quoted message said:

We are very pleased with ours. My biggest gripe has been that RANS

changed the

Quoted message said:

location of the seat pan when they went to the RAD loc system, and I

had

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to add

Quoted message said:

a lumbar cushion to keep from having my tailbone bottom out on the seat

rim.

Quoted message said:

That, and the fact that I didn't like their new "open cockpit"

handlebar

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

set up,

Quoted message said:

as with it I couldn't recline the seat very much and still reach the

bars.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

So

Quoted message said:

on my 2003 I fitted the old style bars, which allows me to fully

recline

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

seat to avoid recumbent butt.

[snip]

I was dissapointed that the 2003 V2's were coming in with the new 0036 handle bar instead of the
double bend wide 0037 that's stock on the

Formula.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most of the V2's we sell leave our shop with the wider more extended bar
(0037) that improves reach. It allows most folks to fully recline where

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the supplied bar doesn't! I've pushed on RANS to supply 04 V2's with the 0037 bar, but I don't
think it's going to happen. The 04 Stratus models

are

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

coming in with the 0037 bar..

Regards Rick Steele Gold Country Cyclery Cameron Park, CA

That's a great point. The double wide double bend 37 is the bar I went

with

Quoted message said:

myself. That bar, mounted on the older 2002 riser and top loaded stem, is

a

Quoted message said:

really great combination on the V2. It's not an open cockpit, but it

allows

Quoted message said:

full recline, and offers a very relaxed and natural hand position.

Steve Christensen