Looking to move up

"John Halliburton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

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Hi,

I've had a Limbo for almost two seasons now, but feel the need to move up. The Limbo's been fine
to learn on, but initially switching from 21lb

upright

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road machines to the Limbo has been a bit of a let down in the speed

arena.

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The rear shock definitely absorbs power, even after matching the spring to my clydesdale range.
Yesterday, I went to a LBS and test rode a Burley Hep Cat, Rans Rocket,

Rans

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VRex, and Lightning Thunderbolt. I liked the ride on all of them, and the only things that I
noticed were the seat on the Lightning, where the

bottom

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part of their frame hits my hips just by the front of the joint to the thigh, and the Lightning's
locking tilt steering column. I was surprised by the ride of the Rocket, very nimble and quick
feeling, but it felt like it could be comfortable on a long ride. I thought the Hep Cat rode the
best, but that could be due to familiarity with the Burley style of recumbent. It felt nicely
responsive, enough spring in the frame, yet stiffer than the Limbo. The VRex probably had the
stiffest ride, built

for

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more serious riding. The Thunderbolt was going to be the best feeling, except for the way the seat
hit my hips. Not sure if that would be truely uncomfortable after a decent ride, but that was the
impression it was

giving

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me.Any opinions?

John, I haven't ridden a Limbo or Thunderbolt; but I agree with your assessment of the other bikes
on your list. Your experience agrees with mine 100%. When I test rode the Burley Django (almost
identical to the Hepcat), I found it to be wonderfully responsive, quick and comfortable - better
than I had expected. It was also the easiest to mount/dismount. At $999 on sale, I almost bought it
on the spot. The V-Rex was actually the best climber I've ridden yet, and a very good all-around
performer. But I ended up with a slightly-used 2000 RANS Rocket. At $550 + shipping, including the
RANS seatbag and other goodies, it was an unqualified bargain. I've not yet ridden the Rocket on
anything longer than a 50 mile ride; but it was very, very comfortable. I'm hoping to do a century
this year.

-Barry