Still Researching ... First Bent

GoHabsGo said:

I've come down to a short list of bents I would want to try before settling
on a purchase.

How would you rank the following bents in order of preference?

R[ANS] Rocket
R[ANS] V-Rex
Lightning Thunderbolt
Burley Canto
Bac[c]hetta Giro
Volae Tour

My biased opinion (I believe truss frames are better for all-around
use, especially trailer pulling, but monotube frames are fine for
normal weight riders and light to normal weight touring loads).

1. RANS Rocket. Best value for the money in production recumbents, and
one of the most versatile bicycles. RANS also has a very good
reputation for product support. Most fun bicycle to ride barring the
rare and out of production Earth Cycles Sunset Lowracer [TM].

2. Volae Tour. Price independent would come behind the V-Rex, but is an
excellent value and has a frame made in Wisconsin. Monotube frame less
suitable than truss for carrying heavy loads and pulling trailers
(especially single-wheel).

3. Burley Canto. High quality frame (made by a co-operative in Oregon)
and excellent value. However, it is heavy (penalty for convertibility
for SWB to MWB) and Burley seat is less universally admired than RANS
(and the RANS inspired Volae and Bacchetta seats.

4. RANS V-Rex. Performance will be similar to Volae Tour and Bacchetta
Giro, but with better components than the Volae which is reflected in
the higher price tag. (Would move up to second place were pricing not a
consideration). Truss frame and stiff rear triangle will work well for
heavy riders, heavy touring loads, or pulling single wheel trailers.

5. Bacchetta Giro. Very similar to the V-Rex, but with a monotube
frame. For a regular weight rider who will not be pulling a single
wheel trailer or carrying very heavy loads, could move ahead of the
V-Rex due to lower price.

6. Lightning Thunderbolt. Low end components. Larger sizes temporally
not available due to production hiatus. 5-year frame warranty compared
to lifetime for other competing bikes.

--
Tom Sherman - Post Free or Die!

I agree with Tom on the Rocket. Value and versatility are strongest
with the Rocket. For the price, the fit and finish are first rate on
RANS products. The dual 20 inch wheels are also very practical. As an
owner of a Stratus, I always travel with a spare 20 and a spare 26 inch
tube. Tires are another issue. It may not sound like a big deal, but
it is something to consider.

Jim