Long story short, I ended up on a swb RANS VRex about 18 months ago after breaking my hand on my DF
while attempting to evade a wayward left turning Toyota. Being a gearhead as many of us on the list
are, I've upgraded bits and pieces of the VRex along the way. Last fall when the OEM flip it hinge
gave up the ghost, I acquired a new Terra Cycle Glide Flex stem from Jude the Wheel Doctor. What an
improvement in terms of reliability and smoothness. After installing the glide flex, the bars would
not recline as far as with the original flip it. Not a problem per se, just an observation.
In the continual quest for greater comfort, a couple of weeks ago I purchased a new Terra Cycle mast
and 44 cm, 45 degree handle bars from Hostelle Shoppe. If you are not familiar with this set up,
there is a regular df stem connecting the bars and the mast. This modular set up allows a huge
degree of flexibility in terms of fit and positioning. Stem forward or back. Possibilities for
different length and angles of stems and the handlebars rotate freely in the stem clamp. Bob Bryant
raved about this a few years ago when reviewing the swb terra cycle and he was right. After
experimenting with several iterations, I have the glide flex facing forward, the stem facing back
and the bars rotated straight down. My knees clear the bars and levers sufficiently. Most
importantly, I am more comfortable now than I could have imagined was possible previously. And, bike
handling is improved too.
I've noted two issues with this set up. The potentially serious issue is that the mast floats in the
quick release clamp used to secure the mast to the glide flex stem. This requires some attention to
be sure that the mast is completely seated while securing the qr clamp after adjusting mast height.
This is not an item you would want to separate at speed. The second issue is that shims are required
to secure the handlebars in the stem. Given a choice, I would prefer a properly matched handlebar
and stem, not requiring shims for proper fit.
Even so, on the basis of enhanced comfort and handling, I can wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade,
at least for the swb VRex. Pat Franz has done a fine job of providing reasonable priced aftermarket
options to enhance fit and comfort for recumbists.
Jon Shinefeld Philadelphia, PA