1999 Rans V-Rex


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[MY RECUMBENT]
stock image of a v-rex

I bought this bike from a friend in March of 2003.

The history, as I know it, is that the original owner purchased it and decided that she liked another bike. After already having upgraded many components (SRAM 9.0SL "Betsy") and riding it less than 250 miles she sold it to my friend who then rode it less than 400 miles. Thus, it entered my possession with less than 650 miles on it.

My first ride took me 4 miles across town pulling my daughter in the trailer. Before coming home it had rained, thus the night ride home was a blast, though muddy and wet.

I don't have much to say about it now, other than my initial impressions:
As I resolve these issues I'll try to post writeups and pictures of my solutions here.

Update 4/17/03: I just finished a writeup of my headlight mounting.
I expect that when I'm done the bike will look a lot like this one.

Update 4/8/2003: Some of the above problems have been resolved. I've gotten used to riding in the recumbent position and can say a little bit more about it. Comfort is excellent. I rode a 40 mile loop last week with no discomfort! A definite improvement over my upright bikes. Maintaining a straight line down the road is getting easier. I've gotten to where I feel relaxed and not constantly on edge trying to keep my line. I've also learned to maneuver better in tight quarters!

I purchased a used RANS rear rack from a poster on alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent and have installed it. With large panniers mounted to the rack as well as the seatback pack I can carry quite a bit of stuff. I'm on a notification list for the mid-ship rack made by Bike Depot which will make this bike truely cargo friendly!

I have Planet Bike recumbent fenders on order right now, but as a temporary solution I've zip-tied an old broken clip-on fender over the rear wheel. I've noticed that in light rain there's actually little need for a front fender. I'm not sure if this is because of the smaller wheel diameter, or if it is because my feet aren't so close to the wheel.

A big huge red LED light from the automotive section at Wal-Mart has been mounted to the rear rack improving rear visability at night. I like beeing seen. I'll post some information about how I did this in a few days.

Original Specs
... already modified ...

FRAME

Tig Welded, 4130 Chromoly Steel
SIZE 39"
WHEELBASE 42.75"
SEAT HEIGHT 23.5"
FORK Threadless Chromoly Steel, Unicrown
HANDLEBAR RANS Flip-it Riser
HEADSET Ritchey Logic
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano BB-5503
CRANKSET Shimano 105 FC-5503, 52/42/30T
PEDALS Wellgo LU-897
CHAIN KMC Z9000
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano 105
REAR DERAILLEUR Grip Shift ESP 9.0
SHIFTERS Grip Shift ESP 9.0-9
BRAKE LEVERS SRAM ESP 9.0
BRAKE CALIPERS SRAM ESP 9.0
HUBS Shimano Deore LX, 36 hole
SPOKES 2.0mm, S.S
FRONT RIM 20" (406mm), Alex DA16 Satin Anodized
REAR RIM 26" (559mm), Alex DA16 Satin Anodized
FRONT TIRE Primo Comet, 20" x 1.35", 100 P.S.I.
REAR TIRE Primo Racer, 26" x 1.25", 100 P.S.I.
CASSETTE Shimano 11-32T, 9-speed
EXTRAS Pump Peg (Fits Zefal HPX 3), Mt. Mirrycle Mirror
COMPLETE BIKE WEIGHT 28 lbs.
ACCESSORIES Fenders, Kickstand, RANS Seat Bag
OPTIONS Ballistic Suspension Fork
X-SEAM MEASUREMENT RANGE 38.50" To 53.25"
COLOR Electric Blue
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE $1595.00

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