1. Welcome to the Recumbent Riders International forums.
    You are currently viewing the discussion boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post and reply to topics, communicate privately with other members, download/upload content and access other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please,
    Join the community today!
    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Seat Position: Rans V-Rex versus "High Racer" Rans F5?

Discussion in 'Recumbent Discussions' started by timacn, Sep 17, 2019.  |  Print Topic

Thread Tools

Thread Tools

  1. timacn

    timacn

    Region:
    East
    State/Country:
    PA
    City:
    Lancaster
    Ride:
    No Bike Yet
    I am new to recumbents, having only ridden a Bike a few times long ago. I am considering getting a RANS V-Rex or a Rans F5. I have lines on good deals for both of them. I have read that as a "high racer," the Rans F5 has a more "reclined" position than the Rans V-Rex and also is a bit harder to get used to, especially for a beginner. Two questions: Can you adjust a V-Rex to let you sit up higher (ie less recline) than you can on a F5? Also: does the F5 have a steeper learning curve for a newbie than the V-Rex? Thanks for your help.
     
    timacn, Sep 17, 2019
    #1
  2. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    Yes.

    My Force-5 came with the hardshell seat, so yes it does lay-back a fair amount.

    My recumbent history was we bought a RANS Screamer tandem first, so it took BOTH of us learning what to do -and- how to do it...right off the bat. Challenging yes, but not too awfully difficult.

    My second recumbent purchase was my F-5 and at first I called it my Error-Amplifier, since everything I did wrong was quickly magnified. ha, ha It took me about 50 good miles or riding, before I was comfortable -and- at ease with it. :heelclick: It's a great bike and still one of my favorites, but it's learning curve is a bit harder than some other recumbents. Nothing to be afraid of though, in my opinion. I learned by first coasting downhill some, then got comfortable on the flat terrain, before moving on to conquering hills. Like I said, after 50mi I just rode and didn't 'think' about what I was doing anymore. :wink9:

    After you get the feel of an F-5 and realize the speed it offers, you'll probably want the seat reclined as far back as you can get it...or at least that's where I keep mine nowadays. :thumbsup:
     
    A.D., Sep 17, 2019
    #2
    bjjoondo likes this.
  3. Rocketmantn

    Rocketmantn Rider

    Region:
    East
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Knoxville
    Ride:
    Strada, Corsa
    Name:
    Jon
    A V-Rex is an easy recumbent to learn to ride on. It is like a recumbent mule. It can do well in paved streets and composite trails. I know, I rode my V-Rex on both. It is a delight to ride.

    If you learn on a V-Rex, then the transition to a higher Performance Recumbent will be much easier. Starting on a high performance recumbent will be challenging.
     
    Rocketmantn, Sep 19, 2019
    #3
  4. timacn

    timacn

    Region:
    East
    State/Country:
    PA
    City:
    Lancaster
    Ride:
    No Bike Yet
    Do any more recent SWB recumbents allow for an "upright" seat position (similar to what is possible on a Rans V Rex) as opposed to a more "reclined" position? I am looking for a recumbent which can be adjusted to a more upright seat position.
     
    timacn, Sep 22, 2019
    #4
  5. BlazingPedals

    BlazingPedals

    Region:
    North
    State/Country:
    MI
    City:
    Haslett
    Ride:
    M5CHR
    Name:
    John
    Yes, the V-Rex will be easier to learn and more stable for a beginner. However, the more reclined position on the F5 will make it the aerodynamic champ of the two, making it the faster choice if you're a 16-20 mph rider. If you're slower than 16 mph aerodynamics won't matter as much and the V-Rex will be the better choice. Otherwise, the F5 will be well worth the slightly harder transition. Remember you won't be a beginner forever.
     
    BlazingPedals, Sep 23, 2019
    #5
    A.D. likes this.
  • New Posts

    • Share This Page