V Rex Handle Bar swap

I have a 1999 v rex and I want to replace the bars. I would like detailed step by step instructions or a link to them. Please help me, I am not a seasoned bicycle mechanic.

 

Do you have any idea what type of handlebars you want?

When I changed out the bars on my 1999 V-Rex I went with a complete system from TerraCycle. The one piece RANS handle bar was replaced with a 3 piece system. This included a steering mast, stem, and handlebar. In my case, the original Flip-it mechanism was worn out so I also put a Terra Cycle Glide Flex assembly on.

Here are some links:

Glide Flex http://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=T&Category_Code=GS

Steering mast and stem http://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=T&Category_Code=SM

Handlebars http://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2...D&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=H&Category_Code=H

By using a handlebar system where each piece is separate rather than welded together you get the maximum in flexibility and adjustibility.

Another plus is that by using a 2 bolt style of stem you can swap out the stem to change the position of the handlebars without having to remove the grips and controls.

If you decide to go this route I recommend getting the longest steering mast available. Once you get the handlebar position dialed in to where you want it you can either use it to attach stuff to or cut the excess off with a pipe cutter. You can always cut excess off of a mast that is too long but you can't add extra to one that is too short.

The first 3 pictures are of the components I'm talking about. The last 3 are of my V-Rex with the new system attached.

The clamp/cable guide at the bottom of the steering mast / top of the Glide Flex is not part of the Terra Cycle system, it's something I came up with long ago to better manage the cables and keep them from being pinched in the flip-it.

The step by step instructions are going to vary some depending on what you decide to replace your current handle bars with.

 

Hmmm. I am not a mechanic either. I can tell you the components I used to replace the flex glide, stem and handlebars on my V Rex, but my local bike shop mechanic did the work since you have to replace all the cable too. More than I can handle. And if you are going to do all that, replace the power idler as well. That I did do by myself.

Here are links to the components I used and I am very happy with the set up. I will include a picture so you can see what it looks like.

[click on the blue words to go to referred to links]

I bought most of my upgrades from Terracycle.


First is to replace the GuideFlex stem. The flex guide is the part that allows the handlebars to move forward and backward allowing easy entry and exit to the seat. It also allows you to use different steering masts.

Next I bought a Terracycle Handlebar mast. I really like this mast because you can easily make it longer or shorter and it has a wide range of lengths to insure it will fit YOU properly. The problem I had with the Rans mast was that it was too short for my legs and caused me to change to this set up.

Now it is time for the handlebars themselves. On one of the V Rexs I left the hamster handle bars. This was the tradition position on the older V Rexes. With the hamster handle bars your hands are in front of you and you move the whole steering mast left or right to steer. Your hands are in the "praying mantis" position.

But on my second V Rex I went with Rans tweener bars. I wasn't so sure I would like these because my legs go between the steer mast and the outside handlebars. I was worried I would be hitting the handlebars with my knees all the time. Well that just isn't the case. I haven't hit the handlebars once! I went with the Rans B-39 handlebars which they use on their new V-Rexes. [Don't pay attention to the picture on the Rans site, the handlebars go straight DOWN not Back like in the picture. It looks cooler going straight back, but you can't ride that way.]

The result of this combination give you a USS (Under Seat Steering) feeling because my arms are down not up like in the hamster position. It is a very comfortable position and I find the steering is much easier.

Finally, I would upgrade the power idler with a Terracycle idler. This you can do yourself. Instructions come with it.

I've attached some pictures so you can see what this new set up looks like. I love it!!! :goodluck:

 

VRex handlebar swap

Thanks Jon
I am a pretty big guy at 6'5" and I want the wider bars but they ask what angle I want. The B39 bar should be 55 degrees?

 

Sorry, I don't know how to answer your question. The easiest thing to do is just buy one from Rans.

 

Jon,

I dont know if I would like the handle bars down like that. I really like them in the original configuration. I haven't even gotten to ride it yet, since its been in the shop waiting its turn at getting some new rings and cassets. (How long does a shop take to get parts anyway.)

 

Try it. You might like it. I LOVE IT!!!

 

They may be asking the neck angle of the mast

 

In hopes of saving a few bucks I wonder if the B-31 Short riser would work?or the B-27 ? It says flip it but do you have to use a flip it system with it?

 

The handle bars only cost $33. With shipping a total of $47.82. The extra length lets your arms rest by your side and parallel to the ground. It is just like a USS system and I think it is the best. Your arms are in a very natural and relaxed position and you only need a very light grip on the handlebars.

For any long rides, this is the way to go. Even for short rides, your arms and hands will be much more relaxed. People who ride a Bachetta Corsa, etc. with their arms fully extended must use a lot more energy keeping their hands on the handlebars than I do.

OK that is the verdict. I am lazy and like my comforts. So paying a little extra money for that is worth it to me.

 

Yes both my V Rexes came with Rans flip it systems. I upgraded to the Terracycle Flex Guide system (see other posts for bookmarks to them). You don't have to have one, but it makes life so much easier getting on and off the bent, I can't see not having one.

The manufacturers of course prefer fixed masts because they can save a lot of cost. And Rans has lowered the price of a V Rex quite a bit to gain market share. They did it by importing most components and using a fixed handlebar. But Rans is not alone, look at Bachetta.

 

I like the set-up just like it is. I may order the flip it later but for now I just need a taller riser. I called Rans and they said the B-27 Would work at 18 inches tall vs the 13 inch one that came with bike. I think my seat is a lot closer to the bars than yours so that may make a difference in bike setup.

I did drop my bars ends down a lot from the original location and found it a lot better and my wrists were not in a weird position. I may try dropping them farther with time.

 

My handlebars are almost at a 90 degree angle with the ground. Very comfortable!!!

 

Jon,

What kind of mirror is that your useing? My bar ends are no longer effective. I see you have a different mirror. What kind is it?

 

Hmm. I got this through Performance Bike and they no longer carry it. They were expensive ($25) and made in Germany. And they work great.

I will look to see if I can find them elsewhere.