C y c l i s t R e c u m b e n t The RANS Fusion - Steve Briggs

encounter anything a few zip ties wonʼt fix.The rack works well, but for riders over about 5ʼ9” the seat crossesover the front of the rack, which will make using a rack-top bag moredifficult.COMPANYRANS has been in the bike business for nearly three decades.VERDICTRANS offers THE enthusiast line of crank forward bikes — so farnothing even comes close. While there are comfortable cruisers andmany stylish, functional and affordable CF bikes, RANS is the onlycompany pushing the limits of CF performance. The standard Fusionis NOT the performance Fusion model, but it's a fine all-arounderand will be the best for most people wanting to try CF bikes at theenthusiast level. I thought I'd want to stand on the pedals, but found itunnecessary. Even when riding the "standable" Dynamik, after sometime on the bike I would just gear down and spin up hills. Thus mystandard Fusion recommendation for most folks. Those interested inmore aggressive or riding will find the Dynamik and Zenetik livelierand faster with more technical handling prowess.There will be a downside to the Fusion for some. Itʼs a uniqueposition that places the rider farther behind the controls than otherbikes and there isnʼt any vertical stem adjustment (though the newDEEP RISE bars are fairly tall). A few riders may experience someminor lower back pain while youʼre getting used to the bike (build upyour tummy muscles according to RANS).Some Fusion riders will feel that the seat foam is just too thin. SinceI donʼt have an upholsterer or foam shop nearby, I wasnʼt able to trythe additional foam under the seat that RANS suggests. The seatʼsfirmness does get to me after a few hours, but itʼs still vastly morecomfy than any regular upright bike because of the seatʼs wide basethat supports the sit-bones. Lastly, Fusions are still rare in bike shops.While the the Electra Townie's and the like are in the $350-$500 rangeare becoming popular, the concept and market for an enthusiast crankforward bike level is new, and basically, depends on YOUR interest.While the Fusions are pricey for a crank-forward bike, the value andquality of the frame and components is better than any other recumbentwe've seen in the under $1200 price range.RANSʼ Randy Schlitter is very passionate about his crank forwardbikes. Heʼs been working on them for years, and they improvewith each generation. Heʼs always pushing the envelope and tryingout new things. Randy has become a visionary for all things recumbent— or crank forward. This is a unique, comfortable, and userfriendlybicycle that nearly every cyclist could utilize. The recumbentworld is changing, the scope is widening and there are new levels ofrecumbency. Among them, the Fusion and crank forward bikes. Theyhave probably already surpassed recumbents in sales (all makes andmodels) and are here to stay. ◆FOR• Can be lighter than a recumbent• No learning curve• Beautifully built in Hays, KS• Good components• No idler (2006 models)• Flat-footed at stopsAGAINST• Thin seat foam; minimal padding• You canʼt stand on the pedals (Std. or Cruz)• More recumbent than upright• Gearing not low enough• Cool, but delicate decals10 Recumbent Cyclist News