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

R e c u m b e n tC y c l i s tRecumbent Cyclist News (RCN) ispublished six times per year, everyother month.SUBSCRIPTION$30 USA 3rd Class$40 USA 1st Class$56 USA Two Year 3rd Class$40 Canada$56 Worldwide AirmailEmail for multiple copy rate info. Weaccept subscription orders via mail orPayPal (see website)SINGLE COPY$6 USA/$7 Can./$10 Airmailor ask for RCN at your local bent shop.CONTACTRCN, PO Box 2048Port Townsend, WA 98368Tel. 360-379-5607bob@recumbentcyclistnews.comwww.recumbentcyclistnews.comMAILING INFOIssues are mailed every two months. Theprinting/mailing cycle takes 6-8 weeks.When you receive a copy of RCN, the nextissue is enroute to the printers. 3rd Classmail takes 4-5 weeks, 1st Class 1 week.RENEWAL/WHEN TO RENEWThe top line of your mailing label says,"EXPIRES XX" (XX=issue number)To continue your RCN without interuption,please consider renewing two issuesbefore your subscription ends (3rd classprinting/mailing cycle is 8 weeks).WRITER GUIDELINESSee our website or callNewsQUESTIONS?Please email if you can, see above.Sorry, we don't return advice calls, but arehappy to chat if you call us when we're in,or via email.TEST BIKESMost RCN test bikes are loaners providedby the builder. Sometimes we buy or barterfor them, and resell the bike/trike after thereview is written. If you are interested inknowing what we have for sale, drop usan email.FNE PRINTRCN is copyright by Planet PT Inc.Contents may not be reduced in whole orpart unless expressly authorized in writing.Although we try to provide accurateinformation, we make absolutely nowarranty that anything in the pages ofRCN is completely accurate with regardto equipment, technique and especiallysafety. Readers should not take thisinformation as an implication that theseactivities are safe. Please exercise goodjudgement.Editorial License:Crank-Forward 101by Bob Bryant, Publisher, bob@recumbentcyclistnews.comFor years, the bicycle industry has beensearching for a way to mainstreamrecumbents, and it seems they havefound it with a new type of bicycle: thecrank-forward (CF) — the most comfortableupright bicycle you've never heardof. Electra has trademarked the term, "FlatFooted Technology", which pretty muchdefines the CF genre (you can sit at a stop flatfooted, and ride and still pedal with a correctleg extension). Imagine an upright comfortbicycle with the wheelbase extended slightly,seat moved rearward and lowered, a largercruiser-style seat, and riser handlebars. Accordingto their designers, the CF bikes offerthe majority of the benefits of a recumbentwithout the added complications. The mostexpensive and complicated aspects of the recumbent— the special seat, the non-standarddrivetrain and the chain idlers – have beeneliminated. And best of all, these bikes are affordable,21- and 24-speed models retail for$350-$500 and up.MODERN HISTORYSemi-recumbent-like models have comeand gone from the market for years (includingthe Vision Thoroughbred and RANS ZeroG),lightning really struck when Electra, thecruiser bicycle manufacturer, unveiled its newTownie line in 2003. With full-page ads in thetrade magazines, Electra ran photos of threebikes; on one side a classic Electra cruiser;on the other a LWB recumbent; and below,a Townie, a melding of the two. Electraʼsconcept was nothing short of brilliant. It istrendy, stylish, and appeals to all ages andabilities. Electra found a way to put the packagetogether. Since then, Giant, Cannondale,K2 and others have followed suit. More aresure to jump on this band wagon.RANS president and designer RandySchlitter has been tinkering with semi-recumbentsfor years, predating both Vision andElectra. The original Fusion models had26/20 wheel combos. About the same timethe Townie was introduced, RANS made thetransition to dual 26” — which has him into anew “big wheel” design phase at RANS.AN IDENTITYMost of thes bikes are being sold ascomfort, cruiser and lifestyle (mode/fashion)bikes. Because of their user-friendliness andcomfort, they can be used for just about anystyle of riding, from cruises to the coffee shopto organized rides and anything in between.So far the Townie-style bikes are being soldFusion riders — photo courtesy of RANSCF BENEFITS• No wrist, arm or neck pain• Ability to stand on pedals to climb hills(some models)• No learning curve• Easier to adjust (upright bike seat post)• Familiar: Looks like an upright bike• More aerodynamic (than an upright)• Easier to stop/start (than a recumbent)• Can be lighter than recumbents• Simpler than recumbents• Easier to work on• Easier to transport• Lower cost ($350 and up)CF NEGATIVES• Still new and different• Little back support• Harder to find a test ride• Not as fast(as similar uprights or fast 'bents*)• Do not climb as fast (as similar uprightsor fast recumbents*)• Heavier (Townies, etc.; not the Fusion)• Minor lower back pain(some riders & models)• Possible recumbent butt (deweightingyour seat is possible on some models)to new riders to those who are not comfortableon a regular upright. RANSʼ Fusionofferings could change all this.“The suedeʼs unique frame design makes iteasier to ride, easier to touch the ground, allaround more fun” — Giant Bicycles.Continued on page 222 Recumbent Cyclist News