R-D Bike Shop: Crank Forward, SWB and LWB Recumbent Bicycles

Crank Forward Recumbents: One frame with two pictured geometries. Customers make one of two observations the first time they see a Rans Crank Forward Bike: the seat is very different, that one tube (the seat tube) is really slanted. The design for the seat comes from the recumbent seat, and every aspect of the seat has a function. For example, the seat cushion is designed to allow the rider support and grip, to feel attached to the bike. The seat actually dictated the frame geometry. The dramatically slanted seat tube is crucial to the design of the bike. It allows the unique feature of fitting many riders, and still reaching the ground flat footed. There are also different slants: the sitting only and the sitting or standing. The Fusion is a sitting only model, the Dynamik is a sitting or standing bike.
The Fusion features a more laid back geometry that allows for a lower seat height and upright sitting.
The Street is more vertical and taller than the Fusion, but still offers flat footed stops and stand-up riding.
You can find answers to questions regarding riding and transporting recumbents on our Recumbents FAQ page, or you can email us. Recumbents are our specialty. We carry short wheel base (SWB), long wheel base (LWB) bents' as well as trikes. SWB bikes place the bottom bracket/pedals forward and above the front wheel. The bike is popular for city riding, sport touring and performance riding, due to the compact size, lighter weight and quick handling. SWB has downsides, the position of the pedals can cause foot numbness. They can also have heel interference with the front wheel-during some tight turns, or knee interference with the handlebars.
the V-Rex LE , by Rans Bikes, is a SWB (short wheel base) recumbent. It features a spiffy two tone paint job with lower specs than the original V-Rex. The budget friendly bike is great for a club ride or a cruise on a bike path. Pictured is the x-tra long length version that will fit riders with X-seams measuring 37-50".
the Giro 26 by Bachetta, has the original steel frame of the Giro 26, but with a new steel fork, x-5 drivetrain and v-brakes. As with their other SWB models you can opt for the stock Re-Curve seat or the EuroMesh seat.
LWB- Long wheel base: a chopper like recumbent. The pedals are behind the front wheel and usually below seat height. The Stratus XP has pedals below seat height. This position makes the bike the most popular and user friendly type of bent' available. Good for commuting, touring, day and sports rides. This bike also features duo 26" wheels, which make for a fast ride as opposed to a front 20" wheel, like the Bacchetta Bela. The Bella is a long wheelbase touring recumbent that features a 26" rear wheel and 20" front wheel. The other position for pedals on LWB can be at or above seat height -- like the Formula LE. The higher pedal position translates to more power due to a reclined seat position -- this helps for hills and speed, however some may experience foot numbness due to position of the pedals.
the Stratus XP, by Rans Bikes, a LWB (long wheel base) duo 26" wheel recumbent
the Stratus LE by Rans Bikes, a LWB (long wheel base) recumbent
the Bella by Bachetta, a LWB (long wheel base)recumbent
Trikes: Recumbent trikes come in two varieties: Tadpole, (two wheels in front), and Delta,(two wheels in back). By far, our most popular type sold is the tadpole type trike. Tadpole trikes sit low to the ground. They work well for sport riding, and performance. Due to their ability for the rider to lean and use body english, tadpoles make fine commuters and tourers. The low seat does make getting in and out of the seat more difficult for some riders. One tip on exit and entry: stand with your feet straddling the boom just in front of the seat, reach down and grasp the the grips and close the brake levers as you finish lowering your self to the seat. Reverse the procedure to stand back upright.
the 700 by Catrike, built for speed. Its aerodynamic seating position, 700c wheels and high gears make it arguably the fastest recumbent trike in the world.