The classic long wheelbase Stratus LE is the standard for touring recumbents as is the Easy Racers Tour Easy. Strats have been crossing this country since 1979, they are great for fitness riding, day trips and fast century rides too. Anywhere there is an open road a Stratus will feel right at home.

The Screamer models are our favorite recumbent tandems. We live in hilly country, so climbing ability and high-speed stability and control are important.

The little brother of the Tailwind, the Wave brought RANS comfort, handling & quality to the sub $700 Price range. It had the same seat, handlebars and Chromoly frame as the Tailwind but the other parts are different.

This bike is designed to be the fastest RANS bike made. It probably was till the RANS Force 5 models arrived. It is a good value at under $1400, (without a fairing.) The Velocity squared got a lower price and a less expensive parts group in 2002, and it still works very well.

The V-Rex’s name means “King of speed.” As the big brother of the Rocket, the V-Rex has several improvements. The larger 26″ rear wheel provides a smoother ride and allows a huge selection of tires.

Recumbent Cyclist News rated the ’98 tailwind as “the best enthusiast buy in North America.” Pretty much unchanged for 2001, the $995 Tailwind remains a poor man’s Stratus.

The Screamers all use identical seats, their comfort is excellent. The new Rad-Lock seat clamps made standard on all RANS bikes in 2004 makes it even easier to remove the seats while disassembling the TR.

RANS still makes the Screamer and Screamer TR. The Screamer Sport used the same frame and seats as the Screamer recumbent tandem. We find these bikes ride quite similarly, they all ride great in our opinion.

The Rocket is a great performance recumbent for the money if you like OSS & SWB. If you‘ve got a couple bucks to spare test ride a V-Rex. The V-Rex has most all of the Rocket advantages with a few more of its own.

RANS introduced the Fusion in 2003. The Fusion is a comfort bike that is easy for almost anyone to get on and ride away. It has most of the comfort of a recumbent bike with almost none of the learning curve.