RANS Stratus XP Update

DIscuss anything relating to non-standard cycles and their equipment.
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UpWrong
Posts: 2409
Joined: 31 May 2009, 12:16pm
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

RANS Stratus XP Update

Post by UpWrong »

Getting this ready for summer and the Isle of Wight Randonee. I switched the tyres to Panaracer Pasela PT and am very very impressed. Previously had a 28mm Durano on the front and a 35mm Kojak (both folding) on the rear. The 32mm Paselas feel quicker and more comfortable. Just wish Panaracer made them in 406 size for my other bents. And I've added the Topeak RX bag which I bought used here, the one with fold out side pockets.

Photos here: https://1drv.ms/a/s!AmuVLk0nWAz9gaF3aiplzOLCIq2thw

But the main change has been to install the Bacchetta B-pivot folding stem so that I can fold the handlebars easily and put the bike into my medium sized hatchback. I hesitated to do this because I had to cut the steerer down, remove the RANS headset adjuster and install a star nut, but it works well. I left room for one spacer under the B-pivot so that other stems could be fitted later if the B-pivot develops problems. Having cut the steerer though I can't go back to a straight riser setup.
hercule
Posts: 1156
Joined: 5 Feb 2011, 5:18pm

Re: RANS Stratus XP Update

Post by hercule »

I have Paselas on 3 bikes and have used them for years - quiet, fast, comfortable and reasonably fairy repellant. I did have the 26x1.75” ones on the tandem but an Experience suggested something a bit tougher would be better!
UpWrong
Posts: 2409
Joined: 31 May 2009, 12:16pm
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

Re: RANS Stratus XP Update

Post by UpWrong »

This is still proving to be my fastest 'bent and best climber. With climbing in mind I installed a smaller granny ring to make a 26/38/48 triple and took the Terracycle WERX fairing off to lighten it, replacing it with some wide plastic tape across the chopper bars. I have got the parts to build a lighter front wheel but I really like the look of the Halo Sub4 rim with Maxxis 49x406 tyre which is actually larger than a 50x406 Big Apple. What do you think?
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UpWrong
Posts: 2409
Joined: 31 May 2009, 12:16pm
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

Re: RANS Stratus XP Update

Post by UpWrong »

I had the XP in 700/26 configuration without mudguards but the spray was intolerable so have gone back to dual 26 with mudguards. Decided to fit the largest tyre I could on the back to raise the seat height and reduce trail. However the chain stays narrow dramatically so a 42-559 Pasela folding Protite was the widest. The front is a 28-559 Grand Prix. I took it out for my first 'bent ride this year and immediately took to it. So much faster on the flat and similar to my upright hybrid on 5%-8% gradients. Above 8% it gets hard to hold a straight line.
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a.twiddler
Posts: 347
Joined: 4 Jun 2009, 12:17am

Re: RANS Stratus XP Update

Post by a.twiddler »

It looks good. Glad to see you're keeping the LWB flag flying!
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