Rans Bike User manual

Revised 05/05

Thanks for choosing a RANS bike. We are delighted, that
you share our enthusiasm for the sport of cycling and we
want you to enjoy your RANS bike to the fullest. This
ownerʼs manual contains some information you will find
useful.
Your RANS Ownerʼs Manual includes component
information from the respective manufacturers of various
components used on your RANS. These are separate from
this booklet.
3411
1
12
6
9
2
35
6
3
RANS CUSTOMCOMPONENTS.........
7. Flip-It
8. T-Bar
9. Rad-Loc
10. Seat Pan
11. Cable Cover
12. Frame
1. Riser
2. Seat Mesh
3. Sprint Brace
4. Seat Cushion (feather weight)
5. Seat Cushion/Cover (Std.)
6. Idler
12
1
8
12
10
9
7
1

YOURRESPONSIBILITIES
A lot of these items are common sense, and it may seem silly to include them in this booklet. In spite of this, when accidents
occur, usually one or more of these items were ignored. A little review of the basics canʼt hurt.
You must have the skill to operate the bicycle safely before riding in traffic. Every bike has different handling characteristics.
Take the time to learn the behavior of your bike. If you are riding a tandem or short-wheelbase bike, remember there is wheel-
overlap which means that your front wheel can strike your foot if you turn sharply. Practice in unobstructed open areas before
riding on public roads.
Always wear a bike helmet and use a rear-view mirror.
Check the operation of brakes and steering before each ride, along with tire pressures. Make sure all the clamps on the
handlebar and risers are snug. Inspect tires for cuts, bulges or excessive wear.
Maintain your bike. Donʼt unnecessarily expose it to the elements. Watch for corrosion. Promptly touch up any areas of paint
damage.
Do not overload the bicycle. RANS bikes are designed for loads up to 250 or 275 Ibs. (Check our web site for weight limit
specific to model.) Cargo may affect the handling of your bike. Be especially careful of any cargo or apparel that could
interfere with the braking or steering mechanisms or contact the wheels of the bike when in motion.
Aftermarket items such as fairings, tailboxes, body socks, pedals incorporating clip-in devices, assisted drive systems, and
other items not specifically engineered for your bike may adversely affect handling and safety, and are the sole responsibility
of the rider as to their suitability for use on a RANS bike.
Ride under control. This goes double for tandems. Avoid excessive speed going down hills. Ride slowly on damp surfaces.
Remember, you will need extra stopping distance when wheel rims and tires are wet. Be aware of drain grates, gravel or
sand, uneven pavement, wet leaves and debris. If your bike suddenly begins to handle differently, stop immediately and
inspect for problems.
Be sure your reflectors are correctly installed and not damaged or missing. Do not allow your reflectors to be obscured by
gear or cargo. Keep your reflectors clean. Reflectors are not sufficient for night visibility. Use powered front and rear lighting
for maximum safety.
Rear dropout
Short wheelbase bottom bracket
Long wheelbase bottom bracket
BIKEASSEMBLY
RANS Dealers have agreed that they will assemble and test each bike before
delivery. If you have received your bike in a less than fully assembled condition, it is
the dealerʼs responsibility to provide any necessary re-assembly instructions. If for any
reason you are uncomfortable with the setup of your bike upon delivery, donʼt ride it.
Contact RANS at [phone]
YOUR SERIAL NUMBERAND WARRANTY REGISTRATION
It is vital that you register your warranty with RANS so that you may be informed of
product safety actions or other issues that may arise regarding the maintenance and
operation of your bike.
PRIVACYPOLICY
It is RANSʼ policy to restrict use of warranty registration data solely to the RANSʼ
service department, unless the bike owner has specifically requested to be included
to receive marketing materials for RANS products. In no instance will any owner or
warranty data be offered to any outside entity, except in event of a product recall or
safety advisory.
SERIAL NUMBER: THE FIRST TWO NUMBERS SPECIFY THE MODEL, NEXT
FOUR MONTH AND YEAR, LAST FOUR IS MODEL #. (e.g.V-Rex- Jan., 2005-1226)
ASSEMBLYAND REGISTRATION
You will find your serial number of your RANS bike is embossed in one of 3
locations. (See Photos.) Please include your serial number with your warranty
registration on the warranty form enclosed with this ownerʼs manual.

PROPER SEAT ADJUSTMENT POSITION
Lift your foot and rotate the pedal counter-clockwise to the extended position. Sitting with your back against the seat and
your leg fully extended, your heel should rest squarely on the pedal. If your knee is bent, move the seat as required to bring
your heel to the pedal with your leg held straight.
..........................................REMEMBER: IF YOU LET UP ON THE BRAKE, THE BIKE MAY ROLL..........................................
To find the right seat position, mount the bike. Hold a brake lever as you mount. On long-wheelbase models, just step over
the frame and seat yourself. On short-wheelbase models (and the Screamer captainʼs position), take hold of the seat back
with one hand, hold the handlebar grip with the other, fold the riser forward, step over the frame and seat yourself.
FINDING THE CORRECTSEAT POSITION
RANS bikes are designed to fit all sizes of riders, and to accommodate them with a range of comfort options. Finding your
best riding position is easier when you begin with a good fundamental riding posture. Hereʼs how to begin:
MAKINGIT FIT
The Rad-Loc seat clamp system will release completely with a simple deployment of the clamp bail handle. For larger
adjustments, pull the pins from the sprint brace tubes to allow the seat to move more freely. When the seat is positioned
as desired, just re-clamp the Rad-Loc bail handle. If the sprint brace tube pins have been removed, replace them before
mounting the bike.
Now, with the brakes still applied and sitting back in the seat, place the ball of your foot on the pedal, extend your leg fully
and apply pressure. In this position, which represents the bottom power of your stroke, your knee should be slightly bent.
The RANS Seat also can be reclined. At first you may prefer your seat upright. After gaining riding experience, you may want
to try a more reclined position. Minor adjustments are made by pulling the pins from the sprint brace tubes and tilting the seat
to the position you want. For larger adjustments, loosen the seat clamp. After the seat is adjusted to your liking, replace the
pins in the sprint brace tubes. If the quick-release beneath the seat has been loosened, re-secure this.
Additional information on care and adjustment of the Rad-Loc clamping system is provided on a separate insert in this manual.

ADJUSTINGYOUR RISER
There are different designs of handlebars and risers used on RANS bikes.
RANS long-wheelbase bikes usually feature the T-bar riser. Height and bar position are adjustable throughout a three-inch range at both
ends of the riser. Using a hex wrench, loosen the clamps, adjust and retighten. You should be able to sit back comfortably in the seat,
resting hands on the handlebar grips with elbows gently bent. The handlebar should be roughly chest high. The handlebar should not
crowd your face, chest or knees. Check www.ransbikes.com for more on custom sized bars and risers.
RANS short-wheelbase bikes and tandems feature the Flip-It riser. The Flip-It folds forward, away from the seat, letting you mount the bike
easily. There should be sufficient tension on the quick-release to keep the riser firmly in place when you pull it back to the riding position.
Use care not to excessively leverage the quick-release as this can over-tighten the Flip-It mechanism and deform the clamping mechanism
or fork steer tube. Flip-Its without the quick-releases need only occasional adjustment of tension. Use a hex wrench to adjust until it moves
smoothly with some friction. For more bar and riser combinations see www.shoprans.com
The Flip-It folds forward, away from the seat, a self locking bolt at the base of the riser adjusts tension, controlling the riserʼs freedom of
movement. Sufficient tension should be applied to keep the Flip-It play free, with some light friction.
With either riser, the handlebar should not crowd your face, chest or knees.
WHEN CLAMPING HANDLEBARS TOGETHER, BE SURE THREE
INCHES OF THE THINNER BAR REMAIN INSIDE THE LARGER TUBE.
WARNING! THE 3-INCH RULE:
RIDING YOURRANS BIKE
If youʼre unaccustomed to recumbent riding, it may take some practice to control the bike with confidence. Practice on a smooth surface
with plenty of room, free of traffic and obstacles. An empty parking lot is ideal. Itʼs important to become acquainted with your bike before
mixing with traffic.
Lean back in the seat. Relax your back, shoulders, neck and arms. Turn the handlebar left and right. Lean on one foot, then the other to
acquaint yourself with the weight and balance.
T-BAR RISER HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT
FLIP-IT- RISER
T-BAR RISER FLIP-IT- RISER ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
WARNING !
Apply a brake when mounting. If a brake is not applied when mounting, the bike may roll.
CONTROL OF THE BIKE WILL BE COMPROMISED IF THE HANDLEBAR IS POSITIONED FORWARD OF THE FORKʼS CENTER OF PIVOT.
CENTER OF PIVOT
The travel of the Flip-It is limited by a set screw at its base. Adjust this screw with a hex wrench to adjust the lay of the handlebar when
pulled fully into your chest.

The RANS bike frame requires little to maintain. Keep it clean and dry. Dirt, dust and grit can be removed safely by spraying with
common furniture polish and wiping with a clean cloth. Although not required, automotive wax may be applied to finished surfaces.
Avoid high pressure spray. Trapped water can promote corrosion and damage moving parts.
FRAME
DRIVETRAIN
SEAT
CARING FOR YOURRANS BIKE
To extend the life and efficiency of your drive train, use a degreaser to remove grit from the chain, chain rings, derailleurs and brake
pivots; lubricate to reduce friction and corrosion. Your RANS dealer offers cleaning products and lubricants appropriate for your locale.
The RANS recumbent seat is state-of-the-art, built for comfort, performance and durability. Light, isolated soiling can be removed with
a damp cloth. For a more thorough cleaning of the seat bottom, remove and hand or machine-wash with a mild detergent. Air dry. To
remove mud or other heavy soiling from the seat back, remove the seat from the frame, wash with soap and water, rinse and air-dry. Seat
bottom and back fabrics are designed to easily be replaced, and replacement fabrics are available through your dealer or you can order
online at
Check your gear settings. Begin on a level surface in a low gear.
Now sit back and relax. Focus your attention well ahead. This helps avoid over controlling and wobbling. Try gentle turns in both
directions. Acquaint yourself with the brakes by applying them gently. Try U-turns in both directions. Try circles.
If youʼre riding a short-wheelbase model, beware of striking your heels on the front wheel during sharp turns. This happens because the
bottom bracket is located close to the front wheel. Learn to point your toes forward a bit when turning a tight corner. As your balance
improves, you will not need to correct your steering as much and “heel-strike” will happen much less often.
Shift and acquaint yourself with the bikeʼs gearing. Anticipate the need to shift down, as when approaching traffic lights, so youʼll be in a
low gear when starting again.
Look around and enjoy the view! You can see in all directions without neck strain. Practice looking in the rear-view mirror and over your
shoulders. Watch out for the natural tendency to steer the bike into the traffic lane when you check traffic behind you.
Anytime youʼre in traffic on any kind of bike, ride as if youʼre invisible. Do not assume other vehicle operators see you.
After a half hour or so, you should be confident in your balance and control. Remember, riding a RANS bike is a natural position, so relax.
www.shoprans.com
TIRES
RANS bikes use high-pressure tires for reduced rolling resistance. Recommended pressures are found on the tire sidewalls. RANS bikes
use tubes with Presta-style valves, and adapters are included for common Shrader-style fittings. Presta valves require finger-loosening the
valve stem before air is added to the tube, and re-tightening when complete.
WHEELSAND BRAKES
Open and rotate the quick-release lever counter-clockwise to remove the forward wheel. To remove the rear wheel, shift the chain to the
smallest sprocket on the rear cassette (highest setting on the right gear shifter) and open the quick-release; once it drops from the fork,
remove the chain from the sprocket.
When replacing wheels, we recommend q.r. levers are positioned so that the lever points to the rear of the bike, and that the q,r. is tight
enough that the lever will leave a slight imprint on your hand after it is “cammed over”.
Be sure axles are properly aligned in the dropouts, brakes are closed, and q.r. levers are shut. Riding with loose or open quick-
releases can result in serious injury!
Before wheel removal, open brakes as per applicable procedure: Pull the cable lead tube from the yoke on the right brake arm.

“Get a Grip...Rad-Loc™”
1. Hinge Attach Screws
2. Hinge
3. Bridge
4. Hinge Link
5. Clamp
6. Bail Hook
7. Pivot Pin
8. Bail
9. Handle
10. Safety Catch
11. Adjuster Screws
WARNING!
RAD-LOCSEATCLAMP
Over time the Rad-LocTM may wear and clamping power may be reduced. Adjust the two small screws at the pivot pin to restore the
clamping power.
Keep the Rad-LocTM free from grease and oil. Do not use solvents to clean the Rad-LocTM. Instead use a mild soap such as dish
detergent. Keep the frame tube and rail clean. The Rad-LocTM will still provide adequate clamping power even on a waxed frame tube or
seat rail.
Repair or replacement of any part of the Rad-LocTM system is possible because of the modular design. Refer to the parts diagram for
descriptions when ordering.
Avoid loose clothing that might hang below the seat. A loose jacket might catch on the bail handle and open the clamp while riding.
Never ride without the bail handle fully closed.
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR LINE OF ACCESSORIES GO TO: WWW.SHOPRANS.COM
ACCESSORIESFOR YOUR BIKE
RANS offers a variety of custom made accessories for your RANS bike:

YOUR BIKE DEALER_________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________
PHONE_____________________EMAIL_______________________
NOTES:
LEARN MORE: Read Online at www.ransbikes.com “INTO THE RIDE” posted monthly, for
informative articles on whatʼs new, riding tips, equipment reviews and just about anything bicycle.
4600 HWY.183 ALT.