| Race Version | Storage Version |
| I do the body work and paint it for $295 plus $150 shipping [savings $100]. | I do the body work and paint it for $395 plus $150 shipping [savings $100]. |
| To paint my fairing, I need a small container of Bondo, sandpaper, a spray can of primer, and a spray can of paint. I can do it myself and save. If I do the finishing, it will be a new experience ~ no fiberglass work for me. |
In the meantime, I’ve prepared my CT700 to receive Jeff’s tail fairing.
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Checking the BROL front page, I find this from Jeff Bales [BROL Member Goblin]:
Quoted from the front page article:
It is designed to be aerodynamic without being overly large and heavy. You’ll notice the unique design that allows the 700 rear wheel to protrude without being faired. Obviously, for even better aerodynamics, riders can use wheel discs. By keeping the fairing tucked in behind the seat I can keep the weight down and get the speed up.
Just as I thought I was finished with Silk’s exterior, there is something else to consider. Of course, they have it in black.
Front fairing added recently [posted 03/03].
Comments please…
BROL Member Clu4u [John] says: [BROL Thread]
Hi Jim, I think that Silk looks even better with the fairing on, as long as
you can see the road!Could you swing the TerraCycle accessory mount down under the fairing support and shine the light under the fairing? Then you wouldn’t have reflection, but your light pattern on the road might not be as desirable. Seems like it would be worth a try. Farings are certainly nice to keep the toes warm and dry. Very cool!
I’d be interested in seeing a side view with you on Silk. It looks to me as if the fairing could go down a little by sliding the support forward, but the location relative to you is the important thing.
Well, I tried the fairing adjustment. That is, I slid it as for forward as possible and still allowing for foot clearance. In this position, I found the black horizontal bar for top faring support obscures my vision. Since I cannot get the fairing low enough to see over it, why not raise it as I once had it.
Before today’s commute, I raised the fairing about 2 inches. The horizontal bar no longer obscures my vision. Of course, I still looking through the fairing. That is not a problem. In the higher position. I think I’ll have greater rain protection. We shall see.
BTW, I like the faining on the trike. I still get plenty of air. Will it be enough on a 95+ degree day? Again, we shall see. I’m expecting fewer bugs.
Also, the fairing does easily scratch. The instructions warn of this and I know this from the fairing on my SXP. I’ve tried ti polish out to no real avail. Oh well…
Here is what I have done:
I have a busy computer day today, I’d love to get a long trike ride in however. Since Friday of last week, I’ve been riding about 10 miles per day on my DF as I have used it for transportation while my van is down. It has been good interval training.
The Mueller XT Fairing has been added to Silk’s attire. BROL Thread , with commentary on this fairing
I purchased the fairing from Utah Trikes – Ashley Guy, POC. This is the tinted fairing. I have placed my main light and reflector inside the fairing. The light is about 1.5″ from the fairing. I had to order 7/8″ clamps from Terracycle for their accessory mount–Thanks Robert.
No opportunity today to test ride. I may ride in rain later and test the light. As I checked it in daylight, its closeness to the fairing eliminates reflection.
My plan is to leave the fairing on the majority of the time. I’ll know after riding in hot weather.
I have one minor problem. The fairing does not sit level, although the bar it attaches to is level. I’m hoping the sun will correct. If not, maybe my heat gun. Ashley thinks heat may fix it.
Anyway, dry toes in the rain, warmer toes in the cold.
OK, what are your comments…
BTW, given the 700 laid-back riding position my view is through the fairing. I “see” no way to view the road over it on the 700. The view is not distorted, however.
Jim
OK! I have the fairing and it blocks some cold air, particularly when it was more upright. But, I am suppose to ride looking over the fairing, not through it. Well, that means the face catches more cold air. What to do? Check this BROL thread.
A full-face shield in addition to a fairing helps.
Full-face shield added
A few more shots–the background shot (above) is a view through the shield.
The images above are indoor shots. Note the reflective decals
(they are black, but reflects as white). Image #6 [R2C3] is a view through the full-face shield.
Installation: The shield came wider that I expected. Pictures do not always reveal the dimension that you will be working with. I used my Dremel to remove just over an inch from the left and right side of the shield. There is a line where I cut the shield. You can clearly see the lines I used to cut in this link. Be careful with your Dremel speed to not melt the polycarbonate. If you get melt, it is more difficult to remove. As you see in my before pictures above, I already had a visor for shade and rain protection on the helmet. Well I do not need if for rain now, but I still wanted to retain the look I had and have shading from the sun. To my knowledge, I achieved that. I’ll have to ride in the rain and see how this works. I’ll report back.
The RANS Stratus XP as of 12/09/2006. This picture shows a more laid back fairing position. This is the basic position of the fairing for my return trip from Richmond, Virginia. Since return, I’ve made a few minor tweaks. I ride seeing over the faring. My knees just clear the devices on the handlebar. I still would like to straighten (raise) the handle bar just a bit. The panniers beneath the seat are about 1.5-2″ further forward & the tail-light assembly has been shortened by 2.5 inches. It now sits at the very end of the Angletech Aerotrunk. The B&M DIWA tail-light is mounted differently in the neck rest. As reported earlier, the XM Radio in now on the handlebar, versus the top tube. I also moved the seat a inch or two forward & placed the safety flag on the right side of the bike instead of to the left and within the seat back. I’ll see if this eliminates knee cap pain after riding over 50 miles. I think I have finished moving things around. My check ride confirmed the positioning is OK. Maybe tomorrow I can get in a ride of 30 miles or so.
A collage showing photographs from different angles.
Time now allows me to answer René’s questions from yesterday.
Jim:
“1) compare your Stratus versus VK2. – I do not think a low racer should be compared to a LWB recumbent. The ride and handling characteristics are different [relevant to the type handlebars on each]. I purchased my SXP for
touring. As I have it setup, it is perfect for that task. The ride is comfortable and its load carrying ability is superb. The low racer (VK2) is a fast bike. As I see it more for sprinting than riding long distances. The ride and riding position are not as comfortable as on the RANS Stratus. I love them both, but see them as different bikes for different functions.2) performances on flat roads, hill climbing, down hill – Again, the VK2 I think will beat the Stratus on a short distance sprint–say a mile or so. It is a much lighter bike. My SXP is loaded [heavy]. I can make it go fast however, particularly downhill. The VK2 probably has the edge in hill climbing. Downhill–edge probably to the VK2 because of it weight and gearing. However, I’ve seen near 40 mph on the Stratus.
3) Also the handling. Some articles say the XP is hard to drive at low speed and unpredictable at high speed?? – I’ve had no control problems at low or high speed. I do find both bikes twitchier as compared to my road bike. A low-center of gravity bike has different handling characteristics. It may however be me and the number of miles I have ridden. Other bent riders say the twitchiness will go away. I do not know…
4) What is the benefit in speed with the fairing?? Is it necessary to run above 15/18 miles per hour?? what are your comments ?? – I do not know if I have seen a speed benefit with the fairing. I’d have to do coast down test to know for sure. A speed advantage is not important to me. I like the rain and wind protection the fairing gives, plus the bike is so COOL with it on. If you are riding over 18mph, you are suppose to get the fairing increased speed advantage.
Well René, I hope my responses are of some use to you. Can you travel to some other location in Europe to ride a Stratus. Given your concerns, I recommend you ride first. I purchased mind without riding one. I spoke with my dealer and described what I wanted to do and he recommended the SXP. The bike can be adjusted to fit your size. I’m a bit taller and heavier. I think I have a good setup for me.Have you visited my blog?
Sorry for the delay in getting this response to you. I may want to post our
dialogue in my blog. Do you have any objection?”
René:
“Hello..
I didn’t know if I am well using the message forum to send you my response ??!!
I agree you post our dialogue on your blog ..
I have visited him [the blog] ..fine but with the shots ..I see you have not same measurements as me!!
Concerning Stratus ..In Europe ..I didn’t know where is it possible to try
one ..so I have the possibility to try a Tailwind ..the BB versus the seat
height is about the same as Stratus ..so I could appreciate the position ..very
different of Bacchetta and VK!!
It is the only problem position
..possibility of recumbent butt ..comfort ??
for other considerations ..I think performance is lower .mainly hill climbing (Bacchetta Corsa or Aéro) but if handling is OK at 5 miles (not too meander as Bryan J .Ball write ) ..no problem ..I take the risk to import from States ..
I have ordered my Bacchetta from Dana …
Have you opinion about Easy racer GRR?? someone says
performances and handling are better (??) than Stratus XP..other says :the same
?? difficult to choose !!
Thanks for your advices for me it is easier to have your mail address to answer separately ..if you want ??”
Jim:
“Dana, Bent Up Cycles, is also my dealer. I purchased both of my bents from him. He is GOOD! On riding a SXP in Europe, you can start a thread on BROL that ask who rides a RANS Stratus in Europe who may allow you to test ride their bike.
I have no direct knowledge of other recumbents and their handling characteristics. Recumbutt is the result on a too vertical seat position. In a laid-back position, you should not have that problem.
GOOD LUCK!!! –jim”
René:
“Hello..
Thanks for your “direct response” ..mainly my “forum box was full” !!
to understand ..it is 300 at 500 miles to go to other country..
but I agree your good idea to start with a thread on the BROL..
but it is first time ..I have never do this !!
I confirm Dana is very capable..
I have also contacted “Angletech” who seems very free to discuss ..Best regards,
René”
Jim:
“Rene’,
I have also used Kelvin at Angletech. He is also good. The 300-400 miles by train in Europe may be worth it. Who knows, you may have a BROL Member in France who rides a Stratus. Again, good luck! –jim”
René:
“Thanks JIM ..I have posted my first thread…on BROL!!
Take care.
René”
