rbent Forum - Print Page

rbent Forum
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Technical >> Question on Xstream
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl?num=1276739729

Message started by goldentouch on Jun 16^th, 2010, 8:55pm

Title: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 16^th, 2010, 8:55pm

I have a stratus xp and a V-rex. I love the stratus but it doesn't climb very well. I was wondering about the Xstream if there was enough difference to change. I like the LWB I think better and they seem to fit me better at 6 ft 5 inches. The Xstream is at the end of my xseam of 47.5inches.
I also noticed they have 3 models.
I again come to the experts and hope you might give me some direction. I also called City Cyclists today and Mike said he might get in a Xstream in a couple weeks I could try. I will also try and get free Saturday and take the Stratus in to get serviced.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by aikigreg on Jun 16^th, 2010, 11:37pm

Maybe with a more upright seat and smaller wheels you'll fit, but I expect you're too big for an x-stream. And you haven't been on bents long, right? It takes a while to get the muscles trained up enough to climb well, but keep at it - the best way to climb better is just to do more - at least in the beginning. I have done hilly 200ks on my wife's v-rex and climbed cherry pie hill and ridden from glen rose to bluffdale, so I know it's actually an exceptional climber.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 18^th, 2010, 6:20am

Thanks Greg for the reply. You are right I have not been riding a bent very long and I guess I might be chasing the magic ride. I love the Stratus and don't see retiring it anytime soon. I also like the V-Rex and I agree it climbs a lot better and I do have a hill I practice on riding up and then back down until my legs just say don't. I am getting stronger and find that my speed is picking up and places I use to shift down 3 or 4 times now maybe only once.
The Xsteam was something I looked at when I picked out the Stratus but decided to start with the Stratus would be easier to learn and ride comfortably.
I wanted to know what your feelings on the Xstream were and if it was better in the performance maybe between the Stratus and V-Rex or even equal to the V-Rex in performance.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by aikigreg on Jun 18^th, 2010, 6:28pm

Oh the xstream is great - myself and Pual did the prototype testing for RANS so I'm pretty familiar with the bike and have one of the production models. It's no doubt superior in speed and climbing ability than anything else they make. But even at 6'1" I feel like I would really enjoy another inch or two of room to slide the seat back, so I think you'll end up feling even more so.

Great job on the training - keep it up, and I hope I see you at the rbent ride this weekend.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 18^th, 2010, 7:14pm

Greg I got to looking at other bikes to file in if the Xsteam is too small. How does the Gold Rush they make it in an XXL that will fit?

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by aikigreg on Jun 18^th, 2010, 7:18pm

goldentouch wrote:

Greg I got to looking at other bikes to file in if the Xsteam is too small. How does the Gold Rush they make it in an XXL that will fit?

No clue - never ridden one, but Mike at City Cyclist sells them, so he may be able to tell you. Though I can't see it being faster than a stratus xp - it's much more upright and has a small front wheel, yes?

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 18^th, 2010, 7:49pm

I would agree on both counts - I think the Xstream won't fit your xseam properly, and I don't see why an GoldRush would be a better climber than the SXP -- and without a fairing, you're slighly less aerodynamic than the position on the SXP. The prototype Xstream frame was about 3" shorter than the production version, and Greg and I both had the hoagie seat essentially backed up right against the rear wheel, and wanted more recline.

The K-frame aluminum SXP has a little better power transfer due to the frame stiffness, without loss of the plush LWB ride. I see they're coming out with a titanium frame version -- maybe that's your upgrade?

I don't know if Randy has any capability to do an "XL" frame Xstream... but since I've got the Slingmesh seat as well as the Hoagie on my XS26, you can certainly test ride mine if we ever have the opportunity to get together...

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 18^th, 2010, 9:55pm

Well I will take the Stratus in for a tune up the front derailer needs adjusting and have it looked over. I am throwing the chain off the big chainring when changing from the middle ring. A big bummer when going down hill. Sure cuts into your time and have to stop and put thing back together.
I might have to just enjoy the Stratus and upgrade when the Ti frame comes out.

Mike said he was getting in a XStream and he is putting together a Tour Easy which is close to a Gold Rush and I should find out what the difference is.

I will just have to use the V-Rex for my speed and find smoother roads.

Thanks again for the advice.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by Bud_Bent on Jun 18^th, 2010, 10:02pm

When the chain goes off the big ring, if you'll make a quick shift back to the middle ring and keep on pedaling, it will come back and you won't have to stop.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by kingjason on Jun 18^th, 2010, 11:59pm

Might want to see if there are any V3's still around. I might be persuaded out of mine since I am eyeballing something new even though I am not sure there would be much of a performance jump for the price difference of what I am eyeballing. LOL A really great bike though and my favorite so far and I have rode everything.

COMPONENTS

Frame Tig Welded 4130 CroMo Steel (Made in USA)
Fork RANS Alloy 1 1/8"
Headset FSA Threraded 1 1/8"

Bottom Bracket Truvativ

Crankset
Truvativ Elita 52/39/30

Cassette SRAM 950 11/32 9-Speed
Chain KMC Z9000

Front Derailleur RANS

Rear Derailleur SRAM X5

F/R Shifters SRAM X5 Twister 9 speed

Handlebar RANS B-39

Riser RANS Top-load B-28 into B-35

Brakes Tektro MT15
Brake Levers Tektro MT2.1
Seat RANS Sling Mesh
F/R Wheels Jet Set 26 Disc-Hub

F/R Tires Primo Racer 26 x 1

Pedals Wellgo

SPECIFICATIONS
Gear Inches 22.5-113.3

X-Seam 37" to 48.7"
Wheelbase 65.25"

Overall Length 90.25"

Seat Height Ft.-25" To Rr- 23.25"
BB Height 26"
Bike Weight 31.5 lbs.

Weight Limit 325 lbs.

Colors Frost Blue

MSRP $1,650.00

Current listed prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 19^th, 2010, 10:31am

The derailleur adjustment is simply a limit screw adjustment, that keeps the DR from moving outward too far.

Here's a good site for the "self-maintenance" inclined, regarding the derailleurs...

http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=53

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by irodguy on Jun 19^th, 2010, 12:31pm

I would never go from an SXP to a goldrush. The only reason to switch to a goldrush would be if you want a lower bottom bracket. I had both a goldrush and a xstream. The xstream was much faster, but in the end for my city riding the short wheel base just worked better. I am currently very happy with my vrex.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 19^th, 2010, 4:28pm

I think for now I will stay with the Stratus as my main bike of choice. I went to breakfast only 3 1/2 miles then took the long way home another 10 miles and really enjoyed the ride this morning.
As far as the V-Rex I only ride it once in a while but take it out for more sprints and hill climbs. I think with a little more adjustment on the seat and T-Bar I will like it better and get a more comfortable ride. The V-Rex is a lot quicker than the Stratus but on the Stratus I just feel relaxed and sometimes just find myself enjoying everything around me. A very laid back ride. I think I could probably adjust my seat on it some more for a better fit. I noticed today my knees are bent more than normal when I am peddling. I have a little discomfort in the knee area so I will recline the seat a couple notches and move the seat back about 1/2 inch.
I want to thank everyone for the information.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 21^st, 2010, 9:46am

There will be a practical limit as to how far you can recline the seat... typically around 50 degrees. Any more than that, two things start to happen: 1) you lose back support when pedaling hard (steep climbs or sprints), because you start sliding up the seatback when applying pressure to the pedals, and 2) the front edge of the seatpad starts hitting the backs of your thighs uncomfortably, since it starts to tilt up as the seatback is reclined. However, you are dead on as to the ride quality of the Stratus -- it's a pleasurable "Cadillac" ride compared to most bikes out there. It's an excellent bike for long distances. On LSR 200Ks and such, I found myself typically averaging about 16mph, rolling in the 16-20mph range, and in faster "pack drafting" situations like HHH100, my average was up in the 18-20 range... and smiling all the way. There's a reason that bikes like the SXP and the EasyRacers series have been so popular for long-distance touring and such...

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by Bud_Bent on Jun 21^st, 2010, 11:37am

FlyingLaZBoy wrote:

But some bikes are bad about losing the chain over the big ring even if they're adjusted well. My SXP has always been really bad about it, and my Corsa does it every once in a while. A quick shift back to the middle ring without stopping pedaling works to recover from it just about every time.

It works for all kinds of bikes. I learned it from an FWBA upright rider very early in my riding days.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jun 22^nd, 2010, 6:20am

I will have to try shifting back to the middle ring and see if it works for me. Also when I try and shift to the small ring it will not shift down unless I am on a higher gear 5 or higher. Not sure why that is happening but because of it I usually just don't shift down.

I moved the seat back and leaned the seat about 2 holes and it made a big difference on the feel of the bike. I was able to take a longer route with more hills one over a mile long not too steep but all without any problems. The ride was 18.71 miles and I was not tired. My average with a stop to call work and get a drink was still over 11mph.

I still find myself in places start day dreaming and just peddling. I am not tired just enjoying the ride.

I will take the bike to City Cyclist Saturday to get it's first tune up.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by Opus the Poet on Jun 22^nd, 2010, 8:19pm

OK I can answer this one. Not being able to shift to the granny ring has one of two causes. The first is a mis-adjusted derailler which is common after about 200 miles. The second is by the time you're going for the granny ring you are already putting out some shove at low RPM which puts a lot of load on the tension side of the chain, which also happens to be the part of the chain that gets moved to the next ring by the front derailler, and going smaller on most front or rear deraillers uses spring pressure rather than your hand and arm pressure. The "cure" for this is to soft-pedal a couple of revolutions when you shift to the granny ring.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by goldentouch on Jul 18^th, 2010, 6:13pm

City Cyclist tuned the Stratus up and it is a lot smoother than when I first picked it up. Shifts smoothly through all the gears without a problem. The more I ride it the more I like it.

Everyone was right I don't fit on the XStream too bad. I might later trade the V-Rex for a long wheelbase to go along with the Stratus

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 18^th, 2010, 10:24pm

Eddie, you might contact Jason, and test ride his V3 he has for sale... It might be a very nice bike for you -- it sits a little taller than the XStream, but with your legs that's not a problem, and the x-seam goes beyond 48"... The steel frame can handle your weight, and it puts you in a more aero position than the SXP. See this thread: http://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl?num=1279249152

Be aware that you'll have a bit of knee/grip interference, which you don't on the SXP, due to the higher pedal position -- but you would have had that on the XStream as well...

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by Rat Rider on Nov 9^th, 2010, 9:49pm

goldentouch wrote:

I cheerfully disagree with my learned fellow riders. I think the Xstream is a poor choice as a climber as is the V3 and I suspect the SXP for the same reasons. First, I am talking about climbing something in MILEs not a few thousand yards (or k's if you prefer). When faced with a climb in Colorado that has a sign at its top, with a place to take a picture, I would much rather be on a Easy Racer or a V-rex. Especially if I am a bigger rider as referred above. The wheel flop of the Xstream and V3 (perhaps the SXP, never ridden one) makes long steeper climbs much tougher. You have to work much harder IMO because of the wanky low-speed steering than you would on an Easy Racer (much less). Last summer, my riding buddy and I were climbing Slumgullian pass. I was very jealous of his ti Rush and the ability to rock along < 4MPH. Pretty handy in higher elevations and long climbs. Now, I don't argue that getting to the top on the lighter bike may come sooner, but for me this is not the main issue.

On shorter hills, the Xstream wins because of weight (gravity). Although, I still prefer those shorter, especially steeper climbs on an Easy Racer, because again the steering is so much less brain damage. YMMV, caveat, CYA, etc.

As an aside, I have ridden my Xstream more than my other bikes most recently. But the local terrain is flat, very flat, and darned flat with not many hills. I moved in summer, from a very hilly area. Before I moved, I wanted to sell the beast several times but couldn't bring myself to it. Glad I kept it.

Title: Re: Question on Xstream
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 9^th, 2010, 10:02pm

You're obviously correct about the better low-speed handling of the ER or VR... especially when you're talking about MILES of climbing at sustained low speeds... Good input, but Eddie did purchase the V3 a few months ago!