BobsPoprad

I have an older Rans velocity squared. Bought it used. Pretty nice ride, except I just can't seem to get the handlebars at a position where my knees aren't in the way. No idea what size it is. But I am not exactly height enriched (5'7 on good days). Fitting on a recumbent is new to me so I am playing with everything trying to make it work. Seems to me a wider handlebar might be the fix. More stable as well.

Where do you all go to find recumbent parts?

Thank!!

VegasTriker

You might want to post your question on Bentrideronline where there are many more readers. Bicycleman in Alfred NY is still a dealer for Rans reumbent bikes.and carries some parts. He has a description of the Rans V2 and it came in at least two sizes from that description. You should be good to go on the standard size since he recommends the XL frame for anyone 6'2" or over. Most parts on recumbents with the exception of the seat and some steering components are conventional bike parts available everywhere (when in stock these days!). It looks like the current iteration of the V2 is the Rans Stratus.

My recumbent bikes all have underseat steering so bumping your knees on the steering isn't a problem on them,

BobsPoprad

Thanks for the info. I'll try looking at the other place online. I did look at the Rans website. Didn't seem to have much.

BlazingPedals

RANS is a shadow of the company they used to be. Most of the RANS bikes had adjustable stems, so you could move the bars up and back (or down and forward.) It was pretty common for people to cut the section they didn't need, though. You may need to buy a piece or two. The bars should miss your knees by an inch or two, and be behind your knees (B-26 type bars.) Obviously if you have ape-hangers, that'll be different. Also, are you riding with your knees apart?

JanMM

A picture or two of your V2 would be helpful - both here and on bentrideronline, if you post there. So that we can have an idea of what kind of steering parts you are dealing with.

Caliper

Another V2 owner here... Which bars do you have, the "chopper" bars or the more regular style? Mine has the chopper bars and I've not had an issue with my knees.

BobsPoprad

It's the short style. Probably like 14-15 inches at most. It seems no matter how I adjust the stem/bar I hit the knees.

GeezyRider 

My wife had those bars (which put you in the "praying hamster" hand position) on her V-Rex and we replaced them with Tweener Bars from Bacchetta:

https://bacchettabikes.com/product/handlebar-bacchetta/

I had these on my Giro20 as well and loved the more relaxed hand position. My knees fit comfortably between (hence Tweener) the grip areas of the handlebars and never had an issue of striking my knees against the bar. From your photo it appears that either the 21" or 22 1/4" options would serve you well.

Hope this helps.

BobsPoprad

That looks like a nice option. I'm not at home at this moment, but I am wondering if any mods will have to be done to fit the grip shift and brake. Thanks for sharing.

GeezyRider 

Yeah, it looks like you may have to lengthen cables and housing. A project for sure but cables and housing are relatively inexpensive. However if you really like the bike, well worth it.

BobsPoprad

Thanks. I think I might try this. I've done cables and housing on other bikes, so as long as I get the proper length, I should be able to replace. I'll have to learn how to replace on a grip shift, but that's ok. There is some extra length of cable still available on the bike, so who knows.

GeezyRider 

For replacing grip shift cables, YouTube is your friend. You'll be surprised how easy it is. Just make sure to buy tandem length cables.

BobsPoprad

Tandem length cables. Got it.

Thanks.

BlazingPedals

No matter what style of steering you choose, it's going to contact your knees at times, particularly in turns. What you don't want is to be hitting the bars with your knees on every pedal stroke.

Harhir

Another option might be shorter cranks or crank shorteners such as these:
https://t-cycle.com/products/easy-knees-crank-shortener
https://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-428.html

cat0020

I practice putting my knee far away from the handlebar, depending on which way the handlebar is turned; just straighten out the leg to avoid hitting my knee. Back pedal if need to.

JanMM

The Bacchetta bars suggested above or similar RANS bars will probably help a lot. That style is often referred to as tweener bars, because your knees are between the ends of the bars.I use tweener bars on my V-Rex, my Giro A20 and also used them when I rode V3's for a decade plus.Takes some getting used to and tweaking of adjustments.

Divtos

I have the same bike and the same issue. How did this come out for you?

BobsPoprad

I haven't started the project yet. I did search using some of the links provided and found a couple of bars that might work. There looks to be almost enough cable, but it's hard to tell. Just busy doing other things now that it's mid summer. If I have to replace cables, it will be a while.

Divtos

I looked in to it a bit as well. I don’t know about yours but mine would need bars and the riser. Mine is one piece. Apparently they went to the newer two piece system in 02 or 03. Rans sells a replacement system or you can just match the tube sizing.