Crank Forward Bikes

 

Randy Schlitter with the Hammer Truck.

CRANK IT FORWARD.

RANS "CRANK FORWARD“ BIKES

Rans' Crank Forward lineup continues to refine and expand. These bikes fuse elements of an upright bike with some of the recumbent.  The result is an easy to ride, laid back frame geometry that relieves hand and wrist pressure, and allows flat footed starts and stops.

Here’s how the personalities break out:

 

FUSION

The one that started it all. The straight tube aluminum frame and the ST step through design, the most laid back geometry for the casual cruise.

Dual 26” wheels.

The custom RANS poly spade seat, recumbent based, then refined specifically for the Crank Forward design. Standard with a high density closed cell foam seat cover (removes for washing).

CF's are all built on a top notch, TIG welded aluminum frame.

Seat position adjusts in tilt and height with quick release levers for fast set up and the perfect fit. Note scale on the seat post, you know where you are, and it's great if you're sharing.

CRUZ

Curvy tubes add a neat style to the Cruz, built around the exact same geometry as the Fusion. 26x1.5 tires and upscale components give the Cruz its own flavor.



Shown with French canvas panniers and oak fenders for optimum style and function.

Use the Cruz to hit the beach, ride the boardwalk, or make the bread run.  The Fusion and the Cruz are simple recreational bikes, easy to pass around to a house guest, 5 stem variations and 3 handlebar versions refine the feel.

 

 

Angletech Spec brings the new Shimano Alfine 11 internal hub drive, silent shifts, no derailleur, with a single trigger shifter that covers the range of a triple crank system!

Alfine 11 Movie!

 

 

The CITI with new RAC cargo system

CITI

The CITI combines the curvy tube styling of the Cruz, the more efficient geometry of the Dynamik, a Candy Red finish, super fat tires, disc brakes, and the swept back B37 handlebars. The CITI is a simple to use single shifter 9 speed urban fun cycle, grab and go!

For keeping things more on the inside, try the CITI Alfine 11with the silent, internally geared Shimano Alfine 11 hub.  The gear range of a 27 speed triple on a simple single shifter bike. A low/no maintenance spec with class.

Alfine 11 Movie!

A custom build shown here with: Avid BB7 disc brakes, Velocity Blunt Teak format rims, and Schwalbe Fat Frank baloon technology tires in Vanilla White.



 

FOR ULTIMATE UTILITY AND PERSONALITY, THE HAMMERTRUCK

We took the 80 pounds of water down low on the racks test at Interbike. Went down the big hill with a steady line, then the steep climb back up to the tent, solid feel with easy transition to standing when desired. The only utility bike with the famed Crank Forward comfort. THE CHOICE for that car replacement runabout. A number of dedicated options to suit every application.


Alfine 11 Movie!

DYNAMIK  Crank Forward benefits with a nimble front end geometry & excellent climbing form. Lots of possible uses, standard and small frame sizes, 3 stems and several handlebar options. Easy as the runabout, but don't be surprised if it becomes your century ride cycle in certain configurations.



Angletech Spec brings the new Shimano Alfine 11 internal hub drive, silent shifts, no derailleur, with a single trigger shifter that covers the range of a triple crank system!

 

This Sequoia in Frost Blue shown with options: Sykes Zebrawood fenders and bottle cage, Redline Mag Platform pedals, Rock Shox fork, B37 Bars, IRD Thumbie shifters, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 26 x 2 tires, Silicone Grips, and Rans Rack.

SEQUOIA

Rans has a 6'7 guy on staff. He needed a Crank Forward of his scale. The Sequoia was born. A Dynamik spec bike done for the big guy.

Longer rear oversize stays and oversize down tube deliver power without flex. Weight distribution improves for the tall rider, placing more weight toward the front. Curved down top tube makes it easier to get on and off, especially with a load.

 

STREET  This bike is for those who like the Cruz style, but prefer the more nimble frame geometry of the Dynamik.










ALTERRA
Alterra geometry is the 3rd form of Crank Forward. Elevating the seat angle 3" with a corrisponding offset at the stem, Alterra's are the most like a traditional bike in that you can easily transition from in to out of the saddle, very nimble handling response. The CF virtues of a comfortable saddle, and unloading of the wrists and hands keep the comfort alive.

ALTERRA ROAD
Starting with the Alterra Road in 7005 aluminum, you get a responsive road cycle with great climbing talent, speed, and....comfort!

Moving into the Angletech Spec versions, you can customize your Alterra Road. The Titanium option furthers the performance through lighter weight, an ultra smooth ride not experienced in other frame material, and ultimate durability. Several high level component packages help make an Alterra your own, with multitude of cockpit possibilities, and the bonus of the TR S&S Coupler option to break the bike in 2. Custom transit case available.



ALTERRA 29
Swinging to the opposite world, the Alterra 29 is an easy to enjoy mountain bike with in and out of the saddle capabilities without the wedgie butt. Compact drive cranks keep the ground clearance up, rolling over the rough stuff with ease.

7005 heat treated TIG welded frame is standard. Custom order a titanium frame in our Angletech Spec featuring top line SRAM XX, Velocity Blunt, and Avid Elixer components.

S&S Couplers are available as the TR option in titanium only.

 

alterra seat



ALTERRA MTB
Alterra, 26" mountain bike style. For the single track and steep climb style of mountain biking. 7005 aluminum frame and SID Rock SHOX round out the spec. Easy to enjoy mountain biking with in and out of the saddle capabilities, without the wedgie butt. Compact drive cranks keep the ground clearance up, rolling over the rough stuff with ease.

Custom order a titanium frame in our Angletech Spec featuring top line SRAM XX, Velocity P35, and Avid Elixer components.

S&S Couplers are available as the TR option in titanium only.

 

 

ALTERRA 700X
The Alterra 700X is your new touring / commuting friend of the Crank Forward culture. 700C wheels, a carbon fiber touring fork with clearances for fenders, rack systems, a wide range of tire widths and highly effective disc brake come standard.

Angletech Spec brings the TO27D into view with higher quality components throughout, both lightening up the bike as well as longer term durability




Order your Alterra 700X in titanium for the ultimate ride.
S&S Couplers are available as the TR option to break your bike down into 2 pieces. (In titanium only)





 



ALTERRA MINI TRAVEL BIKE
The grab and go runabout bike with the comfortable Alterra Crank Forward cockpit position. A 7005 series heat treated aluminum frame delivers the strength and power. 20" wheels provide fun, quick acceleration.

Angletech Spec brings the new Shimano Alfine 11 internal hub drive, silent shifts, no derailleur, with a single trigger shifter that covers the range of a triple crank system!

Order your Alterra Mini in titanium for the ultimate ride.

This one happens to fit in to a certain model of Rans airplane. I'm sure we can arrange for you to test fly it .

S&S Couplers are available as the TR option in steel or titanium only.


Alfine 11 Movie

 

Some fun items to maximize your Crank Forward:

 

CHARIOT SIDECARRIER 

The articulated sidecar for your child or pet. Fits perfectly on your Rans Crank Forward.

Stainless Coffee Holder, Polypropelene-no plastic taste bottle, Rear rack

 

 

Tail Rider rear pack..

RANS DYNAMIK DUO

The Dynamik Duo Crank Forward tandem. Good climbing, comfortable seats, easy reach to the ground while seated, and no wrist/hand loading. True dirt road touring abilities. Factory spec, Angletech Grand Touring and Sport Touring.

Many handlebar and stem configurations.

Available in TR versions with 2 or 4 S&S Couplers.

Shown below our custom spec 700C format with carbon fork, DaVinci V23 rims, and 700 x 32 Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires.

 

 

WHY THEY CLIMB SO WELL

Almost everyone who tries a Rans Crank Forward bike makes a comment about the great climb. What is it about these bikes that enhances climb?

The explanation lies in handlebar and crank placement. With the crank forward more than a conventional bike and the bars placed low, just above the knees, you can pull yourself  down into the pedals.

Using this technique it is easy to apply more than your weight to the pedals, which is all standing on the pedals will provide. If you move the crank further aft, or raise the handlebar too high, the effect is diminished, if not lost. The handlebars must be fairly low, approximately above the knees in order to affect the climbing traction.

Climbing is not the only place the effect works, starting from a complete stop, using the bars to dig in, will accelerate the bike nicely.

When you test ride a RANS Crank Forward design, remember to try the trick of pulling on the bars to climb or accelerate, be sure the bars are adjusted to the right height of just above the knees and they are secure!