Chance To Buy a Burley Hep Cat or a Rans V Rex. Which One?

I am a newbie to recumbent riding. Have only ever ridden a Bike E recumbent but have a chance to buy a better machine at a good price. Here's my question: Generally speaking, do you have a preference between a Burley Hep Cat and a RANS V Rex? These two bents are available for sale near here for about $500. Both appear to be in good shape.

 

Have to agree with A.D. Burley is a decent machine but those V-Rex's are sweet! If it's in as good as condition as the Burley for the money, I too would recommend the V-Rex!

 

I bought my HepCat about a year and a half ago, my first and only bent so far. I can't really compare it to the RANS since I have never even seen one. I looked at some pictures online and it looks to me like it has a higher center of gravity than the HepCat, which might be a factor for you if you are still new to riding a bent. I'm guessing it might feel less stable at lower speeds or on downhill runs.

I have no reqrets in buying the Burley. It's very comfortable to ride and I have many happy miles on it. I get a lot of compliments on its aesthetics when I'm out on the bike path.

I'm sure you can't loose with either choice since the RANS has a lot of enthusiastic owners.

 

If you ever need parts for your Hepcat let me know. My husband bought Burley's entire recumbent bicycle stock years ago when they stopped making them. We still have lots of original manufacturing parts.

(In fact if anyone need parts let me know. I have lots of stuff as well as lots of stuff from my bike shop.)

 

Thanks, Serenity. Good to know.

 

The Hepcat was a cost-reduced version of the Django, IIRC. The Django was often compared to the V-Rex as similar quality and performance.

 

V-Rex is nimble, practical, comfortable and well built. If you ride faster than 15-16 mph, you may want to consider a more reclined position offered by several brands.

 

I guess I am in the unique position of having ridden BOTH bents. I owned 2 V Rexs and loved them. A V Rex is a mule of a recumbent. I did a Century on one but also the GAP trail which was a composite trail. I didn't even change tires for either one. It is a steady, durable and forgiving recumbent. The Hepcat is also a great recumbent. It handled well but you are in a more reclined position. The V Rex you can get yourself fairly upright to ride it. They are both very similar.

I would give the nod to a V Rex only because I rode them for 10 years. Only reason I sold them was I had too many bents in my garage. They were the oldest models so off they went to new homes.

 

Hey. Are you still around? Came across this thread in 2023. Wondering if you still have Hepcat parts?

 

Yes...just been excruciatingly busy with my regular work...

 

I have several Rans and a Burley Canto, which is the convertible sister of the Hepcat.

- If you are a heavy rider, I recommend the Burley - those frames are handmade in Oregon and rated for up to 325lbs riders. And because they are so overbuilt, it'll last forever.

- If you are a SPEED head, the Vrex is faster.

- Rans triangle rear frames are very firm, and can even be a bit harsh based on your tire selection.
- Burley frames are exquisitely engineered monocoque frames (like an F1 race car) BUT have passive flex built in to the rear section, so they are never harsh, always a Cadillac ride. So if ride compliance is a priority, get the Burley.

They are both great bikes, you won't go wrong either way... just check your requirements.