In article , "Helmut says...

After checking out the spec sheet this looks like a nice package. The new
riser helps with the tiller affect that the old design has. The reduction in
weight compared to the steel versions should help it climb better. Nice set
of wheels. As I said a nice package. RANS has done a good job of adressing
the original V2 shortcommings with this model. Still, for three grand, there
are other bikes I would consider first. But if you have your heart set on a
LWB ...


My wife and I both ride custom V2s from Power On Cycling, that are very similar
to the Formula. They all have about the same level of components, with a mix of
Ultegra level Shimano and SRAM, and the same Velocity Thracian wheelsets. The
only difference is that the Formula has an aluminum frame and the carbon seat -
and costs $1200 more than our bikes! That seemed like a bit too much to pay for
the aluminum frame to me.

As for the ride, the custom V2s are amazingly faster than my Vision VR-42, and
feel much more stable at speed. They also accelerate very well, as I was able
to demonstrate over the weekend when I pulled away from a friend on a Trek 5200.
Not sure about the weight, as I haven't weighed mine yet. But the upgrades to
the components and wheels are a fair amount of the weigth savings of the Formula
over the standard V2.

I will say that my Vision is a more comfortable ride. Much more comfortable in
fact. Part of that is the suspension, but I find the Vision seat preferable
too. After 160 miles this weekend I was wishing for the best of both bikes.

I have mixed feelings about the new handlebar setup on the V2s. It does have
less tiller than the old riser (mine is new, my wife's is a 2001), and is easier
to handle at low speed. But the bar doesn't extend very far back, and if I put
my seat back as far as I like I can't even reach the handlebar! (And I special
ordered mine with the bigger bars and larger riser.) So I have one of the old
risers on order from RANS and I'll see if that improves things.

So yes, I imagine the Formula is a great ride, since it must be even better than
my custom V2. Not sure about the $3000 price though.

Steve Christensen
Midland, MI