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RANS
Screamer Tandem Recumbent Bicycle

Screamer
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Here for Recumbent Tandem Specials
Linda & I have ridden several recumbent tandems including the RANS
Screamer, Screamer Sport and Screamer TR; the Vision R-82; the Longbikes
Eliminator and Jetstream; the Linear tandem; the Sun EZ-Tandem and the
BikeE E2. These are the bikes we are comparing the Screamer with; more
info on these other tandems is on our other
recumbent tandem page. I ride mostly
with Linda but also with my daughters. We find it is a great place to have
a one on one conversation, get some exercise and some fun at the same
time. The Screamer models are our favorite recumbent tandems. We live in
pretty hilly country, so climbing ability and high-speed stability and
control are particularly important to us. In a flatter area this would be
less of an issue. Fast winding down hills are a thrill on this bike.
Remember to plan ahead at high speeds, any tandem will take longer to stop
or avoid an obstacle than on a single bike. The lateral of the frame gives
very predictable handling, a real asset at high speeds. The two V-type
brakes & the rear disk provide good of stopping power when dry, be more
cautious when it’s wet out. You could upgrade the rear disk brake with a
hydraulic caliper to improve wet weather stopping. Remember, the hydraulic
lines do not come apart easily for disassembling and packing a Screamer TR
frame. We think the Screamers are the highest performance, best climbing &
most stable recumbent tandems we have ridden. The Sun EZ tandem is comfy
and stable but not as maneuverable, not a good climber and harder to
transport. The Screamers seat comfort is excellent; we consider it the
standard for comfort. The RANS seats are widely regarded as the best seats
in the industry. They allow much recline adjustment and have probably the
best lower back support available. On the Screamer you are close together,
making conversation a bit easier in traffic. There is a down side to this.
When the front is adjusted for me (6'3" & full recline) a stoker may hit
their toes or shins on the captain's seat. Water bottles or a seat bag on
the front seat would interfere with the stokers pedaling. Couples with a
shorter captain won’t have to worry about this and may even have room to
mount bottles and/or a seat bag on the back of the captain’s seat.
The Screamer’s OSS steering has an adjustable flip-it stem allows lots of
handlebar adjustment by telescoping and pivoting. In the rear there are
under seat handholds, though Linda often holds on to the back of my seat
for a change (I’m 6’3” so my seat is pretty far back & she can reach it no
problems. In fact, on the Screamer Sport or standard size Screamer we have
to adjust the front seat carefully to leave her room for her legs, see
below.
The Screamer's OSS, stiff frame and compact wheelbase make it better for
"U" turns and riding in traffic than most tandem recumbents we have
ridden. The BikeE E2 "U" turns easily but at higher speeds it does not
inspire confidence (I’m being polite here…) On bumpy roads its stiff frame
gives a harsher ride than the BikeE E2 or Vision R-82-85. The Screamer is
also available as the TR (traveling) model that disassembles to pack in
box. The Screamer TR rides just the same as the regular Screamer, but can
be disassembled for shipping; a real advantage for couples planning on
airline travel to and from bike tours. The TR rides just as well as the
regular Screamer. Screamers are assembled in the USA; Screamer Sports are
assembled in Taiwan. They share identical Taiwanese frames. The Screamer
TR uses the same frame, which is modified here with the S&S couplings.
Only the Screamer is available in XL, an option you may need if you have a
tall captain.
Stokers
viewpoint:
Linda, my wife likes the Screamer models best. The seats are closer
together than on most other bent tandems. I'm 6'3" and she is 5'2" (eyes
of blue), which puts our seats quite close together on the Screamer. She
likes being able to rest her hands on her USS handholds or on the back of
my seat (I like the occasional shoulder rubs!) Being closer together makes
it easier for us to talk in traffic too. The lack of space makes it a bit
tight getting on and off the back though. The Vision R-82 & 85 had more
space between seats and a lower step over, making getting on and off very
easy. When we descend hills on a Screamer she really likes the optional
IPS (because I don't like to coast much.) But then, tandems are all about
communication and compromise. The Screamer is a great bike and all round
our favorite tandem. Some couples whose rides are on less hilly roads will
find the Sun EZ Tandem quite adequate and ~$1500 less expensive.
As with any recumbent we recommend test riding several before buying one.
We try to keep recumbent tandems in stock form at least two companies so
you can come try them and make a good decision.
For more info on
these other tandems see our recumbent tandem page.
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Peter checks high speed stability on a screamer |
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Big bike, Little car:
a Screamer on a $90 bike rack!
rear wheel is removed to reduce width. |
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We also carry these recumbent brands:
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