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RANS Rocket/VRex Front Idler Kit
RANS Rocket/VRex Front Idler Kit
SKU:IDK175.1
Regular price
£71.00 GBP
Regular price
Sale price
£71.00 GBP
Taxes not included.
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The RANS Rocket/VRex Front Idler Kit includes a Return Idler, Stainless Steel Single Chain Keeper and the hardware necessary to make your chainline smooth and quiet. Works well with the RANS Rocket/VRex Rear Idler Kit. Easy to install, easier to enjoy!
FAQ
1. What does this kit do?
It replaces the stock return idler on a Rocket or a VRex with a new T-Cycle Return Idler. This kit includes all new mounting hardware and a new chainkeeper.
2. What are the differences in the choices?
The first choice relates to the type of Return Idler- Sport or Elite level. The Sport idler is made from glass reinforced nylon. It has a urethane chainbed and an ABEC 7 steel bearing. The Elite Idler has a CNC machined AL core with glass reinforced nylon sideplates. It has a urethane chainbed and a hybrid ceramic and stainless steel bearing. The second choice relates to the mounting point on your bike. The type of mounting point has changed over the years. Up until 2011 or so, Rockets and most VRexes have a metal tab welded to the bottom of the frame tube. It has an unthreaded 5mm or a 6mm hole where the stock idler shaft is attached with a nut. Newer Rockets and VRexes have an 8mm threaded boss on the bottom of the frame tube. The stock idler bolt screws into this boss.
3. How can I tell which mounting type I have?
If you look from the left side of the bike, you can see the back side of the mount. If you see a nut on a plate, you have the plate version. If you see a round boss with a largish bolt (8mm, about 5/16 inch) down in it, you have the Threaded Hole version.
4. What will this kit do for my bike?
While the stock idler works pretty well and lasts a long time, this kit is a serious upgrade to the stock idler and chainkeeper.
5. What all comes with this kit?
Besides the new Return Idler, the kits come with new mounting hardware and a new chainkeeper. On the tab mount version, a CNC machined aluminum arm attaches to the tab and holds the new idler on a stainless steel shaft. A stainless steel chainkeeper with a molybdenum disulfide impregnated nylon keeper arm makes sure the chain stays on. And to make sure the chainkeeper stays on, the nylon keeper arm is held on by a 5mm stainless through bolt secured by a Nylock nut. On the threaded hole version, a precision machined idler shaft threads into the hole. A stainless keeper with nylon arm bolts to the end of the shaft to keep the chain on.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
These kits completely replace the stock idler and all mounting hardware.
To install, remove the old idler and hardware.
On the plate mount kit, install the aluminum arm against the plate and secure it to the plate with the bolt, washer, and Nylock nut provided. Loosen the chainkeeper, slip the chain onto the idler, and tighten the chainkeeper again.
On the threaded hole kit, temporarily remove the chainkeeper from the end of the stainless idler shaft. Thread the shaft into the frame. Lay the chain onto the idler, then reinstall the chainkeeper.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- This kit is the way to replace or upgrade your return idler on your Rocket or VRex. It provides a level of performance and bling you won't believe until you see it. Precision bearings, all stainless hardware, super durable idler, and a dependable chainkeeper make a very solid, performance package.
- The plate mount version has a machined aluminum arm that moves the idler back and slightly down. This is to ensure clearance for V-Brakes when the front wheel is turned. The threaded mount version uses the existing idler location, since the new mount location has more room for the brakes.
- Both kits use stainless steel idler shafts and all stainless hardware.
- The chainkeeper arm is a special molybdenum disulfide impregnated nylon designed for high abrasion environments. A 5mm stainless bolt goes through the black nylon arm and holds it to the stainless chainkeeper plate. A Nylock nut secures the arm to the plate. There is no way to snap the nylon off, and no way to unscrew it without a wrench. It is designed to be there no matter how much it is hit or bumped.
- Fits on all known RANS Rocket and VRex bikes.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 29 reviews.
Installed easily. Works well, no issues.
The front idler kit works fine and the instructions and pictures were easy to follow.
Installed fairly easily. Rides much better.
great!
Looks like bicycle chain jewelry. Very fancy. Well built. Totally serviceable.
The instructions were clear and installation was straightforward.
It seems to be working well.
Appears to be of top quality like the rear one I purchased. Relatively easy to install for someone who is all thumbs. Very happy with the purchase.
The front idler fit my V-Rex perfectly and runs smoothly. It’s a big improvement over the stock plastic idler.
The kits are excellent in quality. The directions were very clear and easy. Both kits were installed in less than half an hour, alignment included. Sprayed with a bit of wax bearing and chain lube, I was back on the road immediately.
Bought the front idler with the 8mm tube fitting for my Rans Rocket. The kit overall fits well and is a good replacement for the stock idler, but the price for what you get is horrible. I understand that with niche things like recumbent bikes comes niche pricing, but $84 dollars for what you get in the kit seems excessive. The shipping price was also a joke, It does not cost $14 dollars to ship something that can fit inside of my palm. If this was cheaper and the stock idlers were still purchasable, it would be a great upgrade but with how its priced now its hard to justify.
Ordering was quick and easy. Shipping has been painfully slow, but that’s not on T-Cycle. Haven’t installed the part yet.
My VRex is now my daily commuter which means it gets a lot of miles. The rear idler failed on my way home. When I researched getting a replacement these came up as a better than OME alternative. These are quality parts that were very easy to install and I have been enjoying the improved smoother operation of my drive train.
Love this idler. The only issue I had was the edge of the idler would rub against the Chain Keeper on the first install. To fix this I loosened the main bolt, held the Chain Keeper up as far as it would go and tighten the bolt. That moved the Keeper far enough from the Idler Rim that no more rubbing. Now it runs smooth. I also upgraded the rear idler to the T-Cycle and the flipit riser to the T-Cycle GlideFlex Stem. They are a big improvement over the original equipment. I really wish I had done these upgrades years ago.
It was great to find parts, that were even in stock, for an older bike. It was an added bonus that they were constructed, and worked, even better than the original ones.
I ordered these 2 idlers for my older Rans V-rex and they work great. I've used 2 other products from T-Cycle and they both work great also.
Very easy to mount and runs extremely smooth! The included instructions were helpful. Packaging was very professional. I will be back to buy for my RANS Rocket!
This is one of the best improvements you can make to your bike. T-cycle was super responsive to my questions. 11/10 overall.
A nice little upgrade from the stock idler. I think this idler is a little taller than the stock one, so I'd recommend pairing it with the rear idler kit (which is also a little taller than stock) to keep the return chain clear of the front idler
The idler shipped out quickly, but arrived damaged from being compressed in transit. T Cycle support sent me a replacement right away. Glad they're around and still making parts for my old Rans Rocket.
I am currently using this idler on the Origami as the return idler. I took the tubes off and I am using two Tcycle idlers, one double for the power and one ( the picture above ) for the return idler. Zeke
No Muss, no fuss, A+++
The quality of the part is excellent, mechanically & aesthetically, performance & bling too!
Bought a front and rear idler. Really reduced the chain noise. Both units installed with minimal effort and look great I'm not happy with the front idler. There is too much slop between the bearing and the guide rod. This prevents the idle wheel from sliding back and forth. The chain only pushes from the top so the excessive tolerance causes the unit to twist instead of slide. The chain keeper bolt is too short and too close to the wheel. It rubs making a hideous noise. I ended up grinding a few millimeters off the undersized bushing to narrow the overall unit. When doing so I radiused all the spacers since they had sharp, undressed edges. Unit still doesn't slide side to side but no longer makes noise. The unit works well but the lack of attention to detail is disappointing for a product with this price.
Once shipped the idlers arrived quickly. Directions included were good so that this klutz could even follow them. Idlers are high quality and quieter than the originals.
Awesome upgrade for my little red rocket! The stock idlers were functioning ok but ticking a little bit on the chainkeeper. So I ordered both power idler and return idler from TerraCycle. Installation was quick and easy even for a mediocre bike mechanic like myself. And Wow! These things are silent and quick definetly improved overall performance making it a joy to ride! If you have a rans rocket or V-Rex I highly recommend this upgrade they are a bit pricey but extremely well made and if you want a smooth silent running Rans the Quality is worth every penny. They are functioning better than expected and even getting quieter as everything settles in. Awesome product Love em!
Bought used swb recumbent and front idler was bad. Your idler was easy to install and works great. Thanks for your prompt help, fast shipping, and quality part.
Reduced friction so much I was spinning out and had to shift up a gear to maintain desired cadence. Got two "free" mph! The smoothness of the ride with the Terra Cycle idlers is like riding on fresh laid asphalt road.