Am I obsessing about the correct bikes?

[DrMekon]

I am after something that can get me out of the wind, go a bit faster than my tourer, and maybe do a couple of audaxes a year on.  High-racers look scary, low-racers look scary, so I am thinking something in between. Dual 406 layout would be my preference, but I can't ignore the Bacchetta. I am pretty near to Bike To Be and DTek, and Tom_e of this parish has offered a try on his B2.  Here's the current shortlist...

ICE B1
Challenge Hurrican Sport
Bacchetta Giro 20

Rule is that is must not come to over £2K, must have mudguards, and be able to carry a change of clothes, lunch and a few tools.

I shouldn't be this obssessed, as I can't buy one until November.

[dasmoth]

A nice list of bikes.  I'd possibly add the HP Grasshopper -- great fun, although I don't ride mine as much as I should (getting a tandem, and using that for a lot of my day rides, probably has something to do with this)

You're welcome to borrow mine if you're interested.

[arallsopp]

MMmm... bikes. There are a few 'mid-racers' out there now. From Challenge, I like the Furia and Fujin tour, but any of the bikes you've listed will make your day.

[sprogs]

My brother Pedaldog has a Bacchetta agio. It's 26/20 long wheelbase but it's the smoothest recumbent I've ridden and capable of a fair turn of speed even with my cranky knees propelling it. It's also comfortable enough to spend a full day on and can carry luggage. If you can find one it's well worth a test ride.

[Fiona N]

What about a HPV Speedmachine - 26/20 ?

Of course, I should mention that I'm selling a lovely yellow one at the moment 

[DrMekon]

Thanks for the offer, but come November, I'll have a £2K cyclescheme voucher burning a hole in my pocket.

[RichForrest]

If you don't manage to get to Kevins place before the end of Aug, get over to Mildenhall for the rally. There's always a good turnout of recumbents there and most of us will let you sit/ride on them 

Rich

[Beardy]

+1 for the HPV Grasshopper. tis a wonderful machine.

Mind you I costed up replacing mine the other day, and even with the M&S home insurance cover of £4k per item, I'm woefully under insured! Scary. But then mine does have a lot of 'essential' extras