Hi new to writing on here, but Ive got over twenty years of riding recumbent s. Here are some of my experiences on trikes. I’ve had four ICE trikes, two explorers, an XXL and a pioneer. The XXL was light at only 29lbs in full running order mudguards and rack, and I have to say lightness is your friend, and no I’m not a lightness fanatic, but you do have to carry it all uphill, so the lighter the better. I could more or less keep up with my upright friends but it was hard, I much preferred riding on my own. Carrying it down stairs I have to carry it up four steps into the garden and then seven steps into the cellar. At first this ok take the seat off turn it on its side and it’s manageable, but after weeks and months or even years it becomes a pain and you stop taking it out. I’ve also had two wheeled recumbent s - Rans Tailwind, Stratus and Rocket, a couple of ICE b1s, Bacchetta Giro 26 and a Corsa. Of all of these the Corsa could easy keep up with the group or even easily leave them behind, much to their dismay. The giro 26 easily kept up with group but neither of these liked steep hills 1in 5 or steeper. The Corsa was very light 23lbs the Giro 26 about 29lbs. But of all of these, I’ve kept the Rans Rocket, about 28lbs but fantastic balance, I can more or less, track stand it. I’ve been up a 1in3 on it and keep a good speed. I average the same speed on this as my uprights. It’s easy to get up and down the stairs, walk alongside if you want a walk. To sum up recumbent riding is great fun, but you must look for a reasonable light one or the same weight as your uprights. As you can see, it has taken me a long time to find the one I like but I would not be without it. I’ve had it for ten years and it’s definitely a keeper. If you’re looking to do audax then I would recommend the Corsa or something at this weight. Sorry I do sound as though I’m a weight fanatic but I believe that in recumbent riding, it’s what counts. Hope this helps.
