Opinions on Bacchetta Corsa?

[vimalakirti]

I'm a cat 3 road racer, new to 'bents but interested in purchasing one to race and ride in hilly western PA. In particular I'm interested in the 2005 Bacchetta Corsa, with the new aluminum frame, because it is one of the lighter recumbent bikes out there. Does anyone have experience with the aluminum Corsa? I've noticed that recumbents are generally made of cromoly or (occasionally) titanium--any particular reason for that? I've been drooling over the titanium Bacchetta Aero, but at almost $4000 I'd have trouble justifying that as my first ever recumbent bike (especially if I decide I don't like riding recumbents).

Thanks,
Vimalakirti

[scarry]

I've been riding my Aeor for 2 years now. Love it. Goes fast, climbs good. The Ti frame is a beautiful thing. It has just the right amount of flex. Save your money.
Make sure you put the 24-39-53 chain ring setup for climbing unless you are a monster. I've completed the Markleeville Death Ride twice on it.

[BlazingPedals]

If I were looking at getting a Bacchetta, it'd be a tough choice between the steel and aluminum. It would not be a Ti. I rode an Aero, and it scared me sh**less when I put the power to the pedals and the frame did indescribable things, almost throwing me off. It honestly felt like the frame was trying to go in several different directions at once and was going to unspring and flip me into the ditch. I've since heard from other relatively powerful riders that they had the same experiences. Maybe this is just something you get used to if you have an Aero, but I didn't like the experience one bit. I aborted the test ride and never went over 20 mph with it because of that.

All this talk of compliancy in recumbents amuses me. Bents don't pulverize your hands and ***** with every road bump, and most have cushions on the seats, so why the need for the frame to absorb shock? (rhetorical question)