Recumbent - High or low pedals?

OK - So I shopped recumbents this past week. In addition to the long-medium-short wheelbase issues and the big-little tire issue, another question came up that I've been unable to find via search here on BF:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having the pedals above or below the seat height?

The salesperson I spoke with (despite being very knowledgable otherwise) was unable to offer advice beyond "some like them high and others don't."

I don't plan to race my 'bent, just to do weekend trips of up to century duration. Please let me know if there are any reasons for me to look for or ignore a particular pedal height.

Thanks!

Low pedals are good for around town riding, where there is a lot of stop and go.
High pedals are better for speed, longer distance riding, where you don't have a lot of stop and go.

If you have bad circulation or low blood pressure, your feet might go numb if the pedals are too high.

Low pedals are good for around town riding, where there is a lot of stop and go.
High pedals are better for speed, longer distance riding, where you don't have a lot of stop and go.

Neatly summarized. I couldn't've said it better meeself.

Additional expoundments ensue:
*If you want to use flat pedals and street shoes, low bb is better.

*Some people report higher incidents of hotfoot and numb feet with high bottom bracket bikes, although I've not seen it personally.

*Low bb is easier to learn, high bb is faster. If you're not into speed, that also translates into using less energy at a given speed.

Would the Rans V@ Formula with a 22 in. BB height be considered high? Certainly higher than my Jett Creek at 15 in. but the photos show it about even with the seat with legs level. Would a "high" BB be one above the seat plane. Has anyone experienced hot feet or tingling with legs level?

...Would a "high" BB be one above the seat plane. Has anyone experienced hot feet or tingling with legs level?

Yes, I think the bb is considered 'high' when it's above the seat. I've seen level bb-seat described as 'neutral,' and below the seat can obviously be referred to as 'low.' I've had hotfoot, but it's been related to my seat-to-pedal distance or even tight-legged shorts, but not to the pedal height. I've never had tingly legs, except for that January ride last year... :eek: