Recumbent - new to recumbents

Just testing the waters here. I am dabbling with the idea of getting a cheaper priced recumbent just to see if I like it. I will always be dedicated to my traditional bikes, however, there are times that I think a recumbent would be a nice change of pace. Any suggestions on a entry level recumbent?

I got mine - a lower cost/entry level 'bent at ActionBent.com. $705 delivered. Course you gotta put it together.

I'm happy with mine. Got it a month ago and have about 300 miles on it now. You might be better off, if you're not sure you want a bent, to find a LBS that sells bents and take a test drive. They do take some getting used to, and from what I've read on here there are some people that can't make the change over adjustment to a bent.

I will always be dedicated to my traditional bikes, however, there are times that I think a recumbent would be a nice change of pace.

Of course, there's always the chance you'll love the recumbent too much to ever go back. :D

+1 on Actionbent. Inexpensive, good frames, great platform for upgrading components. But maybe hold off, as new AB models are coming out soon.

Recumbomatic, you could be right. I'm always willing to try something new in the bicycleing world. I guess my biggest concern is being so low to the ground when riding with automobiles. It's bad enough dealing with the idiots in cars now on a "regular" bike, but putting me lower where it's even harder for them to see me REALLY bothers me.

Rather than buying a new, "entry level" 'bent, I'd recommend that you shop around for something higher quality and used. It's pretty common to find an essentially new (under 1000mi), mid-range bike like a RANS VRex or Lightning Stealth/Phantom for the same price as a new low-end Taiwan bike. For some reason, a lot of folks buy 'bents and end up never using them. Craigslist is a good source, as is the classifieds section of bentrideronline.com. But be warned - I picked up a used VRex 6 months ago as a "change of pace" bike, and haven't ridden my uprights since. This could happen to you!

Scott P
Bend, OR

VRex
Force 5

... the classifieds section of bentrideronline.com. But be warned - I picked up a used VRex 6 months ago as a "change of pace" bike, and haven't ridden my uprights since. This could happen to you! Scott P, Bend, OR
As Scott suggests, definitely go to www.bentrideronline.com (http://www.bentrideronline.com/), not only for the classifieds but for lots of information on recumbents including reviews and a dedicated new to recumbents section.

I would have to repeat what bobbycorno said. I bought a Rans Stratus for a change of pace and to work different muscle group and now also have a Rans V2 and have not touched my Specilized Roubaix in over six months.

I got my first one with the same intent - ride both - and had the same results. Two years after getting the 'bent, I'd only ridden the roadie 3 times, and spent most of those 3 rides wondering why I hadn't ridden the 'bent. So, the roadie is now gainfully employed elsewhere.

Bents are relatively heavier than uprights, but don't go nutz in either direction. A 30 pound recumbent should give roughly the same feel as a 23-24 pound upright like your Fuji.

I greatly appreciate everyones input. I really never had given too much thought to one of these bikes, however, now I think I will visit some dealers for some test rides and do a little studying on recumbents and then I may take the plunge.

A little late in the thread, but chipping in my 2 cents for buying a slightly used better recumbent. I just did that, picking up an 07 Catrike for my wife, and found the searching and bit of travel to pick it up to be well worth the trouble. Got a nicer bike for the same money, and if we ever need to sell it, should be able to recoup most of what we paid.

second to the used bent idea. Plenty good bikes to be had. Or better yet, find someone locally to let you borrow theirs for a couple days, and you'll likely be hooked enough to want to spend the big bucks! :)