Recumbent - EZ sport LE to Tour Easy?

I bought and easy sport le 2 years ago as my first bent. I wasn't sure if I'd like bents so didn't want to spend much money. It's been 2 years and I've sold all my DF bikes so I guess I'm hooked on the bent thing!

Now I'm thinking of upgrading to a tour easy. I like the idea that it's 6lbs lighter and sits lower than my ez sport. What other big differences are there? I know the components are higher end and the frame is steel, how will the ride feel different?

My only concern is the 700c wheels on the tour easy. I ride a lot of rough country roads and like the cushion that the 26x1.50 offers. Is there a similar width tire I could get for the TE?

I know I should just go ride one, but there is no sores that sell them withing 50 miles of me. Other than a quick test ride when I get to the shop I won't have much riding time on it.

700x35 is a common size that is fairly robust, depending on tire model. ER lists 700x28 or 700x35 as the wheels for either TE model. Not sure if that means those size tires are installed. Depending on actual rim dimensions and clearance with frame or brakes, you could likely fit larger tires.

If you get the SS model with the 451 front wheel, the fattest tire I know of is a 20x1 3/8 Comet. It gives a nice ride on relatively bumpy pavement, but it's a racing tire and the rubber is a bit thin to do much gravel. For gravel or crushed limestone trails, go with the 406 front wheel. My opinion.

I have a tour easy ss, I run a 700x32 rear tire and a 1"3/8 front tire. Primo Comet on the front at 85 psi in dry conditions and 75-80 in wet. I run 75psi in the rear and find that gives me a comfortable ride. I have not ridden your bike, however I think you will find a world of improvement with the tour easy.

I have tossed this idea around myself for a long time, and have decided against it. Because, the weight savings just isn't there between an aluminum framed EZ Sport and a TE. 2 lbs. difference, max. When I upgraded the Sports wheels, It went down to 32 lbs, about the same as a m/l TE. I run some fairly fat tires on the Sport for comfort, too, and the TE wheels may not carry fatter tires well.

But the main reason is that the TE wheelbase is about 6" longer, making transporting it more difficult and increasing the chances of a front end washout. I went down on the Sport from a front end washout when I was running narrow tires. I'm just not interested in increasing the risk of another washout.

Instead, I have done some serious upgrades to the Sport. Better wheels, XO shifters and rear derailleur, Phil Wood BB, FSA chainrings, shorter cranks, handlebars that are fitted to me, and more. This bike responds really well to upgrades, and now that it fits me, I wouldn't ride anything else. At a recent recumbent rally, I was talking to a TE owner about possibly getting a TE. He was looking at my bike and said "For $2500, TE's don't come with equipment like that". At least, consider upgrading what you have, before trading up. bk

Getting a TE with a rear disc brake would allow for a 26 inch wheel and expand your tire options (widths) a bit.