Recumbent - Making a decision about a recumbent.

Ok... this may seem like I've already made up my mind, or am doing a great job of convincing myself... but, hear me out. And please tell me if it sounds like a good idea.

Ok... looking around at different bikes online the other day (as I do alot considering I'm searching for a new one) I directed myself in the direction of recumbents. I've looked at a few, and for a while was really thinking about a trike, or even building one for myself. But... thanks to a book I bought I found Bacchetta. So, I went looking there and wasn't finding much that really interested me till I saw the Giro 26. At that point I pretty much fell in love. Especially when I really got looking into it and realized it had mountain bike gearing, disc brakes, as well as fender and rack capability. And everything there was what I'm looking for in a commuting and touring bike. And I know... it sounds like I've made up my mind that this is what I want.
The only problem...
I still love road biking. And with that I have what keeps me torn. About three weeks ago I went out to my local performance bike shop and looked at the GT GTR Pro Rival... and loved it. And I still want it. But, financially I can't afford to get both.
And so I know for practicalities sake as well as financially, it makes more sense to buy the recumbent (because the GTR can't take fenders nor a rack, nor would I feel comfortable locking it up at work) and buy the GTR later. It's just hard to make up my mind.
I also know that since I haven't test ridden the Bacchetta yet I can't say if I like it as much as I liked the GTR. But, I have a strong feeling I'll like it just as much, if not more (which may end up nulling the GTR completely) than it.
And I ask you all if you agree (which you probably will this being the Recumbent forum) or disagree, or have some other suggestion.
Any input would be great so I can finally get out of this little mental rut I've put myself in.
GR

Test ride the Giro. In fact, test ride as many different makes and models, including trikes, that you can get your hands on. When you find what you like and want, get the best you can afford. I too loved my DF road bike, but the recumbents we own are so much more enjoyable and comfortable I sold the road bike and don't regret it. I'm not as fast, but I don't care 'cause I'm confortable and happy!

Mike

Have you figured out what you will be mostly using the bike for?

This fact should be what drives your decision.

I currently have two 'bents and one single speed upright bike.

I also used to have a recumbent tadpole trike.

I used all my bikes and my former trike for commuting, and my favourite ride is my HPVelo Grasshopper, because it's fully suspended.

I have higher average speeds on my lowracer, but the ride is rougher on my commuting route.

If I had had a suspended trike, I would have definitely preferred to commute on that, due to the increased comfort.

My upright bike comes in last in terms of comfort for commuting purposes.

ummmmm...... once you go 'bent you can't go back. :love: Test ride a 'bent. You'll get the grin :D and the decision will be made.

Can you describe your commute? Do you have a lot of traffic, stops and starts, etc? If so you may want to consider the Giro20. With the 20in front wheel and lower bottom bracket it should make your stops and starts easier. It will also take the rack and fenders. It's a good all-around bent. That said, test ride as many different models as you can. In my case, one of them just felt right. Is there a bike shop in your area that carries bents?

Hey, I'm in Phylly burbs..

I'd say just get a bike and ride it, just like road bikes there are too many to choose from, unless you start with riding/commuting with a recumbent, you can't tell which one is really better or worse than another.

If you take public transportation, consider that recumbent you get would need to be somewhat fitting for getting on and off public transportation, in and out buildings.. Over seat steering would be better suited, so you don't have to bend down to steer the bike while walking along with it.

What makes you think the Giro is unsuited for roads? My friend Mark has a giro and commutes with it, does 200k rides with it, and rides in charity/group rides - whatever he wants to do. The gearing and disc brakes don't keep you from being able to do those things!

Have you figured out what you will be mostly using the bike for?. This fact should be what drives your decision.
+1
Just because you can't afford them both *now* doesn't mean you can't have both eventually. My bike quiver includes two folders, a SS off-road bike, a fendered fixed winter bike, a fixed road bike that is my daily commuter, a Pinarello road bike, and a Vision recumbent. I like bikes and all they have to offer (and I'm greedy) so I love them all. They all do certain things well and none of them do all things well to the point I'd give any of them up.

It sounds like you're considering the practicality of the two rides for your needs (lack of rack/fenders; lockability) which is good. If you have a need to fill, it sounds like the Giro is a better option. Go test the Giro out. I'm not sure how much of a consideration this is for the GT, but prices seem to fluctuate more for DFs with end of season sales and all. You could always get the Giro (or another bike if you find one you like better) and watch out for sales near the end of the year or the start of next.

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond to this, I tried the other day and the post wouldn't go through.
Anyways...

What I'll be using the bike for mostly? Commuting and touring really. I have semi-big dreams about riding around my the local counties here (I'm in Central NC) and seeing more of some of the really beautiful farm communities this state has to offer. I'd also like to go riding in the mountains sometime, and maybe one day go touring around the country or maybe even the world. But, as far as commuting goes, that could be just as much going to work, or going to see some friends I have who live upwards of 30 miles away.
And what is my commute (to work) like? About 4-5 miles. Downhill mostly there, with one exception of a very steep short hill. But, the way home is obviously uphill mostly. And there isn't any public transportation in my area, and this area is also pretty cycling unfriendly. Also part of my commute takes me down a road that transfer regularly drive down (especially in the afternoons).
And I don't remember saying anything about the Giro being unsuited for road riding. What I meant (if that's what got implied) was that when it comes to road riding I always picture more traditional bikes with riders in tight clothes haunched over their bikes flying down the road (even though it doesn't really sound comfortable). It's just always been something I've liked the idea of, even though I firmly believe that recumbents are much more comfortable vehicles also capable of much fasters speeds. It's mostly an ideology I should get over, and that everyone has their opinion of what cycling is, and really means.
And yes, I am deciding what bike I want on practicalities sake foremost. Because a $1500+ decision isn't one I'll let myself make likely. But, it's also that I know the Giro will be more comfortable for touring and longer commutes to places than the GT.
So... yeah, I hope I've answered everyones questions, and responded sufficiently.
GR