Recumbent - Sun EZ1 or CGR Sparrow?

I'm wanting to get 'bent. Budget is extremely tight. I searched the forums for more info on the EZ-1. Came across a couple of potential competitors in the same price range, or so I thought.

1. The one possible was the Burley Koosah. But it appears that Burley has stopped production on all of the recumbents, and just focusing on trailers?

2. The other is the Sparrow from Cycle Genius.

A couple of quick questions/observations:
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1) The Sparrows CroMo frame is preferable to the EZ's HiTen.
2) The EZ is basically a licensed design knock-off of the highly regarded Easy Racer, right?
3) How much more, if any, maintainence is needed on a bent? Basically, keep the drivetrain clean/lubed, and the tires aired up?

I've got tons of other questions, but I'm not even a noob yet. I'm still a wannabe, so I'll stop for now.

Any comments/advise/opinions on these or recommendations on other models (in this entry-level NEW price range, not USED) would be appreciated.

I am the owner of an eight year old EZ-1 SC. It was my first recumbent. I bought it over other models I tried because it was easy to ride, was stable and inspired my confidence. Hiten steel or chrome moly - I'm not sure what the difference it makes except perhaps the weight. I've lifted a Sparrow and it seems to weight about the same as the Hiten EZ1. The current production EZ-1 is based off an earlier model produced in California by EZ Racers. In my opinion it has a couple improvements. First, it has a coolback seat which I find more adjustable and comfortable. It also allows ventilation when your back is perspiring. Second, I've heard it uses a more commonly found tire size on the rear.

Most of the components are identical to a diamond frame bike so maintenance is the same. The seat and idlers require some extra long term maintenance. My sycra seat cover developed snags and I had to replace it after about 5000 miles. I replaced the seatback mesh at that time also because it started to tear.

I still enjoy riding my EZ-1 even though I have purchased a couple of other recumbents since (an Actionbent Jetstream and Bacchetta Strada). Actionbent sells some pretty nice bikes with high level components for the price. You have to assemble it yourself so it pays to be handy. My EZ-1 is my bike of choice for riding on dirt and gravel paths. I also ride it if the weather is questionable.

Have fun searching. Hope you find the bike thats best for you. Have you test ridden any yet?

Michael King

^^ I have not test rode any yet. But I'm planning on it today. I realize that the EZ is an entry level model that I grow out of in time. By then, the budget won't be such an issue as it is now (hopefully).