Recumbent - Help me choose my first recumbent...

Well, I've been searching craigslist for the past few days for recumbents around my area, and found a few that I sent out offers for.

I'm currently in a minor dilemma...

I can choose between:

Vision R40 OSS
Craigslist description reads: "well taken care of and in perfect working condition. Newer tires and tubes, professional Tune-up, odometer, light, rack, flag, new brakes." Also has fenders.
$400 (after I trade my cruiser bike)
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/947552108.html

or

RecumbentUSA 20/26 SWB OSS
"With extra set of tires and rear pannier rack." Bike is around 4 years old.
$300 (after I trade my cruiser bike)
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bik/936167546.html

I've searched the forums on bent rider online and have heard that recumbentUSA is of questionable quality, so my gut tells me to go with the Vision. The 'bentusa seems like a pretty good deal though too. Any suggestions? I'll be taking this bike touring as well.

I would probably go with the Vision R40 OSS but only after visiting both bikes and checking them out. Visit the guy in Kansas City first since you will probably end up with the vision.

I've searched the forums on bent rider online and have heard that recumbentUSA is of questionable quality, so my gut tells me to go with the Vision. The 'bentusa seems like a pretty good deal though too. Any suggestions? I'll be taking this bike touring as well.

I have a recumbent from Actionbent, which I believe buys their recumbents from one of the same suppliers as RecumbentUSA. (Mine is a different one from the one sale here, a Tidalwave III). Unless I've misunderstood the forum talk about bikes from Actionbent and RecumbentUSA, the complaints are usually related to complete lack of after-sales service. The bikes themselves are fine, so long as you are handy with tools to put them together.

Since Vision went out of business in 2004, you won't be getting much support from them either.

As the first reply said - try to check out both if you have a chance. Once you've tried both it'll be easier to make an informed decision.

Well, I've been searching craigslist for the past few days for recumbents around my area, and found a few that I sent out offers for.... I'll be taking this bike touring...
I'd make sure you chose a recumbent suited for touring then. The two types for this use I've seen most of are a SWB with USS for the relaxed arm position and a LWB for all the frame to hang bags off of.

Don't be afraid of buying a bike made by a reputable manufacturer who is no longer in business. Nearly all of the wearable parts are standard bike parts. I own a very old Linear that I have put many thousands of miles on without any concern for getting parts. Everything I ever needed was available from most any bike store. I suggest you go to www.bentrideronline.com and look at the comments about the bike you are going to consider. For used recumbents try looking at bentrider, at www.hostelshoppe.com, www.poweroncycling.com and any of the recumbent forums you can find. Most have listings for used recumbents. I bought my Greenspeed GTO from a poster on bentrider and consider it one of the best choices I have ever made.