Recumbent - Narrowed down to two

I've been researching 'bents for a few weeks now and am just about ready to pull the trigger on one. I'm down to the Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica and the Lightning P-38. One LWB and one SWB. I have been on each one for only a few mins. I feel like I could pick up the technique for either one.

My typically rides are Oct. to May, 25 to 50 miles, and then after the first of the year, training for a 180 mile, two-day ride in April from Houston to Austin. It's always been a little too hot for me after that.

The GRR seems to be a little easier to ride, but more difficult to turn and climb hills. The P-38, from what I've read, is faster, but I wonder what it will be like going down a big hill (I've reached 45 mph on my upright on one particular hill on the way to Austin). Although Houston is flat, a significant number of our training rides involve hilly terrain and the ride to Austin involves significant hills.

I've read all I can online about 'bents and the two bikes in particular, but I haven't found anything that discusses LWB vs. SWB and the type of riding that would suit each one.

Thanks for your comments.

I've not ridden either but have ridden with folks riding both GRR and P-38. My impression of the GRR was it is very fast and extremely stable at speed and makes a great platform for distance riding, but it is cumbersome in tight turns and difficult to maneuver at slow speeds. My impression of the P-38 is also as an equally fast ride but perhaps with less stability due to its shorter wheelbase (the so-called "twitchiness") however, it is quite nimble in both maneuvering and turns at slow speeds, and it is legendary for its climbing performance due to its "closed" riding position (the relative angle between torso and legs when seated.) Each bent has its attributes. Maybe the GRR has an edge on distance touring and the P-38 an advantage on fast, hilly terrain. Also think of the relative importance to you of transporting your bent; SWB is easier than LWB in that regard. Seating design, comfort and adjustability are important issues, too.

Have you seen the latest copy of Recumbent Cyclist news (Issue#67)? Article "Recumbent Selection 101" and others may have just the info you are looking for.
Contact: www.recumbentcyclistnews.com
drrecumbent@aol.com

Naturally, the rest of us will tell you how great our favorites are. I happen to like short wheel base bikes and have never ridden a long wheel base more than short test rides. If you will have to transport the bike frequently or if you want to fly it somewhere for touring, think seriously about folding recumbents. www.bikefriday.com is a place to start. People tour all over on folders.

Knappy