New to 'bents
 

I'm an old MTBer who has not been biking seriously in some years. I've got arthritis in my neck, and have decided that the recumbent posture is best for me. What I'm hoping for is a pretty quick road and trail bike that can stand up to regular use, and an occasional trip such as the C&O Canal towpath. For those who are not familiar, it has areas with some gravel and roots growing across the trail. It is nowhere near single-track. I am not interested in an all-out offroad bike or trike. From what I've read, some of the cycling trails around DC are kind of spotty on maintenance, and a few are not paved.

Would an HP Streetmachine fit this usage profile? What about one of the Bacchetta Giros? I'm open to suggestions. I'm trying to limit the bike cost to approx. $2500. Thanks.

I'd suggest riding a Linear Limo 3.0 made in the USA (linearrecumbents.com) Oughta warn ya, though --you might get hooked on the LWB, as I did. Also see about riding the Longbikes Slipstream and the Longbikes Eliminator

You might look at the Lightfoot Ranger. Although it is an offroad LWB, I'd slap a set of 26 X 1.5 Nimbus Armadillos on one and take off for a tour on roads and trails. List price is $1,950.

http://www.lightfootcycles.com/ranger.htm

Don't forget the Cycle Genius line. The Falcon might fit your needs.

http://www.cyclegenius.com/ltx.html

I *really* dislike the streetmachine. Too much price for such a heavy heavy bike. There are a lot of options, and you need to go do some test riding before spending the money.

Thanks for the advice. After more thinking, I decided the offroad option isn't as important to me as on-road performance. I visited a couple bike stores and tried pretty much all they had (not many recumbent dealers around Washington DC), and have ordered a Rans Stratus XP AL. One of the bikes I also tried and was very impressed with was a Bacchetta Giro, but my particular arthritis did not get along with where my legs needed to go with the high BB.

I plan to ride a bit with the stock pedals, then shift over to SPDs.