Bents are notably harder to ride for the first 50-100 miles even for the experienced
DF rider. Balance and steering are more of a challenge so this must be taken in
to account. I will never forget loaning my Rotator to a lady for a ride down the street
and she was unable to stay up even on a gentle down hill and with me trotting along
holding the seat. Same lady hopped on a pogostick a few years earlier and within
a minute was making the thing eat out of her hand, unbelievable balance on the pogo,
no go on the bike.
I've noticed that "experienced" DF riders often have a lot of difficulty adapting to recumbents, but relatively inexperienced riders pick it up quickly. I think this is because experienced riders are used to pulling on the bars, which doesn't really work on a recumbent. IMHO, of course.