Although recumbents are not totally pain free, they are at least better in most respects. You can still get "recumbutt" and hands can cramp from holding arms against gravity. Feet can tingle early on but this goes away with continued riding.

It is controversial, but there seems to be a concensus that 'bents do not climb as well as uprights. I have done some studies of this and find my power to be down about 5% relative to an upright. I have no explanation and maybe it is just a matter of training as I ride much more on uprights than on my 'bent (Bacchetta Ti Aero hi-racer). Also, most 'bents are heavier than an "equivalent" upright (mainly because of the seat) adding about 5% (in my case) to the bike/rider system. Overall, I am taking about a 10% hit in speed going up steep hills where aerodynamics plays no role. Another difference with most 'bents is slow-speed handling (<6 mph) and starting on a steep hill is more difficult. Still, I can get up any hill...All doable.

The big advantage is lower aerodynamics, of course. Into a head wind or even on the slightest downhill you will have a big smile on your face.

My experience is to allow about 1 yr to completely train the appropriate (62yo in my case) muscles.