Originally Posted by
Zaphod Beeblebrox
What I want to do on a recumbent is go for long 60+ mile treks, and to tow a trailer for self-supported touring. I've got the (possibly mistaken) perception that recumbents are faster or will let you go longer distances. Also the thought of climbing the biggest hills i can find and turning around and bombing down them on a hopped up Big Wheels is pretty appealing.
Assuming mixed terrain you won't be faster on a 2 wheel bent than a DF on a day of touring. If you are riding a trike you'll certainly be slower.
With regards to going further in a day that depends if you have trouble going 60 miles on a DF touring bike in a day. If you don't then you are probably going to end up further down the road on a DF touring bike and perhaps a 2 wheeled bent if the climbing isn't too tough. You'll ride less on the trike because of a slower avg speed.
If discomfort on a DF touring bike limits your daily touring mileage you may indeed find you are able to ride father each day on a bent due to the different ergonomic position.
Having owned many DFs and many bents [no trikes though] I prefer to tour on a DF. I can climb more easily on the DF and I can cover up to 140kms a day without any discomfort which is about as far I car to ride on tour. I also like being able to move around on my bike which is much easier on the DF.
You note you were attracted to the go cart like handling of a trike. It's definitely worth a test ride. I've helped my boss buy a Catrike and I really enjoyed all my test rides. It's really a hoot to zoom around on 3 wheels so close to the deck.