RG has 16,962 posts and one would have thought by now he would learn the BF makes little sense and typically has nothing to do with reality on the road. I can say that I do not see many recumbent riders in the mountains although I have seen two in 4 1/2 years of riding 5 times a week. I have passed a couple of recumbent climbing and they were going very slow. I have not been passed by a recumbent uphill or downhill. That may be due primarily to the few number of recumbents.

It strikes me the technology is heavier and the drive train much less efficient. One cannot stand to accelerate and I suspect fast cadence is not possible i.e. 100 to 150 rpm. The advantage is the low profile and great aerodynamics. Rbents would be great for flat areas where one can keep the speed up with a lot less power. It seems ideal for long flat rides where comfort would be nice to have.

It is great that technology exists that offers alternatives and give riders with structural problems an opportunity to keep riding or like to do it just because they can as an alternative to road bikes.