IMO, it's very tough to translate other people's reviews into what you will experience when you get on a bike yourself. Also, recumbent folk tend to be self-justifying: when you've expended a good chunk of your ego and no small amount of cash, you're going to put your purchase in a positive light no matter what.
If you're going back to Chico, you could take a day trip to Sacremento to Gold Country Cyclery. If you want a longer trip, come up here to Portland to Conventry Cycle Works. If you wait until you get to SLC, go to Utah Trikes in Payson. Go there, test ride a couple different models, and find out what
you like.
I've been on and around recumbent bikes and trikes for 30 years. I'm still experimenting to see what works best for me.
BTW: Performer is based in Taiwan (
http://www.performer.com.tw/2010/user/index.php ). I'm pretty sure you won't be able to get one shipped to the PRC.