Hi guys and gals. I'm new to the forum here. Not new to bents/trikes. In 2011 while staying at the Vets home here, some group donated 5 bent trikes of various types. None were with the foot crank gear way out front, but 2 were hand cranked. All were nice to ride.

Since that time i have tried both 2 wheel and trike. I like them both, and each for its own reason. But still I need to learn a bit more before I get one.

Unfortunately one of my issues is size. I live in a small apartment and this thing will be parked in my living room when I am not using it. and getting it into the garden apartment may be difficult, due to a long narrow hallway and having to pass thru 2 doors 90 degrees apart.. Have to go thru door at end of hallway and turn left into apartment door.

Second, is its got to be able to carry a 350 lb (or less) guy. I'm currently working on loosing a lot of weight I gained due to a medical issue, and aiming for 300 by Jan 2016.

Another issue is price. Need to get best bang for the buck so to say. I'm on limited resources here. I'm thinking of either a standard 3 wheel trike like a Sun seeker tri classic, or a sun seeker ex sport ax. or other models similar to those.

We have 2 bike shops here in G.R. that sells them. Terra Trike, where they actually make them. (it was great visiting that place and trying out a few). and a local bike shop on the NW side, which I will be check out later this week.

What I need to know is, what should I look for in a "bent"? breaks, gears, bench seat verses the ones that look like big inflated "nad buster" seats?

I will be using this bike for pleasure riding, on some of the rails to trails bike paths, and for quick trips to the store for small amount purchases, so would I be better with a basket, or a pack on the back?

Ive looked at the local craigs list for used ones, and it seems they retain their value even after 7 years.. Is this normal?

Ive got a lot to learn yet, before I am ready to get one, but the goal is to have one by spring of 2016.

Thanks.