Hello,

Grasshopper eh? I have one and have enjoyed it very much for a little over a year so far. Its the first recumbent bike I've really ridden, so I can't make lots of comparisons. Its a bit low to the ground which I thought would make learning to ride easier. The angle of the seat can change the aerodynamics quite a bit, being low to the ground may also help in that regard. Of course you have to be careful in traffic for that reason, but generally people pay a lot of attention to the bike.

The full suspension is great, I went for the rear air shock. The bike isn't exactly super light, but not too heavy overall given how nice the suspension is. I like the fact that the wheels are the same size, and feel this helps with weighting the wheels evenly and performance. The smaller wheel will be slightly more affected by bumpy terrain, gravel, sand. The suspension handles noticable bumps, and tire pressure is more of a factor in overall speed I think so I keep the tire pressure up. The steering is sensitive but you get used to it. The compact size of the bike, besides looking rather cute, is generally very convenient for storage, bike racks, and offers sporty manuverability and tight steering in dense areas which can be handy. Probably the most comfortable thing I sit on all day. I rode about 1400 miles last season and am looking forward to the next.
So yeah if I had ridden recumbent bikes with larger wheels I may have viewed the grasshopper as less efficient for touring. On the other hand I don't have that experience yet so if there is a difference in performance I am not aware of it. Besides, relative to an upright bike the performance is simply more efficient, much faster, total comfort, no pain or stress. It reminds me of those sleds they ride in Tron.