Originally Posted by
violini
Since you mention that you also race occasionally, the two top choices are:
(1) Cruzbike Vendetta V20
This is a front wheel drive moving bottom bracket bike. Don't worry about "pedal steer". It is very easy to learn to ride. I remember that I saw one on youtube some one in Brazil had this bike. You will have to order it from the company in US.
(2).Schlister M5
This is a rear wheel drive stick bike.
Both bikes have 700C wheels and easy to copy to make your own.
M5 is not made by Schlitter. M5 is a European bike that can take a variety of wheel sizes and is made by Bram Moen? Ligfietsen. Schlitter is an American company and their highracer model is the Encore. For every person who thinks Cruzbikes are easy to ride there are three who do not. Racing is not just about speed. It is also about control. It literally takes years to control a recumbent to the point where a person is competitive with it. One thing about recumbent competitions is that often all the competitors are new to recumbents. This gives all the competitors an even chance but its really hard on the bikes. The competitors too. Ouch ...