Originally Posted by Notso_fastLane

You have a lot of conflicting, exclusive requirements. The upright trikes you describe that he thinks he wants are going to be heavy, slow, and tip over easily at any kind of speed.

If he wants any kind of performance at all, the trike will have to be lower to ground. It's physics.

I don't know why you/he are so resistant to recumbents. They are comfortable, easy to ride, and can be fast. I would say at least give a couple of test rides and see.