My close friend has a recumbent (Challenge Fujin) and I ride a racing bike. He rules the flats. I raced USCF for 8 years, and my drafting skills are the only thing lets me stay with him; once I lose his wheel, he's gone. Climbing and twisty descents are another matter. Also he seems more exposed to the sun and is closer to the burning hot asphalt in the summer.