Hash offered. . .

>>> If you want something to fit the bill, you can’t go wrong with a recumbent

You know, like Rabbitt I'm THAT close to pulling the trigger. Here's what I'm choking on:

I love mountains, fire roads, and mixed surface [macadam, gravel, dirt [NO technical rock stuff]], often on the same ride. Are any of you folks disappointed with your 'bent's' performance on mountains and mixed surface? Are there versions that accomodate this type of riding?

Can I clip in and spin or will I be restricted to mashing only?

What mechanical accomodations would I need to make regarding on-the-road maintenance and repair? Murphy's Law has a corrollary stating that I'll forget that one tool I need based on my current tool kit!

Kinda' tangential here, but I see that many manufacturers use a plastic tubular 'race' to keep the chain away from stuff amidships. . .doesn't that make an unholy racket? Looks like it should sound like a stonecrusher!! Does it wear out?