Peter, fellow Houstonian here. Don't rule out a decent recumbent bike... once most people have peddled a recliner they very seldom, if ever, go back. Also, if efficiancy is your thing... remember, all un-assisted human powered land speed records are held by recumbents. See www.ihpva.org

*Sorry Peter, I didn't read your last post too carefully... One of the few things 'Bents won't do is hop curbs! Other than that... at least try one out. Stress management recumbents is on Grant road just off 249 on the northwest side.