The stage before newbie is "wannabee," which starts as soon as you learn of recumbents' existence and ends with becoming a newbie.

Step one is to read, but the first thing you need to read is were to find test rides. Test everything you can lay your hands on, regardless of whether you can afford it or whether you think it will match your intended use. In other words, don't pass up a test ride on any bent for any reason. With test rides, you will build an experience base, which will come in handy when you're trying to decide which kind you want vs what you can afford.