Bud Baker wrote "While the recumbent bike doesn't seem to hurt my back, it doesn't help it, either."
That is very good news.
Hey Bud, I live just up the road in Euless Bud and just had a rebent built for me by AD Carson.
I'm 57 with the usual lower bike pain that I have to deal with also and miss my riding. I have MTB sitting in front of me right now with clean tires, so that tells you I don't ride it much.
I recently joined a local Ft.Worth bike club (FWBA)because they have lots of rides and maps and I hope to put lots of miles on the recumbent as soon as it gets delivered in a week or so.
If you ride during the week or weekend maybe you and I can join forces some times, I want to take on the Ray Roberts area the group rides on the weekends and later on if that works out the MS150, we'll see
So Folks abandon those wedgies if they are stooping you from getting out anymore, recumbents can be had for under $500 now days because of bikesmiths in garages and small shops getting their products out on the market for us. It's a great time to live.

jman