Jorin

Due to neck problems (causing ongoing headaches) I have decided to make the switch to recumbent bikes, but few in my area ride them, and so I am in need of some help in choosing a new bike. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, which is flat with some rolling hills, and lots of wind. I do like to ride in the mountains when I get the chance. On a normal road bike I am a Cat 4 racer who was working towards cat 3 by riding 6-10+ hours/week year round (fluid trainer). I like to ride fast, and if I am going recumbent, I would love to ride faster... so I am looking for fast, reasonably comfortable, fast, a good climber, and fast.

I have a line on a used Lynxx, but am worried it isn't as performance oriented. I love the look of the Optima Baron, but am worried that on the rough roads we have in Sask, it will be too hard to ride, and that being that low will turn me into roadkill under a farmer's tractor. I can get a Burley Hepcat from the LBS that I love to deal with, but we will need to work to get any other brand (including Optima)... I have about $3000 US to spend (assuming I can sell my Ti roadbike for what it should be worth used...).

Any suggestions, based upon above information, of what bikes I should be looking for? Is there a different model I should be considering?

Thanks!
Jorin