I cut back riding about 10 years ago when my DF just became too uncomfortable. Now I've lost a lot of weight and am back in the saddle, but I'm not finding the comfort I need to really get into a routine that involves longer rides.

Back when I first stepped off the DF, I tested several recumbents and really liked the Longbikes Eliminator. I can't tell if they are still in business (seems the web site hasn't been updated for at least 5 years)--does anybody know?

Also, it's clear that the recumbent landscape has changed a lot in 10 years with many companies gone and trikes taking a prominent place in the market. As much as I love riding a tadpole on the local MUP, I don't see using one on streets for the kind of riding I'll be doing, so I think it's a bicycle recumbent for me. I need something with a rack since I run errands by bike when I can. I eventually hope to tour, but that is probably a couple years out and I'd probably be ready to upgrade and spend a bit more at that time.

If Longbikes is still around, the Eliminator is sadly outside my price range. This has me looking to used recumbents and it looks like they come up on craigslist (metro DC here) with some frequency in the $400-700 range I have in mind. I'm 6'2 and 210 lbs (down from 260 and shooting for 180 or less).

I appreciate suggestions on what brands/models to seek out and which to avoid. Thanks!

Longbikes is still in business (got some parts from them a couple of weeks ago). There are a lot of Eliminator-like bikes to look at used: haluzak Horizon (SWB/USS) is one that comes to mind that would fit your budget- There's one for sale on bentrideronline. (not mine). An XL Lightning P-38 would also fit you but it doesn't have USS. Also if you like the Longbikes LWB Slipstream, it's a refined Ryan Vanguard. They are also in your price range used- Vanguards are great bikes, I still have mine.

You should strongly consider Recycled Recumbents, run by A.D. Carson in Wisconsin. He is very highly regarded nationwide, he custom builds excellent long wheeled base recumbents, as well usually has a selection of used recumbents in very good condition, plus, he ships. I've just purchased my first recumbent from him and am having it shipped. The process couldn't have been easier. Highly recommend!!

https://sites.google.com/site/recycl...e/the-showroom

Around here it can be tough to find a recumbent of any kind in a store or on CL. When I purchased a couple for the wife and I we lucked out finding one of them in town. The other one I drove five hours to pick up....the point being that you might widen your search area when looking used. There are a lot of good deals out there just whether they are close enough to consider picking up or shipping.
Another thing I have found....the second one we picked up had some issues that took me a great deal of time and money to sort out. In the long run I honestly almost could have picked up a new bike for the time, money, and effort I spent in resolving those problems. Make sure you know the bike you are looking at and check around on forums for common issues to the model, if possible.

Atomic ZombieŽ DIY Bike Building Community - Atomic Zombie News

Bent builders and sellers in here,, lots of options,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Just sayin'

I appreciate all the input here as well as the private messages. I apparently cannot reply to private messages yet as I lack sufficient posts, so I'll update generally here.

This weekend I picked up a Haluzak Horizon from the original owner. It was local so pick up was painless, and I lucked into a well-maintained machine from a meticulous original owner. I'm still working on my recumbent legs and getting the starting/stopping thing down and will be sticking to local side streets until I'm more confident, but I'm getting there. I think I've finally dialed in the boom (involves adjusting chain length) and will be putting on an old set of pedals with toe straps which I can ride without straps using the underside. I'm just not there yet with clipless pedals. Any idea how long/far that takes?

I will say that I am impressed with the Horizon and would rate it very close in ride and quality to the Eliminator I rode tested a while back. Granted, this is an older bike, but at a small fraction of the cost of a new Eliminator I'm very happy.

Good for you! A 'Zak is a great bike.