Touring Gear Range for a Recumbent
 

I am looking at several different recumbents for touring. First of all, what general gear range is needed for touring? And second, is this the same with a recumbent?

I've not toured but here's my 2 cents:

I believe recumbents often have a wider gearing range than many upright bikes, touring or otherwise. Many bents have a 9-cog MTB cassette (Shimano XT) in concert with triple road chainwheels (Shimano Ultegra). This allows for low MTB gearing in arduous climbs (important for recumbents that don't have the advantage of standing on the pedals) and high road gearing for maximum speed on level terrain or descents, where I'm certain you'll discover the aerodynamic advantages of touring on a recumbent.

A long wheelbase recumbent has a lot of frame to hang mid-ship panniers. Short wheebase tourers (popular in Europe) have customized rear racks and panniers (check out Radical Designs). Over seat steering will provide a long stem and bars for mounting items, however, a handlebar bag will not work on a SWB (your knees will hit it) but might work on a LWB. Under-seat steering is popular on European SWB recumbent tourers, I guess because of the naturally relaxed arm position. Of course, you can always use a BOB trailer just as with any touring bike - just make sure of a proper dropout/stay conversion kit.

You may pick up more info at www.bentrideronline.com where there is a fairly comprehensive "Buyer's Guide."

Good Luck

p.s. My own SWB has a 9-speed 11-34 cassette and 30-42-52 chainwheels. Don't know how this compares to typical touring ratios. I also have a heavy-duty recumbent touring rack but no panniers yet. I'm in research/inquiry stage myself.

I dont know anything at all about recumbents. But i tour a lot of miles every year and have seen many recumbents touring. the people riding them on tours really love them.