I want a recumbent!

Hi everyone... guess i made to quick of a decision. I still was fascinated with the recumbent bikes and now I want one! LOL..... I've now been to 4 stores, and ridden bikes at 3... and boy does the RANS Stratus LE or XP have my name on it!

I searched the forum for info, but it seems like the recumbent posts are a couple years old. I know there is another forum online for recumbents, but its not as active as here, so I was wondering if any one here rides recumbents. What type of rack do you have to transport it? and can you manage it by yourself?

I can now see where one could have bug splats on one's teeth... I have never smiled so much while riding! they are so fun... I did try trikes, but I'm a little to nervous about being so low to the ground on the streets (if I knew I was close to a beach where they had off the street bike paths... they would be real fun!)

Recumbent rider here, I post quasi-frequently. Also, BentforLife (or some variation) rides a 'bent too. I'm pretty sure it's a Stratus.

I try not to be too obnoxious about 'bents. After all, DH says that I've now joined a cult. Just don't get me started...:rolleyes:

I was tempted by a Stratus. Yeah, they're really cool. The XPs are BIG. There is a reason they're called Monster Bents. I think they look bigger than they really are, though.

I'm riding a Sun EZ Sport AX which really doesn't get much respect in the recumbent world, but it fits me, and my budget. It's similar enough to the Stratus that we'll be speaking the same language.

I manage my bike by myself (family motto - you killed it, you clean it. In other words take care of your own stuff ) What I do around steps and other obsticles is to keep one hand on the left grip and pick the bike up at the balance point right in front of the seat. I'm not lifting anything very high, and it works. Truthfully, though, you do have to be aware of a lot more bike when maneuvering indoors. You'll learn. And though they are heavier than uprights, they aren't that much heavier.

As for transport - yeah, that's spooky. William rides right on a rear rack on our Saturn. It works, but I'm very aware that he sticks out on both sides. I take the fairing off, and sometimes for long trips the front wheel, but leave the seat. If I had a roof rack I'd probably remove the seat too. (Wind resistance) Tandem riders probably have better tips than I do on that score. (You want a big bike, how 'bout a 'bent tandem?)

I know all about the recumbent grin you discovered. And bug splats. And teenage boys grinning and shouting "Cool Bike!" as I go past. And bombing down hills faster than is safe in a car. Enjoy the Stratus, and be prepared for conversations about your really cool bike everytime you go out. You really can't go wrong.

As forums, did you not go to http://www.bentrideronline.com/ ? They're pretty active. You have to wade through a bunch of testosterone there, but it's worth it for the recumbent information you just can't get anywhere else. And then you come here for everything else.