Thank you for all the nice responses! I like all bikes too and I support whatever makes each of us happy to ride. I have a folding diamond-frame too (a Breezer with 20" wheels) that is fun and very portable. I got a recumbent a few months ago mainly because of neck problems that restrict my mileage on diamond-frames, and because of their practicality as transportation bikes. I am now able to ride much farther and faster than ever before.

My bike is a bit heavy too but I am getting faster up the hills with more practice over the past few months. They say it takes several months to develop the different muscles needed to climb hills efficiently on a recumbent. Rolling hills are easier because the bike is so fast going downhill and the momentum carries for a while up the next hill. Today I put a front fairing on that appears to improve the speed and aerodynamics despite the extra weight. I try to use the bike for all local trips. I got some heavy-duty panniers that are made from recycled oyster buckets and they each hold four gallons, so I can carry a lot of groceries and it's great exercise.

In an ideal world, I would have lots of bikes, including a fast racing recumbent! I am still exploring what will work best for my fairly small size.