Wheelbase: A major factor in ride handling... Short-Wheelbase bikes (front wheel behind the crank) are more nimble at really low speeds e.g. starting off or climbing a steep hill. At high speeds they are a bit more nervous. Long-Wheelbase bikes (front wheel ahead of crank) are a bit awkward to steer at low speed, but more relaxing at high speed. Compact-Long-Wheelbase bikes (front wheel ahead of crank, but with a small rear wheel allowing a shortened wheelbase) fall in-between. Other handling variables, such as steering geometry and seat location, cannot be so easily described--test rides are important!

Seats: Pay special attention to seat comfort and handlebar reach. All recumbents solve the comfort problems of standard bikes, but seats differ greatly.

Weight: All recumbent bikes are a bit heavier than standard bikes designed for similar use. This is not surprising when one thinks of how elaborate seats and steering mechanisms have to be, and how long chains are. The solution: adjust your expectations, and remember that recumbents have many advantages.

Speed: In general, recumbents allow approximately the same average speed as standard bikes. You'll probably go up hills a bit more slowly because you can't bring as many muscle groups to bear on the task. Going down hills may be a bit faster because the modest aerodynamic advantage shows up at higher speeds. Recumbents more easily accommodate fairings and other aerodynamic aides than do standard bikes, and these can make a real difference on level ground and down hill.

Componentry: Finding the best recumbent design for your comfort and use is far more important than exactly which componentry the bike has. Upgrading can save a little weight, and thus add performance, but these days even the moderate quality componentry is really very good, and works better than any componentry did a few years ago.

Wheel Size: A big determinant of how speedy a bike will be is wheel size: the smaller the wheel, the harder time it has going over irregularities in the road surface. Our impression is that the difference between 16" and 20" in front makes as much or more difference than 20" versus 26" or 700C in the rear. But remember, speediness is only one consideration.

Handlebars: The bar position is usually a matter of preference. Below-seat steering is very comfortable, if you can comfortably reach the bars (not everyone can), and there are no knee/handlebar conflicts. There have been many fewer below-seat steering choices recently. Above-seat steering (i.e. handlebars in front of you) is more aerodynamic, provides a good place for mirrors, lights, computers.

Test Rides: The variables of intended use, seat comfort, transporting and storing ease, expense, cargo capacity, ride feel and handling present a daunting range of decisions. Test riding is the best way to anwer many of these questions. Time and again we've seen that people can't tell by looking how they'll like a partcular bike when they got on and ride it. So think about all these issues, and TEST RIDE those bikes!