If you plan to do some trail riding, I suggest something with the most stable platform. The cranks behind the front wheel is the most stable of all the 3 variations you described. The compromise of this design is typically more aerodynamic drag.
I frequently ride my Velotechnik Grasshopper on what you call trails (we call them paths or tracks)It is a short wheelbase design with the pedals in front of the front wheel. I don't think ANY recumbent is going to be any use on really challenging "trails" however as one needs to be able t stand on the pedals (just watch any video of serious mountain biking)
A few years ago I modified a US swb for trail use in mountainous terrain. Recumbents generally aren't built for log and rock hopping but with underseat steering, suitable gearing and recumbent training they wiil ride mountain trails in steep terrain, make river crossings as well as a mountain bike and with a high pedal position will go off trail in brush and boulder terrain better than many uprights.
I climbed to the top of the Steens in Easter Oregon and made several trips into the back country of the Sawtooth Mountains in Central Idaho riding with Mountain Bikers. The biggest problem is that none of the recumbent makers are willing to challenge the steriotyped image and build a trail model.
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Posted - 09/13/2009 : 11:07:30
