Help me decide/feedback needed.

Originally Posted by lottsm

I'll try to make this relatively brief...
I'm 31, 5'6', 130 lbs., and have decided that I'd rather have a recumbent than some expensive exercise equipment, so I went to a local dealer, bikesouth.com, and rode a few bikes from Rans. I don't see myself ever using clips, but I liked everything that I rode. Unfortunately, they didn't have recumbent models from other brands in stock, so I couldn't really compare, say, a Velocity Squared Formula to a Cycle Genius RDX Raven, or a Stratus to a Burley Adirondack.

So basically I need opinions about a few things: Will I be able to make it without clipless pedals on those bikes? I did successfully ride a 10 speed back in the day just fine, about 14 miles per day, maybe twice per week, but of course, we're talking about two different styles. Secondly, which would you choose? Is the Formula that much better, price-wise, than the Raven? I don't care to spend much more than what a Formula would cost, and I'm open to styles like a V-Rex if I "must" use clipless pedals. There may also be some other makes/models that I haven't thought of, although I would prefer to buy something made in the U.S.

It's not practical for me to ride to work, but I do hope to ride the Longleaf Trace, a Rails-to-Trails path that starts in Hattiesburg, and possibly go on some club rides around here. I'll get comfortable riding in my apartment complex, and then go from there. Oh, one other thing...if I do get the Formula, I plan to put a regular Rans seat on it.

Hopefully, this purchase won't be too far off. Thanks for reading and for any feedback.

Shelton