A few days ago, I was at a rummage where two recumbents were being sold, for $300 and $525. Oddly enough, same model, with the $300 one in better shape.
So I pushed the saddle all the way forward and took it for a spin. Not bad. Certainly lighter than most I've ridden.
Had a little less than $250 in my wallet at the time. Offered it up but seller was adamant about getting $300. Went home, talked it over with the missus, and came back with $300 cash. The $525 had a computer but the $300 didn't. Asked the seller if he still had the computer for it, as it was wired for one. He said he didn't, but in a nice gesture, he took the head unit off the $525 one and gave it to me - same computer as was originally in the $300 one.
Now this is not my first visit to the recumbent rodeo. I've owned a few - mostly the BikeE models (now defunct, as is Rans) - but this one I took a liking to more than those.
Limited myself to three and four mile rides several times a day to get acclimated. Different set of muscles, no need to overdo. Today I took it out for a 16 mi. spin in gusty, cool weather.
A few things to note: Turning is easier than I thought it would be, just have to get used to turning the bars more than on an upright bike. I don't think I'll be putting clipless pedals or toe straps on it, really no need to, and I don't need biking shorts for it either, regular shorts or pants are fine. Lower riding position = lower center of gravity, which is nice, but I wear bright clothing so as not to be invisible to motorists. Stem has some flex built-in, which smooths the bumps better than I thought it would.
Is this my distant future? I see a lot of folks migrating to recumbents in their golden years. I'm 56, good health with no signs of arthritis in my hips or knees, probably from biking a few thousand miles every year and keeping strong leg musculature. But if I had to give up my "wedgie" bikes at some point, this wouldn't be so bad.