What are the pros and cons of short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) recumbents?

SWB bikes are generally harder to start and stop because of the higher bottom bracket. SWB bikes are a little twitchy, mostly due to a high center of gravity. LWB recumbents can out brake just about every bike on the market today including racing road bikes. Because of the design, it's possible to apply the front brakes very hard because there's no fear of being pitched over the handlebars and because you have more weight on the rear wheel. Handling is another area where the LWB excels. Because it's so easy to ride, that lets you push harder with more confidence in corners, no SWB bike can corner as easy. Except for carbon fiber frames, LWB bikes are generally heavier than SWB bikes. SWB bikes are easier to fit in smaller cars than a LWB bike.

I've tried some recumbents and they seem to be unstable at slower speeds.

Why is that?

Some LWB designs have a very slack head tube angle which produces fork flop at low speeds. Combine this with tiller effect (this is where the handlebar is behind the steering axis) and it can make slow speed handling a real challenge. A properly designed LWB front end can handle very confidently, especially at high speeds. All SWB designs are a little unstable until you get some speed into them. And the high center of gravity makes them a little harder to get used to.

What are the pros and cons of over seat steering (OSS) vs under seat steering (USS)?

OSS is generally better for most people because it's more user-friendly. It's easier to learn, more aerodynamic, allows you to have more control as speeds increase and you can use the handlebars for leverage in increasing power. In the event of a flat tire or rough roads, OSS allows you more control in those situations. Once you get used to it, USS can feel more comfortable in low intensity situations because it takes very little effort to steer.

Low bottom bracket vs. high bottom bracket?

When you are sitting on the seat of your recumbent, a low bb is anything below your seat or hips. On a high bb bike, anything higher than your hips is considered a high bb. Generally, low bb is easier to start and stop and most people find that it offers a superior power position. The high bb bikes sometimes causes feet to go numb, though some people say it can be conditioned to go away. The high bb bikes can sometimes be a more aero, unfaired position, but this is offset by the fairings available for the LWB bikes.

Why are recumbents slower in climbing?

Generally most recumbents in the past were 10 to 20 pounds heavier than a good road racing bike. Also, since you cannot "get out of the saddle" you are forced to sit and spin. That means you will not be able to exert higher power in short bursts and you will need to climb the whole hill at a steady rate. Once a person does become recumbent efficient, you will find that they do climb well. Some people find they climb faster on the overall climb than their traditional bike friends.

Are recumbents more dangerous because they are lower than regular bikes?

In the effort to become as aerodynamic as possible, some recumbent designs are very low to the ground and can be dangerous in traffic. It is safer to use a fairing on a taller bike for improved aerodynamics. The overall height of many other designs is not that low...in fact your head is about the same height as your back on a road bike. Also, we have noticed that when you ride a recumbent, people actually notice you more.

What is the best kind of seat?

There are several type on the market...one is the popular mesh type back. It is great in hot weather and the seat back is usually adjustable with a foam bottom. The seats usually weigh about 4 pounds. Then there are the more aerodynamic foam back seats. These are usually lighter and if you are into performance this might be your seat. However the seats don't have as much seat back angle and might not be as comfortable as a mesh back.

What is the best material for a recumbent?

Carbon fiber is best. You simply cannot engineer an alloy tube to do what you can with CF. Not only is CF much lighter, but is also stiffer stronger and absorbs vibration better than any metal. It also has a longer fatigue life than other materials. Carbon fiber also makes an effective spring, allowing the frame to act as a shock absorber.

Do fairings really make you go faster?

Yes. Fairings can increase your speed by several miles per hour. They push the wind out of the way in a more efficient manner, creating laminar flow and less resistance. They can help you warm up on cold weather days, but they never seem to make it too warm on hot days. Depending on your level of performance you can choose between several types of fairings. There are partial fairings, these might give you an extra 1mph and keep road debris and insects off you. Then there are the larger fairings and these can give you 2 mph + on level roads, and even more speed downhill or into a headwind. Some fairings can be used with a body sock, the most aerodynamic solution, making your bike capable of 60+mph speeds downhill and over 20+mph cruising on level roads.