Help - XL or not?

[rollinrol]

Ok, so I'm hooked on recumbents now. I've studied the internet till I'm almost blind with reading reviews. Not having any dealers within a 4 hour radius (Raleigh, NC) I've been test riding the one's that have come up for sale locally. Here's what I've discovered. I don't like the LWB cause they just aren't stable enough and can't maneuver inside city limits adequately for my needs. I tried the CLWB Rans Tailwind and where it was better was still not the one. Finally I run across a BikeE AT and WOW, love it. So here's my question for those in the know. I'm 6'3" and weigh 255 lbs. My legs are a standard 32" inseam though so I fit perfect on the AT. Seems I could go with either the standard AT or the XL. Does the XL go faster cause it's 4 "'s longer? Will it be slower cause it's heavier? Is the XL not as maneuverable as the standard?

Thanks for your big brains!

[Robin Parkes]

The XL is no faster because it is 4" longer and the additional weight would have a negligable effect on the performance of the bike. The wheelbase of the XL should be that much longer so it would have a greater turning circle. Do you have a choice between standard and XL? I would recommend the XL if that is so but the standard should suit you well enough. My inseam measurement is 31" and I ride a standard CT. I'm not sure what they mean by a heavier rider. That's too vague. Other manufacturers would show a weight limit.

[matth]

The XL gives you the option of installing a good sized rear rack to the tail.