So, while I'm lounging around recovering from surgery, I'm starting to think about what my next bike or trike purchase should be. My surgery was for cervical spinal fusion revision surgery. I think I got the name right...it means that 6 years after getting three vertebrae in my neck fused together, I've gone back for a second helping to get an adjacent level fused to the first three. Nobody can pin down a reason for why this has happened to me (for either fusion surgery), but it does not seem to be related to any of my cycling activities. In any case, I've decided to stick to bikes/trikes that have a relatively upright, neutral seating position, and a smooth ride. Although fun, the Catrike 700 misses badly on both those points, so I'm selling it (see the marketplace post).
 
My other rides are the Rans V2 and Extreme. The V2 is fixed up as a commuter bike with a fairing and dyno lighting. Its pretty upright, but climbs slowly for me. The XStream has always climbed faster, might be the lighter weight, might be the ergonomic harmony of the BB and seat, I'm not sure. But whatever it is, if its an 8 mph hill for the XStream, its a 5 or 6 mph hill for the V2.
 
When I ride with other people, I tend to fall behind going up hills, and catch up or hold my own on the downhills and flats....thats true riding against DFs and recumbents both. So I'm looking for a ride that will let me keep up better on the hills. Although I can maintain 18 mph for a few miles, when I ride 10 miles or more I tend to average 12.5 to 14.5 mph, so I'm not a very strong rider in the first place.
 
So, what should my next ride be? Whats my best bet for upright seating, smooth riding, and good hill climbing?

The lightnings are pretty good, but the two best ime are the carbent and the vk2, which is a sleeper.  No one ever seems to talk about it, but some of my fastest climbs/koms are on it.  The xsrream was very good too.  The CA2 and any bike approaching that light weight seem to work well.

Take a trip over to John's in Lancaster, and test ride the Enduro Sport he has there....  it's a good price...

Ok, I'll plan on finding a P38 or phantom to ride. I've been intrigued by the P38 since I discovered recumbents, and it says a lot for the bike that it's still in production

I know this is a little late, but here goes. How about a Cruzbike? Check out Maria Parker and Charlie Ollinger. They both ride Cruzbikes. Maria won RAAM last year and rode 475 miles in 24 hour lemans race. And her husband, Jim is pretty good also. I hope to own a Cruzbike in the near future. Good luck with whatever you choose.