I am brand new to this forum but have been riding for several years (not a recumbent) and am a member of the Greater Dallas Bicyclists (I think I am current).  A couple of years ago I fell and broke my ankle rather badly and since then have been hesitant to get back onto a standard bicycle due to my weight (305lbs).  I want to make the move to a recumbent but find the price for a new one is a little steep for me.  I am tall, 6'2" and so require a longer frame 'bent - and am, as mentioned above, heavy.  Does anyone out there have a 'bent for sale or have any other suggestions (besides taking another job   )  I need to get back on a bike and REALLY need the exercise - I miss the rides but want to be on something safer and more forgiving to someone of my stature.
thanks
Nick Oliver

Hey Nick,
 
I'm afraid I don't know all the ins and outs of recumbents, like some of these fanatics, but I remember meeting you a couple times when I first joined GDB and wanted to say "hi!"
 
a.k.a.,  
Mike Schwitzgebel

Hey, Nick - Good to hear from you!
   Folks, Nick borrowed my EZ1 a year ago, and while it sorta worked for him, it's actually a little small -- the seat was about as far back as I'd want to put it.  I think he needs something like the EZSport that Bud mentioned, or Lynn mentioned a Burley, or maybe a Stratus.
   Anybody know anyone selling something likely for ~$600 or so?
 
Paul

Well, to close out this thread, I purchased a RANS Stratus XP today.  I wanted to try out a lower cost option first, but that did not work out.  I HAVE to get back on a bike though - my health demands it.  So I just bit the bullet and made the purchase.  I went out on it a couple of times today to just get acclimated and so far am very favorably impressed.  I look forward getting my stamina back up and getting some miles under my belt.
nwo

Not sure that I am quite ready for that kind of distance yet. I have been off the bike for a couple of years, so I will probably get some time in on the White Rock Trail and build up my milage.  I am riding around the neighborhood, getting comfortable with the cycle - I did about an hour this morning and will probably go out again this afternoon.  It is getting more and more natural for me. I will be meeting with Paul out here on Monday sometime and I am certain that I will be out on a group ride within two or three weeks.
nwo

Welome to the forum Nick. You aren' by chance a Linux programmer are you?

To all, not necessarily in order - 1. nope, not a linux programmer.  I use linux for whatever utility uses that come in handy, like Snort (Intrusion Detection) and other security related stuff, and for FTP. 2. Yes, I love that bike - it looks like just what I need to finally get some real exercise, though I do need to get it back up to PB&F for that spoke tune up that Paul referred to - I also need some basic supplies, like a mirror, a camelback for the seat back and a pack - various things like that.  The mileage that I have done so far has been pretty easy - I have not had the problems with stamina that I though I would have, though I certainly need to get my leg muscles and knees conditioned up.  I look forward to working the mileage up and getting out on some rides.
nwo