I went over to Lynn's today, and after adjusting the seat position a bit, we went for a 5-6 mile neighborhood and WRTrail ride... Except for a few heel strike issues, I not surprisingly had no issues with adapting to the hiracer SWB. However, I did notice a definite difference in the overall balance while riding, such that I felt myself correcting every few seconds... Given that the center of gravity is a lot higher, that's probably the reason, but it still came as a surprise.
The bike has 1.3" tires, and a hardshell seat, which I have at the current lowest pin holes, recline maybe at 35 degrees. As far as being able to put it inside a Prius, the back area with seats folded down is essentially 36" x 60" -- but the length from rear wheel to front chainring is 66", and the height from handlebar to bottom of front wheel is about 42", so to get it into the car I'm going to have to remove both wheels, leaving me a couple of inches of room... although I MIGHT be able to get it in without removing the rear wheel, it's worth a shot... The seat comes off by a quick release. (Terrie's got the car right now, so I can't try it...
but she's very fond of her Prius, and will not tolerate chain grease, ya know...)
I successfully put the bike on my standard rack on my Cruiser for transport home, then rode it the couple miles up to the DART station here in Rowlett -- took about 10 minutes. I'm sure it'll go on the "short bus" without a problem, so if the rain holds off tomorrow, I'm going to try the commute... Ride to Rowlett bus, take train to Mockingbird, ride to choir practice... all for $1.50. Beats driving 20+ miles one way at 6PM!