I was ready to order a Bacchetta carbon but am getting cold feet over price. I want a bike to race as I am not allowed to race mountain bikes anymore. I was also looking at Volue Team steel frame as my steel and ti bikes seemed to be the most compliant. I was staying away from the Corsa SS due to the aluminum frame being possibly a little harsh. Any one know if the speed is really worth the two grand or if some of the reviews are hype. I have had steel alum ti and carbon df frames and have found it really comes down to training. Any input would be appreciated.

 Your opportunities for racing with a bent are quite a bit more limited than with a DF, although some Ultra's and USAC events allow it or have separate classes for it.  The Tejas Time Trials upcoming in September will be a good venue for some Ultra racing.  As far as frame material goes, I think even on an upright, tire choice and inflation pressure matter more with regards to ride harshness.  Frame material does make a difference in weight, and power transfer feel (springiness?) but rarely affects the amount of power that can ultimately be transferred.  With a recumbent the comfort factor is already so much higher, that choosing a frame material based upon expected ride quality is not so critical, and the weight / feel issues should dominate your choice.
 
  I have a Bacchetta Corsa and a Strada, and with identical wheels I'd be hard pressed to tell you which bike I was on in the dark.
I admire carbon frames lightness but I am prejudiced against their failure mode (tends be rapid and explosive).   Ultimately, especially with recumbents, rider position and fit, and the aerodynamics + power production of that position matter more for speed than weight or frame material.
 
Take Care,
Nelson.

And I've got a corsa you're welcome to try out.  Ya ain't getting on my carbent though

Quote from yetibike on Jul 29^th, 2009, 11:47am:

 
I took a close look at the Volaes (including testriding) before I ordered my Corsa, and there were several things that pushed me towards the Corsa. Though the chainline on the Volae looks cleaner, in practice the Corsa chainline worked much better for me - no noticable drag vs the Volae and less troublesome. Also the angle of the Volae frame was different (forgot how) and I just couldn't make it work well for me. OTOH, a friend who is 6'3" 220lb and races mtn bikes is pretty fast on his Volae, especially steep downhills, which are the only times he can outrun me.
 
As for speed/power output, what has made me a lot faster on my corsa that weren't stock are: 1) a newer carbon seat 2) aero wheels. The carbon seat sits lower, reclines further back, and is far more comfortable to me, all which add up to a lot more efficient use of my engine and longer times in the saddle. I'm running HED3s right now and except for a direct tailwind and steep climbs, they are faster and sometimes more than a few mph faster than stock wheels. They are also a lot stronger and more stable, allowing faster descents (for me personally).
 
My CA2.0 frame/fork is supposed to arrive this week or next week. If you aren't in a big hurry, I should be able to provide a comparison with my Corsa soon. I'm 6'1" and weigh about 185lbs and I often flex the Corsa frame when cranking hard to where it gets a little unstable. I expect this is due to my riding style and I should get smoother, but I'm just not yet stable enough when going flat out sometimes - especially on level ground. Problem goes away with a very slight incline, which is why I can often go faster uphill than I can go on flat ground. I understand the CA2 is much more rigid and am hoping it will help with stability and allow me to go full tilt when I have to back off right now with the corsa.
 

Quote from FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 29^th, 2009, 7:56pm:

I don't think I've ever seen that much flex :^). I had a Benotto back in 1970 that would bounce when you cranked it hard, but it never seemed to be much of a detriment and was fun to ride. The flex in the Corsa is more side2side and I know I induce it because I can't crank really hard smoothly enough (yet?). I sheared the left wheel boom off a TerraTrike a few years back because of the poor frame cross design there. When I'd climb my hill the BB would move about 3 inches side to side and the welds couldn't take it.  

Quote from yetibike on Jul 29^th, 2009, 9:30pm:

 
For what is' worth , my general impressions of the CA 2.0 proto-type that I rode for 700+ miles in < 1 month was this:
 
- Smooth ride on rough roads
- Quiet(no creaking" noises)
- Precise / positive handling(very stable at all speeds)
- No flexing
-light weight(you already knew that)
 
Yes, the bike is FAST!  Great bike & I look forward to riding it again upon its return.  
 
Good luck & if you buy one & I will be extremely jealous...right John Sadowski?!

Quote from jcsadowski on Jul 30^th, 2009, 8:06am:

 
Oh, I can still be jealous. AND another benefit to the CA 2.0 is the ability to choose between 650 & 700 size wheel set.
 
John, we won't pictures when this beauty rolls in!

Quote from jcsadowski on Jul 30^th, 2009, 9:27am:

 
I believe that is correct.