Recumbent bikes vs upright

[Kolesar]

4. Upright bicycles are more efficient and more responsive

The frames have shorter tubes and there is way less energy lost to the flexing of the frame. I think they are much more fun .

With an upright bicycle, you can put your weight over the pedals and mash your way up a hill in a way you cannot do in a recumbent. When I rode on a tour I noted that I could outclimb the recumbents on even the slight hills. As others have said, if you ride on flat trails, it won't matter.

Recumbents are fun, though. You can certainly ride all day without soreness.

If you are concerned about aching wrists and aching butt, follow Sheldon Brown's advice and slowly train your way up to longer distances. He had almost absurd advice of riding five minutes on your first ride, but it makes some sense. If one is untrained and gets tired on a long ride, one sets more weight on the saddle and the handlebars. Hence, one gets sore.

One problem with recumbents is that is hard to get them onto a car rack.

Try one of each and decide.