Sincity,
What's the history of these machines? The best history I've found on line can be found at
http://www.bicycleman.com/history/history.htm
Are they faster than roadbikes? They can be if thats what your looking for see
http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisi...lenge-2005.htm
Now most of the bikes that are setting the records above 75 mph would be useless for everyday riding. Any bike bent or DF is just as fast as it's engine.
Are they for people with back problems? No,anyone can ride a bent. But offten people with back or neck problems can ride a recumbent with out pain.
I heard that you can't climb with these contraptions. Most but not all recumbents will climb slower then a DF but then again a lot has to do with the fitness of the riders.
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Bentbaggerlen
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." - Arthur Conan Doyle