long john

Steamer

You mean a stick bike high racer?

Like a Bacchetta?

long john

Recumbomatic

Go to BentRider Online - they have a Homebuilders section, and the whole forum is a treasure trove of recumbent info.

Andrew R Stewart 

Since the recumbent frame is so far different then a classic double diamond one and since most builders use a jig to hold the tubes in place (as far as the geometry goes, tracking and bio alignment is another issue) I can see why many builders who don't make recumbents might beg off doing one. That and the lack of steering geometry designs that are industry followed, the range of component placements being so different, the rider position changes and other aspects mean making a well handling, fitting and functioning recumbent is a lot more work then the average builder has experienced suggests that one is better served by going to a recumbent builder. Who are these builders? I sure don't know.

Back in the 1990s there was a mag called recumbent Cyclists News. I followed it for a few years. The range of designs was staggering for such a small market. Some of the homemade ones were pretty interesting as a project goes but I questioned many of the arrangements from a shop mechanic (and hobby builder of diamond frames) view point. Granted the recumbent market had matured from when I got my Avatar in 1981 but I still see stuff that I shake my head over, I am often the go to guy for recumbent servicing at the shops I have been in since.

Do your homework well and really vet the builder. Andy

unterhausen

I always caution people to buy from a builder that builds a lot of the style of frame that they want. I don't think there are many 'bent custom builders because you can adjust the stock ones so easily. What makes you want a custom?

fietsbob

At CAT.org in Eugene they had a class in the 90s to built an easy racer recumbent from plans
that called for cutting up a couple old bikes and adding a bit of new material..

it seemed successful ..