Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

What is the best type (and manufacturuer) of recumbent bikes for a beginner?

I am in the market for a recumbent bike for fitness and commuting purposes. I'm willing to spend up to say $1300 to buy a reliable bike from a likewise reliable builder. Any suggestions?

Public Comments

1. try looking at the website for giant or specialized, they have some pretty good prices.
2. I personally would stay away from Bicycle dealers if your looking for a recumbent, bike dealers tend not to know how to set you up on a bent. Bacchetta makes a Caf'e that runs $995 and the Agio at $1250 and if you want the Giro 26 runs $1550. For the purpose of commuting the Caf'e or Agio would work real well. Check out there site http://www.bacchettabikes.com/ Burley, Rans, and EZ also makes several bents in that price range, Ric
3. schwinn or starling