Hi, I´m new in this mailing group. I´m not (yet) a python builder, but I like this concept - low, clean and a great improvement compared to the Flevo (I learned Flevo riding-basics 10 years ago in a long weekend but then decided to buy a more conventional Aeroproject "Sport Frame"...)in my opinion. Now I think about recumbent bikes again (after a couple of years "upright", mostly riding only for fun and off-road), because I like to spent less time in my car and do the way to my work (30 km one way) more often with my bicycle. Like a lot of people I have problems with my back, my neck and my hands when riding in a "sporty", fast position on a convetional bike longer than half an hour. But I want to go fast! So I have a look on those very low recumbent (race-) bikes. Because of my budget (and because I really like to build/create something) I will build this bike by myself this winter. One of my favourite designs is the frontwheel-drive ZOX Z-frame. Easy to handle, fast and - easy to build. Even with some modifications (rear suspension, slightly on the geometrie). But when I found the Python in the net, I fell a bit in Love with its design. But I´m not sure, if it is, what I really need. I think I will loose speed, because of the need for steady corrections of direction. Pedaling and steering-work are done by the legs and I expect reduced pedaling-efficience. What´s your experience on the first 1000 km? How fast are you riding on flat bike paths? Where I live (Hannover), there are no hills, but rough surfaced roads and bike-paths, so downhill speed and -driveability are not really important. Another thought: I found pictures of Jürgen Mages´ P4-Trike. Seems to be a VERY intersting concept for fast city-utility-use!? Jürgen, how does it handle? It has a crazy short wheelbase - can you really go straight ahead with it? Whats about high-speed stability?? Cornering stability? May be it is not the right vehicle for my "fast-to-job-bicycle-project", but a very interesting next project for city-use. I´m looking for some input. Thanks for any ideas and advice! Christoph Falkner (Hannover/Germany) ============================================================ This is the Python Mailinglist at freelists.org Listmaster: Jürgen Mages jmages@xxxxxx To unsubscribe send an empty mail to python-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the subject field. ============================================================