What is so great about Recumbents?
Since the ban on Recumbents by the UCI in 1934 Recumbents can no longer be used in races like the Tour de France. If it where allowed, no cyclist on a conventional racing bike (an “upright”) would stand a chance of winning.
A recumbent is a bicycle that has a different seating position. This gives it al lower aerodynamic drag and a more comfortable riding position.
It’s more comfortable
You can ride for hours, without a sore butt or sore wrists.
It’s a bit faster
Considerably bigger differences than between an inexpensive racing bike and a very expensive one
see also:
http://www.hpv.on.ca/recumb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle