Possible Bikes

I've been looking at bikes and have tentatively narrowed it down to these (in no particular order):

HP Velotechnik FS 20

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/scorpionfs/index_e.html

Positives:

• Full suspension.  Not sure how good it is so I need to go ride one. Fortunately there is a dealer about 1.5 hrs away with one in hand.  Bigger dealer is about 6 hrs away.
• Trike, statically stable
• Very well regarded brand with a fair number of US distributors so service and parts should OK.
• Popular with other tourers with a well proven track record on tours
• Many many after market options that address every imaginable need
• Folds in the middle to make a very small easier to transport/ship package
  

Negatives

• Standard electric assist is EU focused; low power, low speed; limited range so I'll have to add my own.
• Front suspension uses spring/elastomer McPherson mechanism with 2.4 in of travel.  I rode an elastomer suspension Ice trike and don't find that the elastomers did a good job of damping road vibration. That said, I've not had a chance to ride this bike.
• Limited single track or off road options.

Steintrikes Wildone

Dealer in Maine with some remarkable videos http://www.velomobiles.net/wildfire/steintrikes/steintrikes.htm#wo

Manufacturers sites (I think): http://www.bike-revolution.at/ or http://www.steintrikes.de/.  Manufacturer may be Serbian company.

Might be the company site: http://www.steintrikes.com/about_us.php

Robert Stein seems to be owner and designer: https://grabcad.com/robert.stein--1

Trikeasylum article: https://trikeasylum.wordpress.com/company-information/specs-n-z/steintrikes/ seems to be the manufacturer.

There is an interesting article with many detailed photos here http://www.mytripjournal.com/travel-768766-hatch-opening-wheel-bents-seat-photo-untitled-dragonfly.

There is an interesting touring video/photos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp5TNS1ycKo.

Positives

• Full suspension with outstanding travel range (check out the videos).  I had a chance to ride one and the ride is VERY comfortable.
• Trike, statically stable
• Folding boom helps reduce length somewhat.  There is also an option for a folding rear wheel but there appear to be issues with removing the seat.  It's not entirely clear that folding works well.

Negatives

• Not well known in us but appears very well built.  Since most of the things that are liable to fail are standard components I'm not
• Not clear that folding is really functional.
• Unclear if there is any support.  There is a dealer (of sorts) in Maine but it seems more of a hobby as the guy deals out of his house and has no real shop.  On a positive note, it's unlikely that any of the unique components would ever need replacement.
• Limited single track or off road options. 

Outrider USA

http://outriderusa.com/

Originally I was drawn to this trike for several reasons.  It is VERY solidly built on a modified KMX frame, has a VERY powerful motor (4KW), and a VERY big batters (2KW).  I was able to ride one in NH and all I can say is WOW!.  But the bike has no suspension and at the speeds it is capable of the ride is rather harsh except on very smooth pavement.  For the TransAm that's a deal breaker.

The company has a new model in development with suspension!  It should be available later this year so I've kept them on the list of possible bikes for now.  That said I have some concerns since the firms track record for engineering is a bit spotty (the first Alpha had some design defects that were addressed in the second so I wonder how solid the first suspension Alpha will be; delivery dates were missed for the previous models).  Additionally, this model does not fold so shipping is an issue.

Notwithstanding all of that the bike has much to offer so I plan to track it while looking at other options.

Azub 6

http://www.azub.eu/azub-5-five-recumbent-bike/

Positives

• Very well regarded touring bike.  Firm is noteworthy for focus and testing of this model as a long distance tourer.
• Bike - It's easier to transport on a bike rack and to ship than a trike.  People are more likely to recognize it as a bike, not something they're unfamiliar with.  Easier to get into/out of motel rooms.
• Low enough slung that it can be easily straddled while stopped.
• Potentially more easily seen than a trike.  Trikes are low to the ground, drivers aren't accustomed to seeing them and often just don't.  Being seen is important and this bike is rather taller and more likely to be seen.
• Easy battery placement.  There is a under slung luggage rack that provides a very convenient place to mount batteries low in the frame so handling should remain good. 
• Fair to good single track and off road options.

Negatives

• Bike not trike.  Old guys can fall over and my sense of balance was slightly compromised when I broke my back and neck.  That said, I am still able to ride a conventional bike.
• Nearest dealer is 6 hrs away

Conclusion

Don't really have one.  I'll need to actually see & ride an HP Velo and Azub then I should be able to make a decision.  The bike decision needs to be made concurrent with the electric assist decision as the two need to work together.

Updates

• Added single track and off road