I think entry level is probably not the right term. Maybe entry level to the world of MBB bikes, yes. I think the frameset option will always appeal to the aging wedgie rider that wants to give "this thing" a try without breaking the bank. Also, guys that are riding other recumbents and getting tired of getting toasted by Cruzbikes... That question always lingers, "Can I ride "that thing"?"
I wasn't an entry level rider when I entered the world of Cruzbike. I had been around the block a few times. Being a budget minded person and having kids that outgrew their bikes quickly, I learned early on how to do my own bicycle repairs and how to switch components from frame to frame, then dial them in. When I got interested in Cruzbike, which at the time was still a relative unknown in the recumbent world, I was smitten by the Silvio. At the time, it was only offered as a frameset and I would have never popped for that much money on something I couldn't try, let alone know if I could ride it. I totally balked on the frameset and certainly would not have bought a complete bike, sight unseen and without so much as trying it. For me, at the time, the conversion kit made so much sense. If I could master the conversion and liked it, I would then and only then, get a Silvio.
It was fun tinkering with the conversion kit back in the day. I believe there was one thread where we referred to the kit as an adult erector set. Sourcing out my first frame was an adventure. We experimented with frames, tinkered with adjustments, seat back angles, seat pan angles..... It was an absolute ball. Go back and read some of the old archives on the kits, we had some fun and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Taking a box full of parts and assembling it into something I rode a lot of miles on was priceless.
My first Silvio was just as much fun to build. We didn't have as many people doing assembly instructions and videos and such. We had some vague directions, a few pictures and we survived. Assembling the frame and the front end section took a little head scratching, but it was fun! Then came the experimentation with handlebars and all manner of fun stuff. My second Silvio was a slam dunk. I had it together in an evening. Then, I offered to help Tom Roberts assemble his Silvio and that ended up being an all day nightmare, but still fun.
In short, yes, I'd always want the frameset option. It won't appeal to allI took a look at the new Silvio and they spec it out at $4100. I priced out parts and figure I could save $500, or so, doing it myself and have the fun of doing it. That was buying all brand new parts. Being the cheap person I am, I would scrounge around and put together a group from other peoples' cast-offs. Also, there is value to knowing how the thing is built and how to fix it in a pinch alongside the road.
The last time I looked into building a computer, I didn't think it penciled out. Mind you, I've never built one, but I wouldn't shy away from it if I thought it made sense. By the time you buy the software, it always seemed to me to be cheaper to buy a computer, plug it in and go. But that's just me.
Now an entry level rider, looking to get into recumbents with absolutely no idea what he or she is doing? Yes, they would probably want a complete bike, but I doubt they would buy a bike they couldn't look at or try. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, it's never black or white.
Mark
