Weight: I had similar thoughts but wanted to try a Cruzbike before committing to a major purchase so I purchased most of a conversion kit. The experience of 2 years of commuting on it says even a heavy conversion kit with a less than ideal frame is well worth it. I say jump on one of these used Sofriders, Conversion Kits, or Quest/QX100 to try it out. The Qs will be the most adjustable and you can set them up as a starter / learner and then adjust to simulate a reclined position similar to the S or V models.
Caveat: In my opinion weight should be a secondary consideration over quality and functionality and after any other criteria deemed important such as if this bike is a stepping stone to learn on to see if you want to spend the big bucks on the best rides.
If you want light weight at all costs then realistically the options are limited (are in order of cost from high to low):
-buy new V20 (or S40 with high end lightweight specs)
-buy the last S30 from
http://www.nybents.com/cruzbike/
-buy a used V20 from this website
-buy a Sofrider/Quest/QX to learn on anticipating that you will choose one of the above options once you have learned
-build your own out of carbon fibre
If none of the above meets the price range and light weight is still at the top of the list then maybe even though Cruzbikes climb well, even though they can hold their own with lighter diamond frame road bikes regardless of weight, that even though the increased comfort will result in longer endurance then realize that weight is the highest priority and will point away from Cruzbikes, in fact away from all but carbon recumbents, away from trikes, fat bikes, especially suspended mountain bikes, touring road bikes, and all but the high-priced diamond frame racing specific road bikes that start at the price of the road and race series Cruzbikes and move on up to $10,000.
The only advantage I see to this train of thought is weight savings. While significant, in my opinion, weight is not nearly as large a factor and is compensated adequately by comfort-ergonomic pain prevention and mitigation, increased endurance, and therefore increased enjoyment.
The more important consideration is whether the inherently easier to make and lighter structure of diamond frame which requires the body to adjust to the frame is worth the negative impacts that adjusting the body to the frame entails.
Recumbents on the other hand have a structure which is designed around the body (adjusted to suit the body's needs) and where the body is in the ideal position though slightly more complex and therefore slightly heavier. This results in a heavier frame/fork combination but gives a starting point of healthy, relaxed body position. Cruzbike has developed bikes from this better starting point, with better aerodynamics, a similar high efficiency drive train, and decreasing weight.
With a head start of 70 years or so, a whole worldwide industry, diamond frame bikes are lighter but still ergonomically challenging. Just think where Cruzbikes will be as they are already ergonomically correct, efficient, and effortlessly comfortable with the ONLY drawback being static weight - weight which only affects acceleration and climbing hills which are both long and steep otherwise the aerodynamics overcomes both of these factors.
I look at the acceleration of stop lights, stop signs, crossing major streets as being interval training and at the extra weight of the bike as training and someday I will be able to afford a purpose built model.
Most importantly: Find a way to start Cruzbiking - whether that is through a conversion kit to a V20 - you will be glad you did.
Cheers,
Ben.