I figured I would mention that I purchased an EVOX 140 in the early part of 2003. I have since put over 3,000km on it. It's very important to note that the EVOX 140 does NOT come with quality components on it. If you want to do serious cycling, you're going to be replacing everything.
Example: my rear derailer that came with it snapped off and destroyed itself digging into the frame about 600km into riding it. I replaced it with a Shimano Deore rear derailler (paid the difference over the free replacement part). I replaced the front crank set at the same time with a Sugino one that can have its separate cogs easily swapped.
Other parts replaced: the included seat snapped apart in 2004 (1 year into riding it, around 1,800km). I replaced it with a nice gel seat that is far supperior, and much more comfortable. The default brakes and brake levers were replaced; I now have Shimano Deore brakes with Deore LX brake levers.
I replaced my front grip shifts (which were failing this year, 2006) with Deore rapid fires, and I also replaced the rear tire at the same time with a new one, more suitable for daily touring. The new rear tire is designed to be puncture resistant (to the point that going over glass is no problem). The original chain wore out at 2,700km. Every time you replace a chain on this bike, it's 2x the normal cost since you need a double-length chain.
The only OEM parts on the bike are: the frame and front fork/handle bars, the seat post (I removed the backrest which broke within 800km of riding), and the front tire. All brakes, levers, shifters, cables, chain, crank sets, rear tire, etc, have been replaced. I'm still sitting below 50 cents per km, though, given I tend to ride very heavily in the summer seasons (between 10 to 80km/day). It's a very pleasant ride to head to some of the towns near my city (1 hour out, 1 hour back, covering about 80km). I haven't done any major touring outside where I'd have to camp out overnight.
If you're interested in this kind of bike, buy the frame if you can (given the EVOX 140 is now 300$, I'm guessing you can get the frame for below $200). The Evox LE looks like it has a lighter frame (given it's aluminium, not chromoly), which I would say is the best way to go. That plus a Shimano Deore set of equipment will not be too expensive compared to some of the recumbants. If I purchased a replacement frame, I could construct a second EVOX out of discarded, lower quality parts
Unfortunately for me, I didn't bother to hand-build my bike from the start, but I'm very happy with the easy, enjoyable rides where I get to look out at the world, instead of my knees.
The next things I plan on doing with my bike is to replace my quick-releases with lugs (it's less trouble to carry wrenches than it is to deal with people who might want to steal my rather odd-sized, expensive tires, or locking them up), and probably replace the front tire with a higher pressure, more substantial piece of rubber than the OEM part.
Example: my rear derailer that came with it snapped off and destroyed itself digging into the frame about 600km into riding it. I replaced it with a Shimano Deore rear derailler (paid the difference over the free replacement part). I replaced the front crank set at the same time with a Sugino one that can have its separate cogs easily swapped.
Other parts replaced: the included seat snapped apart in 2004 (1 year into riding it, around 1,800km). I replaced it with a nice gel seat that is far supperior, and much more comfortable. The default brakes and brake levers were replaced; I now have Shimano Deore brakes with Deore LX brake levers.
I replaced my front grip shifts (which were failing this year, 2006) with Deore rapid fires, and I also replaced the rear tire at the same time with a new one, more suitable for daily touring. The new rear tire is designed to be puncture resistant (to the point that going over glass is no problem). The original chain wore out at 2,700km. Every time you replace a chain on this bike, it's 2x the normal cost since you need a double-length chain.
The only OEM parts on the bike are: the frame and front fork/handle bars, the seat post (I removed the backrest which broke within 800km of riding), and the front tire. All brakes, levers, shifters, cables, chain, crank sets, rear tire, etc, have been replaced. I'm still sitting below 50 cents per km, though, given I tend to ride very heavily in the summer seasons (between 10 to 80km/day). It's a very pleasant ride to head to some of the towns near my city (1 hour out, 1 hour back, covering about 80km). I haven't done any major touring outside where I'd have to camp out overnight.
If you're interested in this kind of bike, buy the frame if you can (given the EVOX 140 is now 300$, I'm guessing you can get the frame for below $200). The Evox LE looks like it has a lighter frame (given it's aluminium, not chromoly), which I would say is the best way to go. That plus a Shimano Deore set of equipment will not be too expensive compared to some of the recumbants. If I purchased a replacement frame, I could construct a second EVOX out of discarded, lower quality parts
Unfortunately for me, I didn't bother to hand-build my bike from the start, but I'm very happy with the easy, enjoyable rides where I get to look out at the world, instead of my knees.The next things I plan on doing with my bike is to replace my quick-releases with lugs (it's less trouble to carry wrenches than it is to deal with people who might want to steal my rather odd-sized, expensive tires, or locking them up), and probably replace the front tire with a higher pressure, more substantial piece of rubber than the OEM part.
. I'm fascinated by the semi-recumbent design - that tall handlebar stem is a game-changer for riders who want to avoid hunching over. And let's be real, who doesn't love the idea of pedals far forward and a seat that's more like a cozy lounge chair? 
It's like cycling and relaxation had a baby, and that baby grew up to be the Evox LE! 
Did you find that the elongated frame affected the bike's maneuverability at all, or was it a smooth ride all the way? 
I've seen riders sacrifice speed for comfort, only to find themselves struggling to keep up. The semi-recumbent design may appeal to some, but I sense a hidden cost to performance. The pedals, so far forward, the handlebar stem, so tall... it's a compromise, isn't it? 
Only time will tell.
. I mean, who needs to look cool when you can look... Well, let's say, "interesting" in a semi-recumbent? 
All jokes aside, the Evox LE does sound like a great option for those who want to prioritize comfort without sacrificing performance. The tall handlebar stem and forward pedals must make for a very relaxed riding experience. Did you take it for a spin yet? How's the ride? 
