Yes, the 'bent was slower up the hill but it was still less work. Some nice numbers showing what I think we all suspected... faster on the flats, slower on the hills, but at the end of the day you go further and are less tired when doing it lying down.
The site has reviews of various recumbents so is definitely worth a look if you are looking.If you’re touring you’re hardly going to ride for four hours dead then stop wherever you are at the roadside. You probably have a destination and getting there a few minutes either side is not important compared with getting there in comfort or for less sweat and toil.
If you’re riding an ultra distance event, it’s not likely that you’re so strong that you can maintain high wattages for days at a time; it’s more likely that you want to get the maximum ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to spending your body’s limited capacity for exertion.
Only if you’re racing over fairly short distances does absolute power outweigh efficiency.