I need help with something a little... "different"

[The Adam Blaster]

I'm looking for a new bike, not specifically for loading up and taking on a trip, but I wouldn't rule that out in the future.
Here's what I'm looking for, like I suggest in the title, it's a bit different:

A recumbent bike with a shorter wheelbase and suspension able to handle light trails with above the seat steering and a tire size that will allow me to outfit it with something other than street slicks.

The reason I have the above-mentioned needs is because of a motorcycle accident that left me with a paralysed right arm. A normal mountain bike just doesn't work for me.
I've got a recumbent right now, a Rans Wave - http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/rans/rans_wave.htm - but it's crazy long and has tiny tires with slicks that can't even handle a gravel path without risking a slide off of any slope in the trail.
I've had my bike for a number of years, and at the time of purchase I was just interested in getting back on two wheels. Previous to my accident I was an avid mountain biker despite the complete lack of mountains in my region at the time, I still managed to find any mound, hill, downed log or outdoor staircase to ride on, over or down.
I'd like to be able to get back into light trails, and I don't have any expectation of doing 5' drops or anything, but it would be nice to be able to handle a splash of mud from time to time.

Please refer me to any online resources you may have run across that would help me in my quest. And thanks in advance!

 

[avdem]

A lot of years ago, probably late nineties MBA(Mountainbike action) tested a recumbent bike meant for trail riding, front and rear suspension and shorter wheelbase was a few of the selling arguments. Sadly threw away all my old magazines a few years ago and can`t remember the make.....

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Found this: http://www.lightfootcycles.com/ranger_recumbent_bicycle.php

I know there's more out there, but I didn't save any sites when I researched.

Due to having a bad back and hips, a regular mountain bike won't work for me either. I had looked into recumbents a while back, designed for both on/off road.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Victorian]

Owned and rode many miles on a HP-Velotechnik Streetmachine.... Recumbents are not something you want to ride on a trail! Not even on loose gravel or sand.

 

[TankShooter]

The Bike E FX may fit the bill for you. I have the AT model that only has suspension on the rear. The FX also has a sprung fork up front. Both models have room for wider knobbier tires if you desired to do that. I have to echo Victorian's comment slightly, but if because of your injury you can't ride a normal bike, these both have some hip protection if you should take a tumble. The seats are wide enough that it will at least be a shared impact between you and the bike. Falls are from a lower height than a diamond frame, but instead of breaking clavicles bent riders break wrists and forearms so fight that urge to stop a fall and just tuck.

 

[ijeep_2]

Considered a trike?

Sure singletrack may be a bit tough on a trike but a lot of riding would be doable. I stumbled across the ICE trikes and was pretty impressed. I thought they would be fun and i don't have a need to ride a recumbent or a trike. Knock on wood!!!