I have been posting on cycling forums for a while now, and recently joined one specifically for recumbent bikes as I am planning to buy a bent sometime soon.
I had posted regarding my current physical limitations and requested advice and recommendations on what brands/models might be best to check out that are in my price range. The folks at the site were very helpful and I received a lot of good advice in a very short period of time as well as several private messages regarding used bikes and suggestions.
One person in particular, who makes his living building custom frames for home-built bents, messaged me and offered to ship me a custom built frame for just the cost of shipping (about $40). Wow, I was floored by the generosity of this complete stranger. We are talking about a frame he typically sells for around $500, and he was willing to just give it to me. Unbelievable!
As I am lacking in tools and am also in dire need of a rideable bike as soon as possible since my current ride is on it's last legs, I declined his generous offer, thanking him for his kind hearted generosity. It would simply take me too long to build my own bike.
The idea of building my own really appeals to me, and I may purchase a frame from this gentleman at some point in the future when I am in a position to take on a project bike. I do know that if I ever need a bike frame for a bent, it will definitely be purchase from this wonderful person.
I should say here that I've also received some offers of assistance from some of our fellow JUers, and really appreciated those as well.
It warms the heart to know that there are still people out there who are willing to help out a fellow human being.