Back in the day we were judged on take off and landing, what type do you think is easier to land and take off smoothly. The only trike geared pattern plane I have built in decades as a trike is a Daddy Rabbit and only because a building partner talked me into building it as stock looking as I could. Only plane I have built with the engine sticking up vertically so it can blow snot all over the plane too.
Spring air is also a good way to go, I used it in my Kaos and plan on using it on my next Dirty Birdi. I just really don't care for trike gear. The plans for the Birdi show the location for trike, fixed and retract is you want the measurements I will post them for you.