Hi, converting to the mono-wheel is no more difficult than learning tail-wheel, make sure you get training and as a member of the LAA you can use the pilot coaching scheme. The Europa will cruise at 125kts on 15-18 litres an hour, and it will be significantly cheaper to run than a C172. however if this puts you off take up knitting and fly the C172...only kidding
after the expense of learning to fly, alot fall by the wayside due to the cost of running an aircraft, depends on how many in the C172 group, monthly costs etc, do the maths !
Will.