sierraclub.org - sierra magazine - nov/dec 2011 - bikes - the bicycle: art on two wheels
Photography by Bernhard Angerer | Captions by Della Watson
In 1930s France, recumbent bicycles were all the rage. After a recumbent broke the world hour record—the longest distance covered in an hour—in 1933, the design was banned from competition in the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) conference. Hobbyists continue to tout the comfort and ease of the recumbent, however. This model, the Sironval Sportplex, dates from 1939. Only 200 were sold.