A prone bicycle is a bicycle which places the rider in a prone position. The bottom bracket is located at the bicycle's rear; the rider lies either on a pad or in a hard-shell seat. The prone position of the rider's body can reduce aerodynamic drag and therefore increase the efficiency of the vehicle. It can also be more comfortable or ergonomic than other bicycles.[citation needed]
The first prone bicycle was developed and marketed by the American company Darling in 1897, but most prone bicycles are do-it-yourself constructions. There are few series-production models.
In May, 2012, Graeme Obree announced that the bike he was building for his attempt at setting the human-powered vehicle land speed record is a prone bike.[1][2][3] The attempt was originally to take place in Britain and the current[when?] record speed is 133.3 km/h (82.8 mph). However, he competed in the 2013 World Human Powered Speed Championships in Battle Mountain, Nevada, where the current record was also set. He achieved a speed of 91.12 km/h (56.62 mph) on September 12, 2013.[4]
- ^ Steve Smith (May 6, 2012). "Flying Scotsman Graeme Obree uses old saucepan to build world record bid bike". Scottish Daily Record. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^ Tejvan (May 8, 2012). "Graeme Obree's World Speed Record". Cycling UK. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^ Reno Rambler (May 7, 2012). "Graeme Obree in Battle Mountain?". Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^ "2013 WHPSC Main Racing Results". 2013. Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2014.