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. [photo by Bernhard Angerer]
![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. [photo by Bernhard Angerer] Cycling Equipment](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/65/73/00/6573009fbda5127d155425fa66675c8e--bicycle-design-bicycle-art.jpg)
