Thursday, December 3, 2009

Grandfather of Modern Recumbents

Many cycling enthusiasts regard Robert Q. Riley as the grandfather of the modern day recumbent cycle.

Robert Q. Riley came up with an amazing design called the Ground Hugger. The Ground Hugger had some unique features and designs incorporated into it that recumbent styles before it did not have.
Robert Q. Riley sitting on his Ground Hugger Recumbent
Some of the features consisted:
* a unique sweeping frame design
* built much lower to the ground
* ergonomic seat design
* steering system allowing for greater rider comfort

Some opinions differ but it seems the Ground Hugger could have been an offshoot of the Pedi-Plane design conceived and built in the ‘30’s by E.B. Boynton.

The Ground Hugger was such a great design it has stood the test of time. There are even plans that have been put out so that folks can build their own composite version. It looks pretty nice. I have not built one myself nor do I endorse the plans or kit.

For more information on Robert Q. Riley visit http://bikerodnkustom2.homestead.com/robertQriley.html

For more information on E.B. Boynton and the Pedi-Plane visit http://bikerodnkustom.homestead.com/rileyped.html

For more information on plans or a kit for a Ground Hugger visit
http://www.rqriley.com/bike.html

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