The bicycle has been called "the most efficient machine man has ever created," but that hasn't stopped innovators from trying to improve upon it. One such new design is called the Bird of Prey. It's a cross between a recumbent and a time trial bike with a dash of one of Graeme Obree's bikes thrown in there as well.
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Bird of Prey claims
- Aerodynamic. The world's fastest racing bicycle
- Safety. Never go over the handlebars
- Low centre of gravity
- Comfort. No more lower back pain or discomfort, no pressure on the prostate
- Cross-training. Core workout
One man's vision
The Bird of Prey Bike comes from the mind of architect John Aldridge, based in Carlsbad, California.
The biggest hurdle for Aldridge was getting the frame built. In 2010, custom frame builder Russ Denny constructed the first prototype. The average weight, head angle and wheelbase numbers were not mentioned.
Position, gearing and safety
The prone riding position is said to improve aerodynamics and relieve back pain. One does have to wonder about hip and stomach issues as there's not much natural body padding around the iliac crest on the pelvis.
And what about riding on a full stomach? Or if having to go to the bathroom? What about neck pain from having to look up?
Interestingly, the upside down drivetrain's gearing is stout with a 60t chainring pulling an 11-36t cassette. That should make for some interesting starts from a standstill.
The centre of gravity is lower and the improved safety claim is believable as far as not lawn darting over the bars, which is possible on conventional bikes. In a world of extremely twitchy, race-bred geometries, it's worth questioning how agile the stretched out position could be.
Bird of Prey pricing
Intrigued about what all this uniqueness costs? Well, £3,729 / $4,800 / AU$6,067 gets you a custom aluminum frame built in California which can be ordered here.