Fahrrad
Liegerad J-Rad (Jaray-Rad)
Dating
ca. 1922Description
Trethebel Fahrrad-Hinterrad grösser als Vorderrad - Fahrer nimmt eine liegende Position einObject type
Object (three-dimensional)Material / Technique
Metall, Kunststoff, LederDimensions
20 kgInventory number
VHS-3742Rights
Quellennachweis: Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, LuzernLegend
J-Rad
Germany approx. 1922
Marginal note
Paul Jaray, a Swiss engineer with Hungarian roots, is one of the most influential aerodynamic engineers of the 1920s and 1930s. His J-Rad pedal bicycle is probably not his greatest contribution to the history of mobility. Nevertheless, this unusual bicycle is certainly worth a closer look.
Bio-mechanics
With the pedal crank, the maximum possible leg power can only be transferred during a very short moment. Jaray optimised the force transmission by means of linear foot movements as in walking.
Made in Germany
Around 2,000 J-Rad were built in the Hesperus factories in Stuttgart between 1921 and 1923. Following a fatal accident caused by a material fault, the J-Rad fell into an undeserved disrepute.
Technical data
Main colour
schwarzNumber of crew
1Number of passengers
0Type of propulsion
MuskelkraftantriebSystematics
• Rear wheel drive
Literature
2015: Sonderausstellung Future Bike. Liegeräder. Eine Übersicht von 30 Liegeradvarianten zwischen 1920 - 2015, Autor/in: Oberhänsli, This, Sign.: H Bro 52