ABSTRACT
The sting ray bicycle represented the wish fulfillment of young boys emulating the hot rod styling then popular with driving-age teens. Do-it-yourself customizing–i.e., removing the basket, fenders, and chain guards from standard issue models and then raising the seat and handlebars–led manufacturers to hit upon the basic design: a compact, lightweight bike usually with only twenty-inch wheels; high, looping handlebars (“ape hangers”); and a long, narrow seat (“polo saddle”).
