This type of bicycle was the 'latest thing' in the 1860s & 1870, and today it is one of a fascinating range of bicycles on display at the Tolson Museum in Huddersfield.
It was also known as the Boneshaker, due to its performance on the poor roads of the period. Two Frenchmen, Lallement and Michaux, constructed improved versions of the Hobby Horse in the early 1860s. These included pedals fitted to the front wheel hub, as well as refinements such as a sprung saddle, and brakes. They were widely used and imitated, until overtaken by lighter, more comfortable cycles such as the Ordinary. This example was built between 1868 & 1872.
Thank you for your views, comments and favs. I always enjoy looking at Ians pictures when he returns from one of his many days out without me! He has a bus pass and I don't. I've also been busy helping to make dance costumes for a friend. Katharine
One doesn't see many Velocipedes these days. I didn't realize they existed back in the 1860s. I believe many of these were in use in the US also. Nice bit of history.
Thank you both for your lovely comments. It was a fascinating display of various forms of transport at Tolson Museum.
Ian