One of the original Hobby Horse Cycles. This is probably the earliest form of bicycle and had no pedals. The rider sat on the saddle pushing the machine along using their legs and, surprisingly, were able to double their speed compared with walking. Hobby Horses were around for only a few years before they were replaced with superior machines.

One of the original Boneshaker bicycles which was the first type of true bicycle with pedals. The name, 'Boneshaker' refers to the extremely uncomfortable ride, which was caused by the stiff wrought-iron frame and wooden wheels using tyres made of iron. The pedals were fixed to the hub of the front wheels so there wasn't gearing of any sort.

An early Tricycle with a chain drive and, behind it. a bicycle made from an iron bedstead. The bedstead end is fitted with a wheel on each leg, a saddle and a chain drive from pedals to one of the wheels. It was a cheap way of making a bicycle but, I imagine, was rather cumbersome and unwieldly.

This is a really interesting bicycle because it is made, partly, from Bamboo. You can see that most of the frame and the mudguards are made from Bamboo. Even the front forks are made from Bamboo which is curved to form the correct shape.

The Bamboo Cycle Company was based in London but had its works in Wolverhampton. Their machines initially had frames made of bamboo because it was very strong, lightweight and free from corrosion. In practice, however, steel proved to be a much better material for the purpose so only a few real bamboo bicycles were ever made.

A bicycle with a suspended 'string' saddle. I'm not at all sure how comfortable that would be but it's certainly different.

A bicycle, from Belgium, with a normal steel frame but with wooden wheels and mudguards.