Victorian Sussex showcased remarkable displays of engineering ingenuity, where inventors tackled various cycling challenges from bumpy unpaved roads to the impracticalities of woolen clothing with boundless enthusiasm and creativity.
h/t: vintag.es
Among these innovators was Horsham architect Edward Burstow, who in 1882 patented the ‘pentacycle,’ an ingenious machine featuring a large central wheel driven by pedals, complemented by four smaller stabilizing wheels, earning it the nickname “hen and chickens cycle.”
The pentacycle was initially designed to solve practical problems like navigating rough roads and transporting bulky parcels, with other inventors of the era proposing solutions such as adding springs around wheels for a smoother ride.
While rural postmen in Horsham initially tested the pentacycle, they ultimately rejected it due to an unfortunate design flaw: it wore holes in the crotch of their uniforms, which they had to pay for themselves.
Despite its eventual consignment to the scrap heap, the pentacycle and other Victorian cycling innovations now form a fascinating display for modern visitors, showcasing the era’s remarkable spirit of practical problem-solving.