As bicycle makers searched for safer alternatives to high-wheel machines in the late nineteenth century, designs were far from settled. The Crypto Bantam kept the drive at the front wheel but used a much lower layout: its front wheel measured 24 inches across and the rear 19 inches.
A smaller front wheel would normally travel less distance for each turn of the pedals. The Bantam compensated with planetary gearing inside the front hub, allowing the wheel to turn more than once for each crank revolution. Pneumatic tyres and a sprung saddle were part of the design too.
The model remained one of the 1890s’ distinctive attempts to improve the bicycle. The safety bicycle with rear-wheel chain drive later became the everyday standard. The Bantam is a reminder that the route to the familiar bicycle shape was not a straight one.