Starley Royal Salvo

James Starley’s Royal Salvo was one of the most popular Tricycles of its time, thanks largely to Starley’s invention of the “balance gear,” which acted as a sort of differential.

As you pedalled the single chain, using the spade grip to steer in a straight line, the balance gear provided the same amount of power to both wheels, eliminating the erratic steering that resulted from the Tricycles’ tendency to turn towards a single driving wheel.

As you cornered, the gear continued to provide power to both wheels, but automatically allowed the outside wheel to travel faster and further than the inside one. This made tipping over while turning much less likely.

Unfortunately, you were still at risk of tipping over backwards, especially if you pedalled too hard going uphill. To prevent this, the Salvo had a tiny extra wheel sticking out at the back.

Partly because of the ride, partly because the balance gear eliminated an extra chain and partly because of the chain guard, the Salvo was the vehicle that opened cycling up to respectable women for first time. So respectable were these machines that Queen Victoria bought two.