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This bike I found on a Brazilian mountain bike Instagram page, they caption it as a bow and arrow with wheels.
Anyone ever seen this strange looking beauty before? I can't quite tell but it might be an early folding bike. I'm saying is old because it's got a rod brake.
This is a very old military bike, estimates say circa 1898, credited to a French officer and cycling advocate Captain Gerrard (although actually probably designed by someone else). It is indeed a folding bike, one of the first of its kind. Soldiers on bicycle were a relatively common thing prior to the first world war. Lots more information here, The BSA & Military Bicycle Museum ; and here Captain Gerard history
That's art, not a bike. Its not intended to be ridden.
If you did try and ride it, your first hard take-off would likely flip you backwards unless you were out of the saddle and leaning forward.
Braking would be quite good, assuming its a fixed gear and not just a single-speed. The weight distribution would put more on the rear helping with skid stops. But the pedals lack retainer straps or clipsless pedals, so its not a real fixie.
As noted, the front brake is absent, and the hand lever is just for show.
If you got it rolling okay, it would be a floppy horror to steer. That front wheel will want to turn 90 to the left or right, so requires strength to hold it up.
Answer its a show bike not for riding. What a waste of time and effort.
