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Penny-farthing

The penny-farthing, also known as the high wheel, high wheeler, or ordinary bicycle, is an early form of bicycle featuring a disproportionately large front wheel—often exceeding 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter—and a much smaller rear wheel, designed to achieve higher speeds via direct pedal drive to the front wheel.^[1] This design originated in the late 1860s as an improvement over the bone-shaking velocipedes, with French inventor Eugène Meyer patenting the first high-wheeler in 1869, incorporating lightweight wire-spoke tension wheels for better shock absorption and reduced weight.^[2] The bicycle's name derives from the visual similarity of its wheels to the large British penny coin and the smaller farthing, a comparison that originated in the late 1880s.^[3] Peaking in popularity during the 1870s and 1880s, particularly among affluent men in Britain, France, and the United States, the penny-farthing facilitated recreational cycling clubs, races, and tours, thanks to its lightweight metal frame, radial spokes, and eventual additions like solid rubber tires and basic brakes.^[4] However, its high riding position—placing the saddle up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) off the ground—made it notoriously unstable and dangerous, with riders vulnerable to "headers," forward somersaults over the handlebars that frequently resulted in broken bones or fatalities.^[5] By the mid-1880s, innovations such as rear-wheel chain drive and equal-sized wheels in the safety bicycle addressed these flaws, rendering the penny-farthing obsolete by the 1890s and shifting cycling toward broader accessibility and safety.^[1] Today, it endures as an iconic symbol of Victorian-era innovation and the evolution of personal transportation.^[4]

History

Origins

The penny-farthing bicycle evolved from the earlier velocipede, commonly known as the boneshaker, which was developed in the 1860s by French inventor Pierre Michaux. Michaux, a blacksmith, added pedals directly to the front wheel of the wooden-framed draisine, creating the first practical pedal-driven bicycle with iron tires that provided a rigid but jarring ride over uneven surfaces, earning it the nickname "boneshaker" due to the intense vibrations transmitted to the rider.^[6]^[7] A significant advancement came in 1869 when French mechanic Eugène Meyer patented the wire-spoke tension wheel, featuring individually adjustable spokes that allowed for lighter, stronger construction and enabled larger wheel diameters. This innovation addressed the limitations of solid wooden or iron wheels, paving the way for the high-wheeled design. In Britain, James Starley, an English inventor, built on these developments with his 1870 Ariel bicycle, recognized as the first practical high-wheeler, which incorporated wire spokes and a more refined frame for improved stability and speed.^[8]^[9] The name "penny-farthing" originated in Britain, deriving from the visual resemblance of the bicycle's large front wheel to a penny coin and the small rear wheel to a farthing, the smallest denomination at the time; it was also referred to as the "ordinary" or "high-wheeler." The design's primary purpose was to achieve higher speeds on cobblestone roads by enlarging the front wheel diameter, which increased the effective gear ratio and distance traveled per pedal revolution without requiring complex multi-speed mechanisms. Starley's 1871 model featured a prominent front wheel typically measuring around 52 inches, further optimizing this principle.^[10] Early commercial production of the penny-farthing began with the Coventry Sewing Machine Company, founded by Starley and partner Josiah Turner in the 1860s, which shifted from sewing machines to bicycles after receiving orders for velocipedes in 1868 and began manufacturing high-wheelers by the early 1870s. This marked the transition to mass-produced cycles, with Starley's Ariel becoming a foundational prototype for the design.^[11]^[12]

Development and popularity

James Starley, often regarded as the father of the British cycling industry, significantly refined the penny-farthing design in the 1870s. In 1874, he patented the tangent-spoke wheel, which arranged spokes at an angle to the hub and rim for improved strength and rigidity, allowing for larger front wheels without compromising structural integrity.^[13] This innovation, detailed in his patent No. 3959, enabled more efficient power transfer and higher speeds, marking a key advancement over earlier radial-spoke configurations.^[14] Innovations such as hollow steel tubing for frames, introduced by Eugène Meyer, reduced weight while maintaining durability, which made the bicycles more accessible for recreational use.^[15] The commercialization of penny-farthings accelerated in the late 1870s, driven by mass production efforts that expanded their reach beyond Europe. In the United States, Albert Pope founded the Pope Manufacturing Company in 1878, beginning domestic production of the Columbia model after initially importing British designs.^[16] This venture, based in Hartford, Connecticut, quickly scaled output using adapted sewing machine factories, exporting models back to Europe and fueling a transatlantic market.^[17] By the early 1880s, penny-farthings symbolized technological progress, with front wheels reaching up to 60 inches in diameter for enhanced speed on improved roads.^[18] The bicycle's popularity surged during the 1880s, intertwining with social and cultural shifts, particularly among the middle class. It emerged as a emblem of modernity and leisurely pursuit, promoting outdoor activity and social mobility for urban professionals.^[19] Cycling clubs proliferated, with the Bicycle Touring Club—later renamed the Cyclists' Touring Club—founded in 1878 to organize rides and advocate for better infrastructure, attracting thousands of members by the decade's end.^[20] Initially male-dominated due to the challenge of mounting the high saddle, the sport reflected gender norms of the era, though it laid groundwork for broader participation.^[21] Adoption was strongest in the United Kingdom and United States, where flat terrain and growing rail networks supported long-distance touring, while in France, tricycles gained favor for their stability despite the penny-farthing's origins there.^[22]

Decline and replacement

The penny-farthing's design, with its oversized front wheel elevating the rider's seat approximately 1.5 meters above the ground, resulted in a high center of gravity that compromised stability, particularly on uneven surfaces or during sudden stops.^[5] This positioning also made mounting and dismounting challenging, often requiring a running leap or step-up technique, while increasing vulnerability to "headers"—forward falls over the handlebars when the front wheel struck obstacles like potholes or stones.^[23] These inherent flaws contributed to frequent accidents, including broken bones and concussions, which heightened public awareness of the bicycle's risks by the mid-1880s.^[5] A pivotal advancement came in 1879 with Henry John Lawson's Bicyclette, a chain-driven bicycle featuring a rear wheel smaller than the front but with a lower saddle height, marking the first significant step toward modern safety designs.^[24] This precursor evolved into the true safety bicycle in 1885, when British inventor John Kemp Starley introduced the Rover, characterized by equal-sized wheels, a chain drive to the rear wheel, and a diamond-shaped frame that lowered the rider's position for better balance.^[25] The Rover's configuration addressed the penny-farthing's instability by shifting the center of gravity closer to the ground and enabling gear ratios that matched speeds without requiring an impractically large wheel. The market transitioned rapidly following these innovations, accelerated by John Boyd Dunlop's 1888 patent for pneumatic tires, which replaced solid rubber with air-filled tubes for smoother rides and greater shock absorption on rough roads.^[26] Safety bicycles gained widespread adoption in the late 1880s, with U.S. imports surging after their introduction from England in 1887, leading to a manufacturing boom that saw bicycle ownership explode from 150,000 riders in 1890 to over four million by 1896.^[27] Consequently, penny-farthing sales plummeted by the early 1890s as consumers favored the safer, more accessible alternatives, rendering the high-wheeler obsolete in urban markets.^[5] Regulatory responses and social shifts further hastened the decline, with some cities imposing restrictions on high-wheelers due to their accident rates, while the safety bicycle's drop-frame variants enabled women's broader participation in cycling during the 1890s "bicycle craze," promoting independence and challenging traditional gender norms.^[28] Production of penny-farthings phased out by 1900, though isolated use persisted in rural areas into the 1910s among those without access to newer models.^[15]

Design and Construction

Frame and wheels

The frame of the penny-farthing, also known as the high-wheeler or ordinary bicycle, was typically constructed from curved iron or steel tubing, forming a large loop that encircled the front wheel and provided structural support for the rider's position high above the ground.^[29] This design allowed for the mounting of a disproportionately large front wheel, with typical diameters ranging from 48 to 60 inches, while the smaller rear wheel measured about 12 to 18 inches in diameter and was attached via a simple trailing arm or fork extending from the frame's lower section.^[30]^[31] The front wheel is mounted in a fork connected to the frame via a simple headset, allowing steering. The axle passes through bearings in the fork ends and also serves as the crank axle for the pedals, contributing to the bicycle's rigid geometry and emphasizing balance through the rider's elevated seating directly over the front wheel.^[32] The wheels themselves represented a significant engineering advancement, with the front wheel featuring wire-spoke tension wheels for enhanced strength and reduced weight compared to earlier solid-spoke constructions. French inventor Eugène Meyer patented the wire-spoke tension wheel in 1869, enabling the construction of larger, lighter wheels that could support the penny-farthing's scale without excessive mass.^[30] Rims were commonly made of wood or metal, paired initially with solid rubber tires for durability on unpaved roads, though iron tires appeared in some early models before rubber became standard by the 1870s.^[29] These spokes, initially radial in early designs but later tangent-laced from the hub to the rim, distributed tension evenly to withstand the stresses of propulsion and the rider's weight, marking a shift from heavier wooden wheels used in predecessor velocipedes.^[2] In terms of balance and geometry, the penny-farthing's design relied on a direct axle mount for the front wheel and pedals attached to the front hub, creating a leverage-based propulsion system where the rider's leg extension directly drove the large wheel.^[32] This configuration positioned the rider's center of gravity high and forward, necessitating careful weight distribution for stability. Variations in construction evolved over time; early models from the 1860s often used solid or wooden spokes, resulting in heavier frames exceeding 100 pounds, whereas later wire-spoke versions in the 1870s and 1880s incorporated hollow steel tubing and tensioned spokes, reducing overall weight to around 60 pounds for improved maneuverability.^[30] The engineering principles centered on a direct-drive system, where the front wheel's circumference effectively determined the gearing, quantified in "gear inches" equivalent to the wheel's diameter—for instance, a 60-inch front wheel provided approximately 60 gear inches of travel per pedal revolution.^[33] This straightforward mechanism eliminated the need for chains or multiple gears, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in an era before advanced transmissions, though it limited adaptability to terrain.^[34]

Components and mechanisms

The penny-farthing employed a direct-drive system where the pedals and cranks were fixed directly to the hub of the large front wheel, eliminating the need for a chain and allowing for efficient power transfer but lacking a freewheel mechanism, which required riders to pedal continuously or simply coast to stop forward motion.^[35] Handlebars on the penny-farthing were typically straight or slightly curved bars mounted low on the front wheel fork to position the rider forward over the pedals, with popular styles including the spoon-shaped grips for ergonomic hand placement. These designs prioritized simplicity and direct control, reflecting the bicycle's sporting orientation.^[29] Braking systems were rudimentary, primarily consisting of a rear spoon brake—a curved metal lever with a rubber pad that pressed against the rear tire when activated by a hand lever or spoon-shaped extension near the handlebars—introduced in the 1870s for basic deceleration. By the post-1880 period, some models incorporated a front caliper brake acting on the front wheel rim, though both types offered limited stopping power, especially at the higher speeds attainable on the large wheel.^[36] Tire technology evolved significantly during the penny-farthing's era, beginning with iron or wooden rims that provided a harsh ride over rough roads in the early 1870s, transitioning to solid rubber tires around 1878 for improved cushioning and durability without the complexity of inflation. Brief experiments with pneumatic tires occurred in the late 1880s, but these were not widely adopted on high-wheelers due to reliability issues and the impending shift to safety bicycles.^[37] Additional features included a saddle mounted on a spring-loaded post to absorb road shocks, offering the primary means of vibration dampening since tires provided minimal compliance. Optional accessories such as oil lamps for nighttime visibility and bells for alerting pedestrians were common add-ons. In the 1880s, a typical penny-farthing cost approximately $100, equivalent to about $3,100 in 2025 terms, reflecting its status as a premium sporting good manufactured by firms like Pope Manufacturing Company.^[38]^[39]

Operation and Performance

Riding techniques

Riding a penny-farthing, also known as an ordinary or high wheeler, demands a combination of balance, momentum, and physical coordination due to its elevated seat position and large front wheel. The high center of gravity requires riders to maintain steady motion to prevent tipping, with techniques developed in the late 19th century to accommodate the bicycle's design. Mounting typically begins with a running start to build initial speed, allowing the rider to step onto the rear wheel hub or a mounting peg located near the rear axle. From there, the rider swings the other leg over the frame and onto the opposite pedal as the bicycle rolls forward, a method known as the "scramble" for its quick, athletic motion. Taller riders may use a leg-over technique, lifting one leg high over the rear wheel to reach the pedal without a full run, though this requires greater flexibility. These approaches ensure the bike gains enough velocity for balance before the rider is fully seated. Propulsion involves pedaling in wide, sweeping circles, as the cranks are fixed directly to the front wheel's hub at a high position, demanding full leg extension with each stroke to maximize the wheel's rotation. Riders must sustain a consistent cadence to preserve momentum, as stopping the pedals can cause the bike to stall abruptly due to the direct drive system without freewheeling. Steering and balance rely on subtle body weight shifts, with the rider leaning into turns to counter the high center of gravity and prevent over-steering from the large wheel's trail. The handlebars, positioned low and forward, allow for precise control once in motion, but initial stability is achieved through forward momentum rather than static balancing. Dismounting usually involves jumping off the rear pedal or hub while the bike coasts, using the rider's legs to absorb the drop. The learning curve is steep, often starting with practice on smaller-wheeled models or velocipedes to master mounting and balance before progressing to full-sized machines. Cycling clubs in the 1870s and 1880s provided progressive training for members, emphasizing repetition to build confidence. Adaptations for individual users included custom wheel diameters based on leg length, approximately calculated as inseam measurement plus 18 inches (e.g., a 30-inch inseam for a 48-inch wheel diameter) to ensure comfortable crank reach without strain.^[40] These techniques enabled riders to achieve practical speeds on smooth roads, though they required significant practice to execute safely.

Speed and handling

The penny-farthing's speed capabilities stemmed primarily from its large front wheel, typically 50 to 60 inches in diameter, which allowed for significant distance coverage per pedal revolution. For a 60-inch wheel, the circumference equated to approximately 15.7 feet per full rotation, enabling riders to achieve cruising speeds of 12 to 15 miles per hour on flat roads with moderate effort at cadences around 80 to 100 revolutions per minute. Top speeds in controlled conditions, such as short sprints or modern recreations on smooth surfaces, could reach 20 to 25 miles per hour, though sustained historical road speeds rarely exceeded 15 miles per hour due to terrain and rider fatigue.^[41]^[42]^[43]^[44] Handling characteristics of the penny-farthing emphasized straight-line stability at higher speeds, aided by the gyroscopic precession of the massive front wheel, which resisted lateral tilts and provided a sense of security during forward motion. This effect was particularly pronounced given the wheel's size and rotational inertia, contributing to reliable tracking on even surfaces once momentum was established. However, low-speed maneuverability was challenging, with a wide turning radius and heightened risk of imbalance due to the elevated center of gravity, making starts, stops, and tight navigation demanding for riders.^[45] Efficiency was compromised by the bicycle's direct-drive system and solid rubber tires, which eliminated chain-related energy losses but introduced substantial rolling resistance from the unyielding tire material. The pedals attached directly to the front wheel hub resulted in a fixed 1:1 gear ratio, transmitting power without slippage but requiring riders to maintain consistent leg extension over long distances, often leading to muscle strain at higher cadences. Compared to walking speeds of 3 to 4 miles per hour, the penny-farthing offered roughly three to four times greater velocity on flats, yet it lagged behind early safety bicycles and modern geared bikes in overall energy economy due to aerodynamic drag from the upright posture and the absence of multi-speed options.^[46]^[47]^[48] The design proved most suitable for smooth, paved roads where the large wheel could roll efficiently, minimizing vibrations and allowing consistent propulsion. On rough or uneven terrain, the solid tires transmitted jolts directly to the rider, while the fixed high gear hindered acceleration and made climbing inclines labor-intensive, often necessitating dismounting for steep gradients exceeding 5 to 10 percent.^[49]^[44]

Safety concerns

The penny-farthing's design, with its oversized front wheel and elevated riding position up to 1.5 meters above the ground, posed significant risks of severe injury from falls.^[5] A primary hazard was the "header," where the rider was thrown headfirst over the handlebars upon hitting an obstacle such as a rock, rut, or branch, often resulting in broken bones or head trauma due to the lack of protective features like helmets.^[3] This instability was exacerbated on the uneven, unpaved roads of the era, making even minor impediments potentially catastrophic.^[29] Additional dangers included the bicycle's direct-drive mechanism, which lacked a freewheel, requiring riders to continuously pedal or apply brakes to control speed; abrupt braking with the rudimentary spoon brake on the front tire could easily pitch the rider forward into a header.^[5] The protruding pedals also increased the risk of trips or strikes against the ground during dismounts or leans, while the high center of gravity rendered the machine vulnerable to sudden stops in traffic or crowded urban settings.^[29] Historical accounts from the 1870s and 1880s frequently described serious injuries, including fractures and fatalities, as common outcomes of such accidents.^[5] Efforts to mitigate these risks included the addition of fenders to reduce mud-related slips and improved spoon brakes for better control, though these modifications offered limited protection against headers.^[29] Manufacturers offered a range of front wheel sizes for the ordinary, including smaller diameters around 48 inches for shorter riders, to somewhat lower the seat height and improve stability compared to larger 52–60 inch wheels.^[40] Cycling organizations, such as the League of American Wheelmen founded in 1880, advocated for road improvements through the Good Roads Movement, lobbying for smoother, paved surfaces to minimize obstacles and reduce accident rates.^[50] Contemporary reports from cycling clubs in the 1880s highlighted the prevalence of injuries, with falls contributing to widespread concerns that fueled the demand for safer designs.^[3] These safety issues ultimately accelerated the shift to the safety bicycle in the late 1880s, influencing modern standards such as lower riding positions, chain-driven gearing for controlled speeds, and enhanced braking systems.^[5]

Cultural and Modern Significance

In popular culture

The penny-farthing bicycle has long served as a symbol of Victorian ingenuity and eccentricity in popular culture, frequently appearing in depictions that highlight the era's blend of progress and peril. In literature from the late 19th century, it embodied technological advancement and social mobility, as seen in H.G. Wells' novel The Wheels of Chance (1896), where cycling tours represent newfound freedom and romance amid rapid industrialization. Cartoons of the period often satirized dandies precariously balancing on high-wheelers, with publications like Punch magazine featuring illustrations by artists such as E.T. Reed that mocked the dangers and pretensions of affluent riders.^[51] In film and television, the penny-farthing evokes historical whimsy and steampunk flair. Charlie Chaplin famously struggled to ride one in behind-the-scenes footage from the silent film Sunnyside (1919), capturing the bicycle's comedic instability for early 20th-century audiences.^[52] It features prominently in the 1999 adventure film Wild Wild West, where a steam-powered, modified version serves as a gadget-filled vehicle in a Wild West setting infused with Victorian elements. The bicycle has become an enduring icon in the steampunk genre, symbolizing retro-futuristic innovation. Beyond media, the penny-farthing influences art and branding as a nostalgic emblem of the Industrial Age. While Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's 1890s posters, such as the advertisement for Simpson bicycle chains, celebrated cycling's speed through dynamic illustrations of riders, the high-wheeler motif appeared in broader Victorian-era graphics to promote leisure and modernity.^[53] Today, it adorns logos for cycling brands and establishments like the Penny Farthing Pub in Victoria, Canada, evoking vintage charm and heritage themes in commercial design.^[54] This enduring symbolism positions the penny-farthing as a cultural shorthand for bygone innovation, frequently invoked to romanticize the transformative spirit of the 19th century.

Racing and events

Racing on penny-farthings emerged in the late 1870s and 1880s as cycling clubs organized competitive events to showcase the bicycle's speed and endurance capabilities. In the UK, early long-distance road rides, such as those by the North Road Cycling Club, tested riders over hundreds of miles on rough terrain, with a notable 237.25-mile achievement by a penny-farthing rider in 1887.^[55] Track racing also gained traction, with velodrome events featuring high-speed sprints that highlighted the large front wheel's advantages for momentum.^[56] Across the Atlantic, the League of American Wheelmen, founded in 1880, rapidly grew to sponsor national meets, including the first track races in New Orleans in 1887, where penny-farthing riders competed in tournaments emphasizing precision and velocity.^[57]^[56] International tours and endurance challenges further elevated penny-farthing competitions during this period. The 1891 Paris-Brest-Paris, organized by the newspaper Le Petit Journal as a 1,200 km utilitarian race from Paris to Brest and back, served as a precursor to modern randonneuring events, drawing 207 riders—many on high-wheelers—to demonstrate the bicycle's practicality over extreme distances.^[58] Key figures like Thomas Stevens exemplified the era's daring, completing the first global circumnavigation by bicycle from 1884 to 1886 on a 50-inch Columbia penny-farthing, covering over 13,500 miles across continents in an unparalleled test of stamina.^[59] The League of American Wheelmen promoted diverse formats, including hill climbs that challenged riders against steep inclines and endurance tests over varied landscapes, often incorporating time trials to measure individual speed against the clock.^[57] Cross-country events introduced hazards like the "header"—a forward somersault over the handlebars—due to the bike's high center of gravity, adding risk to pursuits that combined speed with navigational skill.^[4] In the modern era, penny-farthing racing has seen revivals through historical recreations that honor the original events. The Knutsford Great Race in England, held every decade since 1980, features endurance competitions on a 1 km circuit with teams racing antique high-wheelers, drawing international participants and preserving the sport's Victorian spirit.^[60] Annual UK events, such as the British Penny Farthing Championships established in the 1980s, continue this legacy with track and hill climb formats, fostering communities dedicated to authentic penny-farthing competition; in 2025, Roger Davies won the championship.^[61]^[62]

Contemporary use and replicas

In the 21st century, penny-farthings continue to attract enthusiasts through modern replicas crafted by specialized manufacturers. Companies such as Worksman Cycles in the United States produce faithful recreations using durable steel frames, often incorporating pneumatic tires and optional hand brakes for enhanced safety on contemporary roads.^[63] Similarly, UDC offers high-quality replicas with chromium-molybdenum steel construction for rigidity and strength, while Richards of England builds custom models like the 1885 Singer Challenge replica, complete with period-appropriate features such as moustache handlebars.^[64]^[65] In Australia, Penny Farthing Dan handcrafts bespoke replicas shipped worldwide, emphasizing traditional designs adapted for modern riders.^[66] Recreational riding remains a popular hobby among dedicated communities, with clubs organizing group outings and training sessions. The Penny Farthing Club in the United Kingdom provides three-hour training courses and guided city tours in locations like London, Brighton, and Bath, allowing novices to experience the bicycle in urban settings.^[67] Internationally, the League of Ordinary Riders connects riders for casual meetups and tours across Europe and the United States, fostering a global network of hobbyists.^[68] These bicycles are frequently adapted for parades and tourism events, such as the annual gatherings by the Czech Velocipedist Club in Prague, where participants ride in period attire to celebrate cycling heritage.^[69] Original penny-farthings hold significant collectible value, often preserved as museum artifacts that highlight transportation history. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History maintains examples like the 1889 Overman safety bicycle predecessor and references to high-wheel models in its collections, underscoring their role in early bicycle evolution.^[70] Auction prices for authentic 19th-century originals typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on condition and provenance, as seen in sales of restored high-wheelers at specialized venues like Copake Auction.^[71] Innovations have extended the penny-farthing's appeal by addressing accessibility and performance challenges. Electric-assisted versions, such as the hubless-wheel Penn-E-Farthing with a motorized rear wheel and custom plywood front wheel, blend vintage aesthetics with modern propulsion for easier handling.^[72] Smaller "mini" models, like the 28-inch front-wheel Mini-Hiwheel from Antique Replicas or the 29-inch Hoppley from Unicycle.com, offer scaled-down designs suitable for children and adults seeking a less intimidating ride, complete with pneumatic tires and brakes.^[73] These adaptations also promote fitness benefits, as the direct-drive pedaling mechanism demands high cardiovascular effort, improving cardiorespiratory capabilities and muscle tone comparable to intense cycling workouts.^[74] Global interest in penny-farthings has grown, particularly in Australia, where enthusiasts undertake challenging bush rides through rural terrains. Groups have completed multi-day tours, such as a 500-kilometer journey around Tasmania's wilderness or 1,000-kilometer rides across the mainland, showcasing the bicycle's durability on unpaved paths.^[44]^[75] In the 2020s, this enthusiasm aligns with broader trends toward sustainable vintage transport, as retro bicycles like penny-farthings gain popularity for their zero-emission appeal and contribution to eco-friendly urban mobility amid the post-pandemic cycling boom.^[76]^[77]

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A Brief History of Braking Systems - Škoda We Love Cycling
Oct 9, 2019 · Spoon brakes and backpedalling were the main elements in cutting speed for decades, mostly on penny-farthing bikes with the big front and much ...
[36]
The History of the Bicycle - Pioneer Village - Minden, NE
Jun 3, 2022 · When a solid rubber tire was added to the high wheeler, it made the ride a little bit smoother. These bicycles were dangerous to ride and ...
[37]
the gear seer
This is where the fancy word “gear ratio” comes in: your gear ratio, in this case, is 3.) So in the 48/16 combination, you rotate the pedals once, and your rear ...Missing: farthing distance
[38]
Bicycle gear ratios - speeds, gear inches | Bike Gremlin US
Jun 28, 2015 · This post explains what bicycle gear ratios are (often expressed in gear inches), how they work, what are the needed gear ratio ranges etc.
[39]
Fastest speed on a penny farthing (male) - Guinness World Records
The fastest speed on a penny farthing (male) is 41.56 km/h (25.82 mph), achieved by Guy Banham (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October ...
[40]
500 km by penny farthing: a different sort of ride around Tasmania
Apr 22, 2022 · Contrary to what many believe, penny farthings, if set up and fitted to the rider, go quite well in hilly terrain, with a 10% incline being no ...Missing: suitability | Show results with:suitability
[41]
Knutsford museum set for ten-yearly penny farthing race - BBC
Jul 13, 2010 · Although very stable due to the gyroscopic effect of the big wheel, the penny farthing is notoriously prone to accidents. But that doesn't ...<|separator|>
[42]
Penny Farthing Bicycle | Science Museum Group Collection
A Penny Farthing bicycle, made around 1885, had a large front wheel for speed, a 1:1 pedal drive, and a high saddle, and was popular around 1880-1890.Missing: peak sales
[43]
Your in-depth guide to bike tyres: types, sizes, construction and ...
Aug 26, 2024 · The original bicycles back in the 19th century, including penny-farthings, had solid tyres. As you'd expect, their ride quality wasn't great ...
[44]
[PDF] evolution in energetics and biomechanics of historic bicycles
In the period from 1820 to 1890, improved design of bicycles increased the metabolically equivalent speed by threefold compared with walking at an average ...<|separator|>
[45]
Meet the Man Who Bikes Around the World on a Penny-Farthing
Dec 8, 2020 · The penny has solid rubber tires, and you feel all the bumps, vibrations. I did fit the solid tires on a regular bike to get a direct comparison ...
[46]
'Facile Special' dwarf safety bicycle - Powerhouse Collection
The Facile 'Special' dwarf safety bicycle has a front wheel which is not as big as that of a penny farthing and the seat is located further back.Missing: mitigation | Show results with:mitigation
[47]
American Drivers Have Bicyclists to Thank for a Smooth Ride to Work
Sep 12, 2016 · And, much like good-roads lobbyists of the 1880s, it falls upon bicycle advocates to make the case that facilities for cyclists are worth the ...
[48]
The Wheels of Chance; a Bicycling Idyll | Project Gutenberg
THE WHEELS OF CHANCE; A BICYCLING IDYLL. By H.G. Wells. 1896. To MY DEAR MOTHER. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTER IN THE STORY. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER ...Missing: type | Show results with:type
[49]
C - Sherlock Holmes Pastiche Characters & Summaries
... Penny Farthing Rider; Pedestrians; Old Dog-walking Couple; Tramps ... H.G. Wells) Other Characters: Octavia Nightingale; Barrington Chase; Henry ...
[50]
Victorian cartoons from Punch magazine by E T Reed
... penny farthings riders riding dangers warnings enlongated limbs legs skeletons developing long shortened arms British Museum displays glass cases glass ...
[51]
Charlie Chaplin tries to ride a penny-farthing bicycle
Sep 18, 2020 · In this behind-the-scenes footage from of the silent film Sunnyside (1919), Charlie Chaplin and his brother Sydney attempt to ride a penny-farthing bicycle.
[52]
The Simpson Chain | The Art Institute of Chicago
This poster represents Lautrec's final design for an advertisement for a bicycle lever chain recently invented by the London manufacturer WS Simpson.Missing: penny farthing
[53]
Penny Farthing Pub
The Penny Farthing Pub takes its name from the innovative bicycle of the 1870's with an impossibly large front wheel coupled with a minuscule rear wheel.FOOD · Weekly Features · Happy Hour · EventsMissing: brands | Show results with:brands
[54]
Long Rides History in the UK - Summary Chart - BC Randonneurs
Information from "Fifty Years of Road Riding, A history of the North Road Cycling Club, Ltd 1885-1935". ... A “Penny Farthing” rider did 237.25 miles. 1888 ...
[55]
First Cycling Races Held on a Track in New Orleans 1887
In 1887, the Louisiana Division of the League of American Wheelmen held a tournament at the Audubon Driving Park track--the first cycling races held on a track ...
[56]
Equity and Our History | League of American Bicyclists
The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as “wheelmen,” were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and ...Missing: improvements | Show results with:improvements
[57]
https://bikeleague.org/about/equity-and-history/
[58]
"The Impractical Scheme of a Visionary:" Thomas Stevens and the ...
In 1886 Thomas Stevens successfully completed the first bicycle trip around the world. Equipped with his big-wheeled penny-farthing, a few writing implements, ...
[59]
Knutsford Great Race showcases the obsolete and slightly dangerous
Sep 9, 2010 · The fourth Knutsford Great Race attracted entrants on penny farthings, hobby horses and bone shakers to a 1km track laid out around the town's heath.
[60]
Eccentrics saddle up for the Knutsford Great Race | BikeRadar
Sep 25, 2010 · The first Great Race took place in 1980 ... The main event of the day was a three-hour race on penny farthings around a 1km circuit of Knutsford ...
[61]
Antique Replica High Wheel Bikes from Worksman Cycles
Free deliveryWe offer beautiful re-creations of the classic Pennyfarthing High-Wheel Bicycles (Bone Shaker Bicycles) from the late 1800's.Missing: manufacturers | Show results with:manufacturers
[62]
UDC Penny Farthings - Penny Farthings for the modern world!
CrMo Steel Construction. The front forks and the rear spine of our Penny Farthings are made from CrMo steel making them super rigid and strong.Missing: replicas | Show results with:replicas
[63]
Review > 1885 Singer Challenge Replica – www.Penny-Farthing.org
Review: 1885 Singer Challenge Replica. Manufacturer: Richards of England Model Reviewed: 54″ with the following options: Moustache handlebars, spade handle ...
[64]
Penny Farthing Dan: Highwheel Bicycle For Sale
Built in Australia and shipped worldwide, you can buy a bespoke hand made Penny Farthing bicycle. Buy an Australian handbuilt Penny Farthing Replica.
[65]
Penny Farthing Club: Home
Learning to ride a penny farthing bicycle. Penny Farthing Club officials run three hour training course and city bike tours in London, Brighton and Bath.
[66]
The League of Ordinary Riders International Penny Farthing Group
Events and key activity for all owners, riders and interested persons of High wheelers; High Wheel; Ordinary bicycle; Hochrad; Vysoke Kolo; Grand Bi; Daruma ...
[67]
https://pennyfarthingclub.com/
[68]
1889 Overman Bicycle | Smithsonian Institution
The safety bicycle with two wheels of equal size replaced the high wheeler (penny-farthing) when it was introduced to the US from England in 1887. Unlike ...
[69]
High Wheel - copake auction
Oct 6, 2025 · High Wheeler, Penny Farthing Highwheel Bicycle. Featured lots. Very ... Sold Price: $42,120. Auction: 23rd Annual Antique & Classic ...
[70]
Hubless-wheel electric penny farthing is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece
Dec 15, 2023 · The penn-E-farthing is basically a penny farthing bicycle with a hubless front wheel and a motorized rear wheel. It sports a custom tubular steel frame.
[71]
Mini-Hiwheel - Antique Replicas
The new Mini-Hiwheels, a rideable miniature Penny Farthing, are great fun for kids and adults! 28" front wheel; 16" rear wheel; Hand brake; Pneumatic tires ...
[72]
Hendrick's Gin selling a $2500 penny farthing exercise bike
Nov 17, 2020 · Though Hendrick's bills the bike as offering an improvement to “cardiorespiratory capabilities, tone the thighs and buttock,” it does ...Missing: cardio | Show results with:cardio
[73]
Group of penny-farthing enthusiasts go on 1000km ride ... - YouTube
Nov 27, 2019 · The penny-farthing was the pinnacle of bicycle design in the 1880s but like most fashions, it passed. Now, a small group of enthusiasts has ...Missing: typical | Show results with:typical
[74]
https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/hendricks-gin-penny-farthing-exercise-bike
[75]
The great bicycle boom of 2020 - BBC
Covid-19 brought about a dramatic increase in bicycle sales in response to the pandemic. Heightened anxiety over public transportation and a surge in exercise