1. What was unusual about the penny-farthing bicycle? - Cyced
Penny farthings feature a large front wheel, above which the handle bars, seat and pedals are positioned, and a smaller rear wheel. The size of the front wheel ...
Let’s go back in time to find out what was unusual about the penny farthing bicycle. Needless to say, this will be far from a normal feature we do on Cyced, but an exceedingly interesting one. This magnificent machine was invented in the 1800s and still turns heads today. One wheel large, the other small, […]
2. What Was Unusual About The Penny Farthing Bicycle - Pinch-Flat.com
As the Penny Farthing used a big front wheel, it was able to go faster than other bikes of the time, and it had a smoother ride. The bicycle was designed by a ...
What was unusual about the penny farthing bicycle? A curious beast within the bicycle world. Read on to find out more
3. What Was Unusual About the Penny Farthing Bicycle? - Biketoworkday
Penny-farthings were vehicles unique to the late 19th century. To use them, the rider sat astride a large wheel with a smaller wheel to support behind.
A unique name and an ingenious design. Read and find out what was unusual about the penny farthing bicycle.
4. Penny-farthing History and Facts
Penny-farthing was a very popular type of bicycle that was most used between the time of the introduction of the French mass produced chain-driven bicycle ...
Penny-farthing was a very popular type of bicycle that was most used between the time of the introduction of the French mass produced chain-driven bicycle Boneshaker in 1860s and the English “safety bicycle” in 1880s. During that 20 year period, many inventors tried to revolutionize design and usability of first bicycles, and result of those efforts were penny-farthing bicycles that featured very large front wheel that housed seat and set of pedals, and smaller rear wheel that was there for stabilization. Because of the design of this bike, it had many advantages and disadvantages over the other bicycles or dandy horse bikes of its time. It was more pleasant to drive on rougher surfaces, it was faster than velocipedes, but it was dangerous in the case of fall and mounting and dismounting on them was problematic. Even though they were dangerous for driving, their ability for easier travel over rougher terrain (such as cobbles, stones, ruts, uneven concrete) made it very popular in urban environment where they were driven mostly by the men who had enough money for such an extravagant form of transport. Because of the high appeal of penny-farthing, this bicycle was responsible for the earliest examples of cycling – recreational pastime and sport that soon became very popular around the world after introduction and proliferation of “safety bicycles”.
5. How Dangerous Was The Penny-Farthing? - HistoryExtra
Sep 13, 2021 · The penny-farthing bike got its name from its two differently-sized wheels, with the front wheel likened to a penny coin and the much smaller ...
What was the penny-farthing, and how dangerous was it for those who used them in the 19th century? Find out more with this answer from BBC History Revealed
6. Penny Farthings: Odd Bikes with Huge Front Wheels - But Why?
Jan 24, 2022 · Have you ever seen those odd bikes with the larger front wheels - like comically larger, far larger than seems mechanically reasonable?
Have you ever seen those odd bikes with the larger front wheels - like comically larger, far larger than seems mechanically reasonable?They are called penny farthing bikes, and they were probably the first machines to which the term “bicycle” was properly applied.Yet, everything seems perplexingly wrong about them. The cranks are attached directly to the axle of the front wheel, which is preposterously large, making it difficult not only to mount the bike but to reach the pedals.Modern bikes are alien by comparison. With their evenly sized wheels, ergonomic, sleek designs, and optimal pedal placement, they seem like precision machines.There has to be a good reason for the odd design of the penny farthing since man is a creative tool-user. One would simply not create such an off form from mere fancy?Right on all points. Let’s get into why those bikes have such ludicrously large front wheels.No Chain Drive! As it turns out, one of the main reasons that these odd bikes have such large front wheels is because they lack a chain drive. The idea of the chain drive is actually surprisingly old, potentially having been invented (in concept) by Leonardo da Vinci sometime in the 1400s. However, it was not applied to cycling until 1885, when the bike with the first chain drive was developed.Penny farthings hit the scene in 1871, making them older than the first bikes with chain drives. Now, as you may well be familiar with, among other things, the chain drive gives an enormous mechanical advantage to cyclists, enabling them to attain higher speeds with less energy and effort.Without a chain drive to amplify input energy, engineers had to go around and come up with another way to allow riders to reach higher speeds. One way was to increase the diameter and thus the circumference of the wheel actuated by the crank arms.The advantage here is that the larger wheel makes it possible for riders to attain higher top speeds without the need for a chain drive. It makes it a lot harder to start the wheel, (and equally harder to stop it since the larger wheel acts like a flywheel and carries an enormous amount of rotational momentum) but it allows higher top speeds nonetheless.The drawback is it also makes it a lot harder to mount the bike and considerably more difficult to control - but hey, higher speeds and no chain drive! No Suspension So the first, and main, reason that penny farthings have large front wheels is because it enables higher speed in the absence of a chain drive, but there is another reason - a very good one.What we haven’t stated yet is that one of the earliest “prototypes” of bicycles was a contraption that also lacked a chain drive. It, however, was proportioned similarly to the bicycles of today, and it was propelled forward by the rider pushing off of the ground - although in some cases, the boneshaker might have pedals and crank arms attached to the front hub axle, in the same arrangement as a penny farthing.It not only lacked a chain drive, though - it also lacked any semblance of a suspension system. It was known as the - wait for it - “boneshaker.”It really takes only a little imagination to understand why this might be the case. These bikes offered a very poor ride quality, transferring all of the jolts and jars of an uneven road through the wheels, then the frame, and then, unmitigated, into the body of the rider.It just so happens that these bikes were also difficult to steer and pedal at the same time, giving rise to other issues.As for the large front wheel on the penny farthing - you guessed properly - it also happens to absorb the bumps and inconsistencies of uneven terrain or pavement. Like the boneshaker, it lacks a suspension system, but that larger front wheel can more smoothly ride over dips, bumps and other obstacles.Be Careful Braking, Though! Ultimately, the larger front wheel of this odd bike made it easier for riders to attain higher top speeds and to navigate coarse terrain - but it came at a price.The larger wheel forced the rider to sit higher, putting the center of gravity of the contraption further off of the ground. Penny farthings were notoriously difficult to handle, and if a rider ever attempted to stop too abruptly, there was a chance that he or she would “take a header”, which in other words meant “fly headlong over the handlebars and into the ground”.Risky, but the penny farthing still represented an improvement over other cycles of the day.Thinking About Giving This Odd Bike a Try? Despite the fact that these odd bikes are functionally obsolete today, there are still organizations around the world that are committed to riding and racing them. If you’re thinking about trying out a penny farthing, or are simply interested in history, you’ve come to the right place.Check out our collection of odd bikes and see which one suits your tastes, and if you have any questions about any of our products, our customer service team would be more than happy to help - just give us a call at 678-494-4962.
7. High Wheel Bicycle (also known as Penny Farthing)
A high wheel bicycle (also known as a penny farthing, high wheeler and ordinary) is a type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel ...
A high wheel bicycle (also known as a penny farthing, high wheeler and ordinary) is a type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel that was popular in the 1880s. The first Penny farthing was invented in 1871 by British engineer, James Starley. The Penny Farthing came after the development of the 'Hobbyhorse', and the French 'Velocipede' or 'Boneshaker', all versions of early bikes. However, the Penny Farthing was the first really efficient bicycle, consisting of a small rear wheel and large front wheel pivoting on a simple tubular frame with tires of rubber.
8. Penny Farthing, Odd Bike, Clown Bike: Answering Some Basic FAQs
Mar 22, 2022 · You may know them on sight even if you don't recognize them by their official name. Call it a penny farthing, an odd bike, a clown bike, ...
You may know them on sight even if you don’t recognize them by their official name. Call it a penny farthing, an odd bike, a clown bike, or a circus bike - you might be referring to the same thing.The bikes with the large front wheels and smaller rear wheels - that’s what we’re talking about. It’s actually the first machine to which the term “bicycle” was ever applied.Let’s answer some of the more common questions on these interesting contraptions, which, though they might be dated, are not defunct!Are Penny Farthings Still Made? Yes, penny farthing bikes are still made and you can still buy high-quality clown bikes like these here at Unicycle.com. Just check out the previous link to investigate your options. We offer penny farthings in a range of sizes, as well as other “clown bikes” like circus clown bikes and minibikes. You can see them all via the previous link.How Much Does a Penny Farthing Cost?Since these are historical curiosities, they tend to be on the more expensive side. However, we offer a number of options here at Unicycle that are priced fairly affordably.The most affordable penny farthing bike in our collection is our Hoppley 29” model, with the most expensive being the larger Unicycle.com penny farthings. As of the time of this publication (early 2022), they range in price between $400 and $2,600, with some models being out of stock because of parts shortages.Why Is the Front Wheel So Big?To answer the question of why the penny farthing has such a large front wheel, you need to investigate the history of the design.Penny farthings hail from an era that preceded the widespread use of the chain drives that are so common on bicycles (and some unicycles) today.Because the penny farthing lacks a chain drive, there’s only one way to create a design that offers a higher top speed - you need to increase the circumference of the wheel. The circumference, being a product of radius, required a larger wheel.The fact that the front wheel is so large enables riders to attain higher top speeds in the absence of a chain drive, but there is another reason for the comically large front wheel.Before the introduction of the penny farthing in the late 1800s in England, a device known as a boneshaker was fairly commonplace. The boneshaker looked much like a modern bike - except, unlike a modern bike, it lacked not only a chain drive but also a suspension system.Consequently, the lack of a suspension system made for quite a jarring ride - hence the name, which you can understand with only a smidge of imagination.The penny farthing’s larger front wheel was able to absorb some of the vibrations from roughly paved, or as it were, unpaved, roads, making the ride slightly more comfortable. How Can I Choose a Penny Farthing?Much like choosing a unicycle, choosing a penny farthing that is suitable for you will depend largely on your inseam measurements. You can’t simply adjust the seat up or down to accommodate, and a wheel that’s too large or small will make for a most unpleasant ride and overall experience.For adults, the following measurements can serve as helpful guidelines:●30” inseam: 48” penny farthing●32” inseam: 50” penny farthing●34” inseam: 52” penny farthing●36 inseam: 54” penny farthingWe also carry smaller penny farthings. Both our 29” and 32” models are suitable for riders with minimum inseam measurements of 26”, with the 29” model being more comfortable for slightly shorter or smaller riders and the 32” model being more suitable for those that are taller or larger.The saddle type, how the rider sits in the saddle, the length of the crank arms, and how the rider engages the pedals can all impact the rider's experience.These guidelines are just that - guidelines. If you are unsure of what penny farthing would work best for you please give us a call and we would be more than happy to help you choose.Does Anyone Else Still Ride Penny Farthing Clown Bikes? Yes, there are plenty of people who still ride penny farthings, even though you probably won’t meet any of them around town. You’ll have to get in touch with one of the riding or racing clubs out there.In fact, some are so enthusiastic about keeping in touch with this aspect of history that they’ve organized. If you’re in the United Kingdom, check out the Penny Farthing Club at PennyFarthingClub.com. They run training courses and even organize tours.If you’re in America, make sure you check out the High Wheel Race at HighWheelRace.com. Self-styled as the “only race of its kind in America,” the club organizes races for penny farthing riders every year.These are only a few of the higher-profile groups. Do some research in some local areas or consult cycling clubs. You might be surprised by what you find!What Safety Gear Do I Need? As with riding a unicycle or a bicycle, wearing a helmet is an absolute imperative, whether or not it is required by law. Start your safety gear roster with a helmet that is lightweight, comfortable, and well-ventilated to keep you cool in the heat, preferably one with a visor to help keep the sun out of your eyes.It’s also advisable to wear a set of elbow and knee pads to protect these sensitive areas of your body since they are prone to injury should you fall from the high saddle of a penny farthing. You should also wear protective footwear and gloves to protect your hands, especially while you are learning. These bikes are tall, give you a high center of gravity, and take some getting used to. Everyone’s experienced an unplanned dismount while learning - best to have the proper safety gear to protect you against injury.Questions? Call Us! Are you still thinking about getting a clown bike or a penny farthing? Get in touch with us via the live chat at the bottom of your screen or give us a call at 678-494-4962.
9. What Is A Penny Farthing Bicycle? - BikeTips
Sep 6, 2023 · Despite the odd appearance, the penny farthing was actually an incredibly durable bike. This was largely due to the materials ...
You’re probably picturing a bike with one very large wheel and one small wheel. This bike is known as a high wheel, or more commonly, as a penny-farthing
10. what was unusual about the penny-farthing bicycle? - MarPedal
May 4, 2023 · The penny farthing was a significant invention in the history of cycling. It was the first bicycle to use a chain-driven rear wheel, which ...
Discover the history and unique features of the penny-farthing bicycle in this informative article. Learn how to ride and mount this vintage bike.
11. Inside the wonderfully odd world of penny-farthing stage racing
Oct 29, 2021 · It's a very stripped-down experience to ride a penny-farthing; there are no gears, no chain, basically no brakes and not even air in the tyres, ...
Daniel Johansson’s dreams of racing a penny-farthing are realised in the inaugural Sweden 3 Days event
12. Our Penny-farthing Bicycle - Beaufort - Hungry Town Tours
Jun 11, 2017 · Penny-farthings were only popular for a few years, from the 1870s to the 1890s, but their strange design has since become an icon of the ...
(252) 648-1011 • Check our Five Star Reviews on TripAdvisor • Pedal or walk through 300 years of Beaufort's history. Walk, Bike, History and Culinary Tours. Local restaurants. Tour inspired by Nicholas Sparks.
13. Penny Farthing: Facts and Information
Jul 23, 2014 · The Penny Farthing was the first machine to be called a bicycle. Its name came from its large front wheel and smaller back wheel, which ...
Here are some interesting facts about the penny farthing. The Penny Farthing was the first machine to be called a bicycle. Its name came from its large front wheel and smaller back wheel, which resembled the largest and smallest coins of the time. It was popular in the late 19th century in Europe and the […]
14. Why Did Penny-Farthings Have One Big Wheel? - Nantucket Bike Shop
Apr 23, 2018 · These Victorian-era bicycles had one very large wheel in the front, along with a much smaller wheel in the back. Penny-farthings have enjoyed ...
You might not know what a penny-farthing is by name, but there’s a good chance that you’ve seen one in an old photograph. These Victorian-era bicycles had one very large wheel in the front, along with a much smaller wheel in the back.
15. This strange contraption is called a penny-farthing—the first ... - Facebook
Fun Fact: This strange contraption is called a penny-farthing—the first machine to be called a bicycle. The name comes from the British penny and...
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16. The Penny Farthing Bicycle Fad Of The 1860's - Geek Slop
Aug 15, 2010 · However, the Penny Farthing was the first truly efficient bicycle, consisting of a small rear wheel and large front wheel attached to an iron ...
The Penny Farthing bicycle came after the development of the ‘Hobbyhorse’, and the French ‘Velocipede’ or ‘Boneshaker’, all versions of early bikes. However, the Penny Farthing was the first truly efficient bicycle, consisting of a small rear wheel and large front wheel attached to an iron tubular frame with tires made of rubber. It was ...
17. Penny Farthings: Ten things you never knew about the high wheel bicycl
Sep 18, 2017 · The name “penny-farthing” came from the sizes of the two wheels. Diameters varied but a typical example had 53-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel ...
A Penny Farthing Supper Club event is to be held this evening at Cinnamon Kitchen, 9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YL with cocktails from Franklin & Sons, great Indian food and a penny-farthing display.
18. Why Were Early Bicycles Designed With a Giant Front Wheel
Apr 7, 2020 · Why were early bikes designed with a giant front wheel? The high wheeler/ordinary/penny-farthing was developed in the 1870s and had a huge ...
Why were early bikes designed with a giant front wheel? The high wheeler/ordinary/penny-farthing was developed in the 1870s and had a huge front wheel, which allowed the bicycle to travel greater distances with each pedal stroke, and provided a smoother ride on shoddy roads.
19. Penny farthings | The Victorian Cyclist - WordPress.com
Cyclists who had always used penny farthings or 'ordinary' bicycles suddenly encountered a new generation, mounted on 'safety' bicycles with pneumatic tyres ...
Posts about Penny farthings written by thevictoriancyclist
20. Why did the penny-farthing have a large front wheel - NewMR
Apr 6, 2015 · Penny-farthing bicycles (or high wheelers), like the one in the image, were very fashionable in countries such as UK and USA from the mid-1870s, ...
Posted by Ray Poynter, 6 April 2015