highwheeled

Highwheeled bicycles, often called penny-farthings, are a class of early bicycles distinguished by a very large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. In these machines, pedals were attached directly to the front wheel via cranks connected to the axle, so gearing and speed depended primarily on the wheel diameter. Front wheels commonly ranged from about 40 to 60 inches (100 to 150 cm) in diameter, producing a high seating position with the rider well above the ground. Steering was accomplished by a rigid fork connected to the front wheel; mounting required lifting one leg over a tall frame.

These bicycles gained popularity in the 1870s and 1880s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. They earned the nickname penny-farthing from the size disparity of coins reminiscent of the front and rear wheels. The design offered potential for higher speeds on smooth roads but carried significant risk due to the rider's high center of gravity and the possibility of being pitched forward if the front wheel struck an obstacle.

Early highwheels often lacked effective brakes; stopping was by back-pedaling or skidding, increasing danger. Mounting could be difficult, and falls known as headers were common when balance was lost. Advances in tire technology and road surfaces gradually reduced some risks, but safety concerns limited widespread adoption.

By the mid to late 1880s, the safety bicycle with equally sized wheels and a chain drive became dominant, offering improved stability and easier mounting. Highwheels largely disappeared from mainstream use, though they left a lasting imprint on cycling history and remain of interest to collectors and stunt riders.

Today, highwheeled bicycles are primarily encountered in museums, historical demonstrations, or niche recreation. They are studied as milestones in the evolution of bicycle technology and transport.