highwheeler

A highwheeler, also known as a penny-farthing, is a type of bicycle that was popular in the late 19th century. Its most distinctive feature is its large front wheel, which is significantly larger than the rear wheel. This design was a direct result of early bicycle technology, where the only way to achieve higher speeds was to increase the diameter of the driving wheel. Pedaling directly rotated the front wheel, so a larger wheel meant more distance covered with each pedal stroke.

The rider would mount the highwheeler by stepping on a small footrest located on the rear of the frame and then swinging their leg over the large front wheel. The seating position was directly above the front wheel, providing a precarious and often uncomfortable ride. Braking was typically achieved by a spoon brake that pressed against the solid rubber tire of the front wheel. Steering was accomplished by turning the front wheel directly.

Despite their appearance, highwheelers were quite dangerous. Falls were common and could result in serious injury due to the height of the rider above the ground. The unstable nature of the bicycle, especially when encountering uneven surfaces or obstacles, contributed to this risk.

The highwheeler was eventually superseded by the safety bicycle in the late 1880s. The safety bicycle featured two wheels of equal or nearly equal size, a chain drive that allowed for gearing, and pneumatic tires, all of which made cycling safer, more comfortable, and more accessible to a wider range of people. Today, highwheelers are considered vintage collectibles and are a symbol of early cycling history.