pennyfarthings

Penny-farthings, also known as the ordinary bicycle, are an early type of bicycle featuring a very large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. They emerged in the 1870s in Britain, with development associated with James Starley and other designers. The large front wheel allowed higher speeds because one pedal revolution covered more ground, contributing to their popularity before the advent of chain-driven safety bicycles. The name derives from the British penny and farthing coins, emphasizing the size contrast between wheels.

Design and construction are centered on direct pedal drive to the front wheel, with no chain. The rider sits on an unusually high saddle positioned above the front wheel, producing a commanding forward view but a high center of gravity. The frame is typically a rigid steel or iron construction, and steering is accomplished by a fork connected to the front wheel. Front wheels were commonly 50 to 60 inches in diameter, while the rear wheel was much smaller. Tires were solid or pneumatic but the overall ride was harsh compared with later bicycles.

Riding on a penny-farthing required skill and offered limited safety. The high seating position improved visibility but made mounting, dismounting, and balancing difficult. A misstep or obstacle could cause a forward fall, known as a header. Braking was rudimentary and often relied on dragging a foot or a primitive front brake on some models.

By the late 1880s, the two-wheeled safety bicycle with equal-sized wheels and chain drive displaced penny-farthings. They persisted as historical curiosities and museum pieces, and they influenced the evolution of bicycle design by illustrating the need for lower centers of gravity, easier mounting, and more effective braking.