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Questions tagged [penny-farthing]

A penny-farthing or high-wheel bike is a design common before about 1890 with one huge wheel that the rider straddles and a second much smaller wheel.

20 votes
2 answers
3k views

Penny-farthings: Skills required to transition from standard bicycles?

Beyond the obvious difference of the saddle being 5 feet high, how is riding a penny-farthing different to riding a standard road bike? What unique skills are required to ride a penny-farthing?
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
3 votes
2 answers
393 views

Securing a Penny Farthing- HOW?

Penny-Farthings aren't cheap as anybody who owns one will attest to at £1,300+ for a UDC Penny-Farthing. So I'm keen to secure it from theft, especially since I'd need to be able to evidence that I ...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
27 votes
2 answers
7k views

Are Penny-Farthings Legal to Ride on Public Roads (UK)

Are Penny-Farthings legal to ride on public roads in the UK? Note: For laws regarding riding Penny-Farthings on public roads in other countries-ie "US" or "EU"- please start a new ...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
7 votes
2 answers
1k views

Are there penny-farthings with an internally geared hub?

Has someone built a penny-farthing (high-wheel/ordinal) with a gearbox in the hub? If not, are there obvious reasons one cannot do such a thing? (I recognize this is silly, but that never stopped ...
Michael come lately's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

How do mini penny-farthings ride compared to regular size pfs?

I'm considering buying one of these with a 28" front wheel, pneumatic tires and rear caliper brakes. How do they compare to actual penny-farthings? I've read on another forum with unreliable responses ...
Lori B's user avatar
  • 91
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

Kind of a pennyfarthing with the big wheel in back

Can someone give me information about the bicycle in the photo?
ruth's user avatar
  • 51
17 votes
1 answer
484 views

Construction hints for a sociable dicycle?

I'm thinking of building a dicycle, specifically a sociable one like the picture below but pedal powered. Has anyone seen one in real life, or better yet, tried to build one? The broad design is easy ...
Móż's user avatar
  • 23.6k
22 votes
5 answers
4k views

Why the penny-farthing?

The penny-farthing was the standard until the diamond-frame "safety bike" was "invented" and revolutionalized the world of bikes. It seems to me strange to have to "invent" to put the same size of ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 13.9k
7 votes
3 answers
595 views

Proper Posture for Preventing Painful Posteriors on Penny-farthings?

After riding relatively short distances (about five kilometers), I’ve developed a literal pain in the rear. I suspect the hard seat is the primary culprit, and I’m sure I’ll be able to replace with ...
Laurence Adams's user avatar
20 votes
10 answers
8k views

How can I safely go downhill on an antique penny-farthing bike?

I recently picked up a vintage penny-farthing (high wheeler) at the flea market and, after restoration, adopted it as my normal mode of transportation. It works well for the most part, but going ...
Laurence Adams's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
55k views

What is the name of those Old Timey Bikes?

The bikes with a huge front wheel and small rear, with the cranks attached directly to the front wheel... What are they called? Additionally, it seems they need to be very tall in order for you to ...
Lee Quarella's user avatar