#834 Penny farthing bicycle is head and shoulders above the rest

When was the last time you actually had fun on a bicycle? I mean really had some fun, not just using it to get from Point A to Point B or to drop those extra pounds you have been putting on. As adults we do not generally look at a bicycle the same way we did as children. Back then, the bicycle gave us the wind in our hair, the ability to go anywhere and that rush when you learned how to do your first catwalk. Now, we see bicycles as machines that we have to expel physical energy to make work, thus the fun factor may be lost on us.

penny farthing wall

I have an experience I want to share with you about a bicycle ride that I just took and, I have to admit, I had the time of my life. I must have had the goofiest smile on my face and I didn’t even care. I got to ride a penny farthing; you know, those old-timey bicycles with the larger than life front wheel? I was shaky at first, as anyone climbing onto an 8 foot tall bicycle would be, but once I got moving, it was better than an amusement park ride! It’s an experience that I urge everyone to at least try once in their lives.

A little history about the penny farthing

The penny farthing was first used in 1869 and was invented by Eugène Meyer, the same person that invented the wire-spoke tension wheel. His original design was reworked by various other inventors and bicycle manufactures and became known as the penny farthing or high wheel bicycle. Although not safe, even for that era, this design did offer a direct drive system which made it easier to propel and the larger wheel rolled more smoothly over the rough, cobble-stoned roads of the day.

I learned on Wikipedia that the name penny fathing comes from the British penny and farthing coins, one being much larger than the other, so that when you look at the bicycle from the side it resembles a penny leading a farthing.

penny farthing rider

The penny farthing design lasted for many decades while manufacturers invented better pedals, handlebars and frame design changes that made the bicycle safer, foregoing the idea to just create a safer bicycle in the first place.

Safe or not, my ride on a penny farthing was a lot of fun and put a smile on my face as big as that front wheel. Now I just need a top hat and a handlebar moustache.

Have you ever ridden a Penny Farthing? Click here to leave a comment and share your opinion and experience. Would love to hear from you.

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20 Replies to “#834 Penny farthing bicycle is head and shoulders above the rest”

  1. Nope, I’ve never ridden one and I reckon I would do so with a little trepidation. Question, how the hell do you get on and off. I can’t see you doing it the same way as a normal bike. Must be hell to stop and start those things.
    Peter recently posted…Sexy Grid Girls Hot Sports BabesMy Profile

  2. I’ve never ride a penny farthing before. It’s a bit weird looking cycle and I’m sure for long time purpose this cycle will not be good enough.

    However, I’ll give it a try if I find any opportunity ahead. I’m sure riding skill will be bit different of penny farthing then regular two wheel cycles.
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  3. wow, that is some ride. I guess Cruiser Bikes are easy to ride than these. Nevertheless its a pretty amazing ride. lovely post there.

  4. Hi Troy,
    Thanks for your informative and nice post. Here I know the penny farthing bikes invented by Eugène Meyer, that is first used in 1869. Well, this is a 8 foot tall bicycle I have ever seen. The front wheel is very big than others. It is interesting.

  5. It is really fun riding a bike like this. A Penny Farting Bike not so difficult to ride than it seems to be. In Denmark we called it a væltepeter. But our speciality is still https://legforalle.dk/4-trick-lobehjul
    in 1869 the first bike was made. Its a lot of time ago. 🙂

    You are allways welcome to have a look on the special bikes. But the design it like a new one. Still the big tire, but now with a handbrake.

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