What Was Unusual About The Penny-farthing Bicycle
Iconic Penny-Farthing: Unusual Design Transcends Time
The penny-farthing bicycle, also known as the high wheel, was an iconic mode of transportation in the late 19th century. What made this bicycle truly unusual was its distinctive design. Unlike modern bicycles with evenly sized wheels, the penny-farthing featured a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The front wheel could be as tall as five feet, while the rear wheel was only a fraction of its size. This design factor led to a host of unique features and challenges that set the penny-farthing apart from other bicycles.
Unique Penny-Farthing: Mounting Challenges Explained
One unusual characteristic of the penny-farthing was its height. The tall front wheel provided a rider with a higher vantage point, reminiscent of riding a horse. However, mounting and dismounting the bicycle proved to be a daunting task. To climb aboard, one had to step onto a peg, positioned behind the rear wheel, and then quickly swing their leg over the high frame to reach the seat. This process required a skillful technique and was not a straightforward task for many riders.
Brakeless Penny-Farthing: Speed Controlling Challenge
Another unusual aspect of the penny-farthing was its lack of brakes. In typical bicycles, modern riders are accustomed to having handbrakes or foot brakes to control their speed and come to a stop. However, the penny-farthing had no such mechanism. Riders had to rely solely on their leg power and a technique called ‘back pedaling’ to control their speed. By pushing backward on the pedals, they could slow down, but stopping quickly or maneuvering sharp turns was a challenge for this bicycle.
Penny-Farthing: Ideal for Taller Riders
Furthermore, the penny-farthing’s size made it impractical for all riders. The height of the front wheel was directly proportional to the distance traveled with each rotation. This meant that the taller the front wheel, the faster the bicycle could potentially go. However, this advantage was limited to riders of a certain height and leg length. Smaller individuals found it difficult to reach the pedals comfortably or properly control the bicycle due to the height discrepancy between the two wheels. As a result, the penny-farthing was primarily used by taller, more athletic individuals.
About me
I got my first bicycle when I was 3 years old. 10x years later I still love to cycle! In the meantime, I also developed an absolute obsession with motorbikes! I write about my hobbies and lifestyle on this blog.
