Imagine a bicycle with a wheel so large you need a ladder to mount it. That’s a penny-farthing. At Penny-Farthing Posters we celebrate this iconic piece of cycling history.
The penny-farthing wasn’t just a bicycle. It was a statement. It was most popular between the 1860s and 1880s. Its large front wheel and small rear wheel resembled British coins. The large penny led the smaller farthing.
These bikes were ridden by wealthy young men. They were expensive to produce. The large front wheel allowed for greater speeds. One rotation covered more ground. It was faster than other bikes.
Mounting a penny-farthing took skill. It was difficult and dangerous. Riders were high off the ground. Falls could be fatal. Some riders put their feet over the handlebars when going downhill. This was to avoid head-first falls.
James Starley is important to the penny-farthing story. He created the Ariel model. He introduced ball bearings and solid rubber tires. He also used hollow metal steel frames.
The penny-farthing era ended in the 1880s. Starley’s nephew invented the Rover Safety Bicycle. It was safer and easier to use. John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire. Smaller wheels became comfortable.
Today, the penny-farthing remains a symbol. It represents the late Victorian era. Some cities use it as their symbol. It even appeared in the TV show The Prisoner.
Joff Summerfield rode a penny-farthing around the world. It took him over two years. Penny-farthing races still happen. The national championships are in Tasmania Australia.
Penny-farthings used cast iron frames. They had solid rubber tires. The bicycles needed little service. Cyclist Thomas Stevens rode around the world. He had only one major mechanical problem.
The penny-farthing faced dangers. Yet, it was simpler and faster than other bikes. The chain drive and pneumatic tire changed everything. The safety bicycle became popular.
Penny-Farthing Posters honors this history. We showcase the ingenuity and daring of the penny-farthing era. We keep the spirit of innovation alive.
These high-wheel bicycles had solid rubber tires. As a result, the only shock absorption was in the saddle.
Even now, manufacturers build new penny-farthings. They use modern materials. Enthusiasts ride restored penny-farthings too.
The Penny Farthing Club offers training and tours. It also hosts events like penny-farthing polo. The bicycles remain legal to ride on UK roads.
Collectors and restorers founded The Wheelmen. It is an organization to keep alive the heritage of American cycling.
Penny-Farthing Posters. We invite you to explore the world of the penny-farthing. Discover its history its design and its enduring appeal. Step back in time. Experience the thrill of the high wheel.