When you think of the Victorian era, you probably picture gas lamps, cobblestone streets, top hats, and those strange old bicycles with huge front wheels and tiny back ones. That, of course, is the Penny Farthing — one of the most recognizable and fascinating inventions in cycling history.
The first time I saw a real Penny Farthing, I was amazed at its size. The front wheel was taller than me, and the whole structure looked almost impossible to ride. Yet, in the late 1800s, thousands of people used them daily. To Victorians, the Penny Farthing was not just a machine; it was a symbol of progress, courage, and innovation.
Let’s explore this extraordinary bicycle — how it was made, why it became popular, and how it paved the way for the bikes we ride today.
1. What Is a Penny Farthing Bicycle?
The Penny Farthing was an early type of bicycle, invented in the 1870s. It had a very large front wheel (sometimes more than 5 feet high) and a much smaller back wheel. The pedals were attached directly to the front wheel hub, meaning the rider had to balance high above the ground while pedaling.
The name “Penny Farthing” comes from British coins: the penny, which was large, and the farthing, which was tiny. When you looked at the two coins side by side, they resembled the bicycle’s wheels — a big one followed by a little one. The term itself wasn’t used until the 1890s, after the bike had already gone out of fashion, but it stuck ever since.
2. The History of the Penny Farthing
2.1 The Invention
The Penny Farthing evolved from earlier designs like the boneshaker — a rough, iron-framed bicycle with wooden wheels. The key breakthrough came when inventors realized that larger front wheels could travel farther with each pedal rotation.
Although several inventors worked on similar ideas, James Starley, a British engineer from Coventry, is often credited with perfecting the design around 1871. His bicycle, called the Ariel, featured a huge front wheel, lightweight metal frame, and tensioned spokes — all hallmarks of the classic Penny Farthing.
2.2 A Symbol of Progress
During the late 1800s, Britain was at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Machines, factories, and new inventions were transforming everyday life. The Penny Farthing became a proud symbol of this era — fast, bold, and modern.
For many young men, owning a Penny Farthing was a status symbol, much like owning a sports car today. It showed you were daring, fit, and fashionable.
3. Design and Engineering of the Penny Farthing
The design of the Penny Farthing was both ingenious and intimidating. The large front wheel allowed the bike to cover more distance per pedal turn, giving it higher speeds than any previous model. The solid rubber tires offered minimal shock absorption, so riding on cobblestones was quite an experience!
The frame was made from steel or wrought iron, shaped into a graceful curve connecting the two wheels. The saddle was positioned directly above the large wheel, making balance crucial. Steering was achieved by turning the entire front wheel — which also meant your body moved with it.
3.1 The Mechanics
Unlike modern bicycles, the Penny Farthing had no chain or gears. The pedals were attached directly to the axle of the large wheel. The faster you pedaled, the faster the wheel spun. It was simple but effective — and terrifying at high speeds.
Braking was done with a spoon brake, which pressed against the tire, or by back-pedaling slightly. Stopping suddenly, however, could easily throw the rider over the handlebars.
4. How People Rode the Penny Farthing
Getting on a Penny Farthing required skill and courage. Riders used a small step mounted near the back wheel. They would push the bike forward, step onto the peg, and then swing themselves up onto the saddle in one fluid motion.
Once seated, the view from up high was impressive — you could see over crowds and carriages. But balance was tricky. One wrong move, and you risked a fall known as “taking a header,” which could cause serious injury.
Despite the risks, skilled riders often described the experience as exhilarating. The large wheels rolled smoothly once you gained momentum, and the lack of gears meant a direct connection between muscle power and motion.
5. Why the Penny Farthing Became Popular
In the 1870s and 1880s, the Penny Farthing became the must-have item among adventurous young men. It represented freedom, speed, and independence at a time when travel was still limited.
Cities were expanding, and new roads made cycling practical. Cycling clubs formed across Britain, Europe, and even America. These groups organized long-distance rides, races, and social events that celebrated the spirit of adventure.
Riders wore special cycling outfits — tight-fitting trousers, jackets, and caps — to reduce wind resistance. Photographs from the era show groups of proud riders posing with their towering bicycles like modern-day athletes.
6. The Dangers and Challenges of Riding One
While beautiful, the Penny Farthing was not a bicycle for the faint-hearted. Because the rider sat so high above the ground, even a small bump or sudden stop could send them flying forward. The term “taking a header” came from exactly that scenario.
There were no real brakes, no suspension, and no protective gear. Roads were rough, and collisions with carriages or pedestrians were common. Still, enthusiasts accepted the danger as part of the thrill.
Some even saw it as a badge of honor. The scars and bruises earned from cycling were worn with pride — proof of bravery and skill.
7. The Fall of the Penny Farthing and the Rise of the Safety Bicycle
By the late 1880s, a new invention revolutionized cycling — the safety bicycle. This model featured two equal-sized wheels, a chain drive, and a lower center of gravity. It was faster, safer, and more comfortable.
Once safety bicycles appeared, the Penny Farthing quickly became obsolete. Manufacturers stopped producing them, and riders switched to the new design almost overnight.
However, the Penny Farthing had already changed the world. It inspired people to see cycling not just as transport but as a form of freedom and sport. It also laid the mechanical groundwork for the modern bicycle we use today.
8. Collecting and Restoring Penny Farthings Today
Even though it disappeared from daily life over a century ago, the Penny Farthing remains a beloved collector’s item. Enthusiasts around the world buy, restore, and ride these antique bicycles in parades, museums, and historical reenactments.
Restoring one is a true labor of love. Original parts are rare, so collectors often handcraft components. Antique dealers sometimes sell authentic Penny Farthings, but prices can range from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands depending on condition and age.
In Britain, events like the Great Knutsford Race celebrate the Penny Farthing’s history, bringing together riders from all over the world.
9. Modern-Day Races, Parades, and Clubs
Believe it or not, Penny Farthings are still ridden today — not just for show, but for sport. There are organized races, endurance events, and parades dedicated to these bikes.
Some riders even commute short distances on them as a personal challenge. Watching one glide down a modern road is a surreal sight — a piece of history still rolling among cars and electric scooters.
Cycling clubs such as The Ordinary Bicycle Society in the UK and international communities in Australia and the US keep the tradition alive, teaching new generations how to ride safely and appreciate the engineering behind these machines.
10. Personal Reflections and the Timeless Fascination
Whenever I see a Penny Farthing, I’m reminded of how far human creativity can go when driven by curiosity. It’s strange, beautiful, and impractical by modern standards — yet it represents courage, innovation, and the human desire to go faster and see further.
In many ways, the Penny Farthing was more than a bicycle. It was a symbol of human progress during one of history’s most inventive periods. Standing next to one in a museum or watching a rider in full Victorian attire brings that spirit back to life.
Conclusion – The Legacy of the Penny Farthing
The Penny Farthing may no longer rule the roads, but its legacy lives on in every modern bicycle. It taught inventors about balance, speed, and efficiency. It inspired freedom and adventure in a generation that dreamed of motion.
What’s most remarkable is how it continues to captivate us today. Whether displayed in museums or pedaled down a country lane by an enthusiast, the Penny Farthing remains an icon of history — proof that progress always starts with imagination and courage.
FAQ – The Penny Farthing
Q1: Why is it called a Penny Farthing?
Because its large front wheel and small back wheel resembled the British penny and farthing coins side by side.
Q2: Who invented the Penny Farthing?
James Starley of Coventry is often credited with refining and popularizing the design in the early 1870s.
Q3: How fast could a Penny Farthing go?
An experienced rider could reach 15–20 miles per hour, which was very fast for the time.
Q4: Was it dangerous to ride?
Yes. The high seating position and lack of brakes made accidents common.
Q5: Are Penny Farthings still used today?
Yes, mostly in parades, races, and as collector’s items for enthusiasts and museums.
