Penny farthing

[Nick D]

I've always been interested in penny farthings (or 'ordinary bicycle'), but I've never ridden one. Yesterday on a whim I googled them and found there are a fair number of penny farthing enthusiests around the world. I even found a mountain penny farthing with a 36" wheel.

Does anyone here own one or has ridden one? What are they like compared to normal chain driven bikes?

Cheers,
Nick

 

[BeBopBaby]

I know a gentleman online that rides a penny farthing. I think he would probably be more than happy to share his expertise with you. If you like, I could PM you a link to his information.

 

[Chanfan]

Alas, when I read the thread title, the two things that popped to mind for me, in order, were:

The Penny Farthing Pub, attached to the Olde England Inn, a medieval themed inn that was in Victoria, BC, where I stayed several times (including honeymoon). It closed, and has since re-opened, minus the fun theme and the pub. To be honest, the pub wasn't much, but the name always stuck with me.

Secondly, of course - The Prisoner TV show.

 

[KilroyCD]

I've never ridden one, but having seen many over the years at bicycle shows and swap meets, they look daunting to just get onto! I'm referring mainly to those with the 48" and 54" wheels. I'd need a ladder just to get on! Having said that, I have noticed smaller, modern made training ordinaries that have a36" wheel. I'd think it would be a hoot to try.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Alas, when I read the thread title, the two things that popped to mind for me, in order, were:

The Penny Farthing Pub, attached to the Olde England Inn, a medieval themed inn that was in Victoria, BC, where I stayed several times (including honeymoon). It closed, and has since re-opened, minus the fun theme and the pub. To be honest, the pub wasn't much, but the name always stuck with me.

Secondly, of course - The Prisoner TV show.

Chan I like you thought of another Penny Farthing, the one in Salinas Ca. This is a go to establishment, every time I go to Salinas it is a guaranteed stop.

 

[Feng_Li]

I ride a unicycle, and I imagine it would have much in common with that: some balance required to mount, no gear reduction, brake by applying resistance to the pedals.