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WELCOME to all things unicycle!
WELCOME to all things unicycle!
There are no products listed under this category.
If you love the hobby of unicycling, we have a few more rideable odd bikes you might enjoy. Our modern Penny Farthing bicycles are a throwback to the days before gear-driven bicycles made both wheels the same size and we are proud to be one of the only brands still manufacturing these big-wheeled giants. We also offer a few circus staples, including our pivoting circus bike, which is full–sized and perfect for trick riding. We also sell a mini clown bike, with a tough steel frame and non-pneumatic tires, which can be ridden by adults despite its tiny 14” by 17” size.
The bicycle with a big front wheel is an odd bike known as a penny farthing. You’re in the right place to learn more about these!
The reason penny farthing bikes have such a large front wheel has to do with the fact that they were developed before a chain drive was ever integrated with a bicycle. In fact, these are among the earliest “bike” prototypes. Since a chain drive amplifies mechanical advantage, without one, the only way to make a bike faster is to increase the size of the wheel that’s powered by the crank arms and pedals. These odd bikes were designed with large front tires so they could attain a higher top speed, and in fact, in their day, were faster than horses and automobiles.
It’s named a penny farthing after two units of Sterling currency, one of which is now defunct. The tires next to each other appeared like a penny and a farthing, a unit of currency that was equal to a quarter of a penny and was subsequently smaller - like the front and rear wheels of the odd bike that bears that name.
Yes, in fact, there are several things you need to know before learning to ride one of these odd bicycles with a big front wheel. One is that you are limited by your inseam size; some penny farthing bikes may be too large for you. You also need to learn how to handle and brake the bike. It usually takes a bit to get to top speed, and if you can, you should coast to a stop rather than slamming on the brake. Slamming on the brake can make the rear wheel skid, decreasing braking efficiency, or worse, it can pitch you over the front, which is called “taking a header.” Another thing you should know is that you can step down to the rear peg on some models to put more pressure on the rear wheel when you are braking, to help prevent it from skidding.
For general riding, follow these inseam guidelines:
These recommendations are for general riding. If you plan to get a penny farthing for racing, you would want to step up one wheel size for a bit of extra speed.