A bicycle with one big wheel is called a penny-farthing, a vintage design from the late 19th century.
The Penny-Farthing: Defining the Iconic Big-Wheel Bicycle
The bicycle with one enormous front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel is famously known as the penny-farthing. This striking design emerged during the 1870s and 1880s, representing an early stage in bicycle evolution. Its name comes from British coins—the large penny and the smaller farthing—mirroring the size difference between the wheels. The penny-farthing was a breakthrough in speed and style, but it wasn’t without its quirks.
Unlike modern bicycles, which use chain drives and equal-sized wheels, the penny-farthing’s large front wheel directly powered the pedals attached to its hub. This meant that the bigger the front wheel, the faster you could go with each pedal rotation. Riders sought larger wheels to increase speed, which led to some penny-farthings boasting wheels as tall as 60 inches in diameter.
Why One Big Wheel?
The logic behind one big wheel was simple yet ingenious for its time. Since there was no chain mechanism, speed depended on how far the bike traveled with each pedal turn. Larger wheels covered more ground per revolution. However, this also made mounting and dismounting tricky and increased risk during sudden stops or falls.
Despite these challenges, penny-farthings were prized for their speed compared to earlier designs like velocipedes or boneshakers. The large front wheel absorbed bumps better than smaller wheels on rough roads of that era, offering a smoother ride.
Historical Context of the Penny-Farthing
The penny-farthing appeared during a time when bicycles were just becoming practical personal transport machines. Before its invention by James Starley and others in Britain, bicycles had clunky wooden frames and iron tires that rattled over cobblestones.
This bike symbolized progress in engineering and leisure. It became popular among young men eager to embrace new technology and enjoy fast rides around town or countryside paths. Clubs dedicated to riding penny-farthings sprang up across Europe and America.
However, its popularity was relatively short-lived. By the late 1880s, safety bicycles—featuring two equal-sized wheels and chain drives—started replacing penny-farthings due to their improved stability and ease of use.
Risks and Challenges of Riding a Penny-Farthing
Riding a bicycle with one big wheel wasn’t for the faint-hearted. The high seating position above that giant front wheel made falls particularly dangerous. The term “taking a header” originated from riders being thrown over the handlebars during sudden stops or collisions.
Mounting required skill: riders often had to hoist themselves onto a small step attached near the rear wheel before swinging a leg over the saddle perched high above. Steering demanded balance since weight distribution was heavily forward.
Despite these hazards, enthusiasts prized penny-farthings for their elegance and speed. They represented freedom on two wheels but demanded respect for their quirks.
Technical Features of Penny-Farthings Compared to Modern Bikes
The design differences between penny-farthings and modern bicycles are stark yet fascinating:
| Feature | Penny-Farthing | Modern Bicycle |
|---|---|---|
| Main Wheel Size | Front: up to 60 inches; Rear: small (12-18 inches) | Both wheels typically equal (26-29 inches) |
| Drive Mechanism | Direct drive via pedals on front hub | Chain drive with gears; pedals drive rear wheel |
| Saddle Position | High above front wheel; no suspension | Lower; adjustable with suspension options |
| Braking System | No dedicated brakes; relied on back-pedaling or foot drag | Multiple braking systems including disc brakes |
| Safety Features | Lack of stability; prone to “headers” | Designed for balance; safer geometry & materials |
The absence of gears meant riders had to rely solely on leg strength combined with wheel size for speed variation. Also, braking was primitive or non-existent by today’s standards, making downhill rides particularly risky.
The Art of Riding a Penny-Farthing
Mastering this bike took practice. Riders needed excellent balance due to their elevated position and direct-drive setup. Mounting involved grabbing handlebars firmly while stepping onto a small peg near the rear tire before swinging up into the saddle.
Steering required subtle weight shifts because turning affected momentum significantly at those heights. Experienced riders could reach speeds exceeding 20 mph on flat terrain—a remarkable feat given road conditions at that time.
The Evolution From Penny-Farthings To Modern Bicycles
While revolutionary in its day, the penny-farthing’s limitations sparked innovation leading straight into today’s bicycle designs:
- The Safety Bicycle: Introduced in the late 1880s, it featured two equal-sized wheels connected by a chain drive.
- Pneumatic Tires: Invented by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888, these replaced solid rubber tires for smoother rides.
- Lighter Frames: Steel tubing replaced heavy iron parts.
- Improved Braking: Hand-operated rim brakes became standard.
These advancements addressed key problems posed by penny-farthings: difficult mounting/dismounting, dangerous falls, limited braking control, and inefficient power transmission.
By around 1890, safety bicycles dominated markets worldwide due to their superior comfort and safety profile while still allowing respectable speeds.
Penny-Farthings Today: Nostalgia Meets Collectors’ Passion
Though obsolete as everyday transport decades ago, penny-farthings remain cherished antiques among collectors and cycling enthusiasts fascinated by early bike history. Vintage clubs organize rides where members don period clothing—top hats included—and parade these towering machines through city streets.
Some artisans still handcraft replicas using traditional techniques combined with modern materials for durability without sacrificing authenticity. This blend keeps interest alive among those who appreciate mechanical ingenuity paired with aesthetic charm.
The Mechanics Behind The Big Wheel’s Speed Advantage
The core reason behind choosing one big wheel lies in mechanical advantage:
- Each pedal revolution rotates the large front wheel once.
- Larger circumference means more ground covered per pedal stroke.
- Without gears or chains limiting ratio options at that time, bigger wheels equaled higher speeds.
This simplicity came at cost though: bigger wheels meant heavier frames requiring stronger materials—and increased rider height—which raised center of gravity dangerously high.
Today’s bikes solve this by combining gear ratios allowing smaller wheels yet faster speeds without compromising rider safety or comfort.
Penny-Farthing Dimensions And Rider Considerations
Wheel size varied widely depending on rider height and purpose:
| Penny-Farthing Size Category | Front Wheel Diameter (inches) | Saddle Height (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Model (Youth/Short Riders) | 36 – 42 inches | 5 – 6 feet above ground |
| Standard Adult Model | 48 – 52 inches | 6 – 7 feet high saddle position |
| Tall Model (Experienced Riders) | 56 – 60 inches+ | 7+ feet saddle height! |
Clearly, these bikes weren’t designed for casual commuters but rather confident riders willing to embrace height for speed gains—and style points!
Key Takeaways: What Do You Call A Bicycle With One Big Wheel?
➤ It’s called a penny-farthing.
➤ Popular in the late 19th century.
➤ Features a large front wheel.
➤ Known for its unique design.
➤ Predecessor to the modern bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you call a bicycle with one big wheel?
A bicycle with one big wheel is called a penny-farthing. This vintage design features a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel, popular in the late 19th century. It was an early innovation aimed at increasing speed without chain drives.
Why is a bicycle with one big wheel called a penny-farthing?
The name penny-farthing comes from British coins: the large penny and the smaller farthing. This mirrors the size difference between the bicycle’s big front wheel and its small rear wheel, making it an iconic and descriptive term for this unique design.
What made the bicycle with one big wheel different from modern bikes?
The penny-farthing had no chain mechanism; its pedals were attached directly to the large front wheel hub. This meant speed depended on the size of that single big wheel, unlike modern bicycles which use chain drives and equal-sized wheels for better balance and control.
What were the risks of riding a bicycle with one big wheel?
Riding a penny-farthing was risky due to its high seating position and large front wheel. Mounting and dismounting were tricky, and sudden stops could cause falls. Despite these dangers, it was prized for speed and smoother rides on rough roads.
Why did the bicycle with one big wheel fall out of popularity?
The penny-farthing declined as safety bicycles emerged in the late 1880s. These new bikes had two equal-sized wheels and chain drives, offering improved stability, easier mounting, and safer rides. The safety bicycle quickly replaced the older big-wheel design.