The Penny Farthing is over 140 years old, but the enduring fascination with the high wheeler bicycle has led to it being re-built using cutting-edge, contemporary materials.
The development of the original Penny Farthing, or ‘ordinary’ bicycle, prompted innovations such as ball bearings, rubber tyres and hollow-section steel frames; features that remain in use today.
The contemporary version by BASF uses the company’s own high-performance plastics, foams, epoxy resins and polyurethane materials to reduce weight and enhance performance. An electric motor has also been added for good measure.
Penny Farthings: the highs and the lows
The rider of a Penny Farthing always enjoyed an elevated view over hedgerows and traffic, but the bike’s high centre of gravity could result in it pitching forward if the large front wheel hit a rut or pothole. On the plus side, the machines require very little maintenance. When Thomas Stevens rode a penny farthing 12,500 miles around the world in the 1880s, he reported not one significant mechanical problem.
Today’s extraordinary penny farthings
It’s big, difficult to manoeuvre and, at £500 for a tyre change, expensive to maintain, but what is good for the urban SUV driver must be good for the cyclist wanting to make an impression in the city. Behold the cycling equivalent of the 4×4:
Yikebike
The Yikebike is another modern interpretation of the original high-wheeler bicycle. It folds to a tiny size, weighs only 10 kg and has lights incorporated into its handlebars.
The riding position might appear eccentric, but its designers claim it has been developed with stability and safety in mind.
Bicycle insurance
Cycle insurance from the ETA covers against theft, accidental damage and vandalism (including at race events) includes third party insurance, a breakdown recovery service for cyclists and worldwide protection.
David
Looks good fun. Not much point wearing some of those helmets though! Wear it properly or don’t bother.