The penny farthing, with its large front wheel and small rear wheel, is one of the most iconic bicycles in history. Its unusual design not only represents a major step in the evolution of cycling technology, but also symbolizes a time when innovation and mechanical experimentation were shaping the modern world. Known for its towering frame and forward-leaning posture, the penny farthing was more than a novelty it was a breakthrough. But who exactly invented the penny farthing? The history behind its origin reveals fascinating details about the inventor, the era, and the technological aspirations of the 19th century.
Origins of the Penny Farthing
The penny farthing emerged in the 1870s as a solution to the limitations of earlier bicycles, particularly the velocipede. Prior to its invention, bicycles had pedals attached directly to the front wheel, which limited speed and maneuverability. To increase speed, inventors realized that the size of the front wheel had to be increased. This led to the distinctive design of the penny farthing, where the front wheel could be over 60 inches in diameter.
Eugène Meyer: The Innovator
Although many people contributed to early bicycle development, French inventor Eugène Meyer is generally credited with inventing the penny farthing. In 1869, Meyer patented a wire-spoked front wheel design, which greatly improved the strength and performance of bicycles. His design laid the groundwork for what would become the penny farthing. While his early models didn’t yet have the exaggerated wheel sizes of later versions, they included the core concepts of the high-wheeler bicycle.
James Starley: The Developer
Though Meyer planted the seed, British inventor James Starley is often hailed as the father of the bicycle industry for refining the design into the penny farthing we recognize today. Starley, a prolific engineer, took Meyer’s basic idea and developed it further in Coventry, England, in the early 1870s. His 1871 bicycle, the Ariel, featured a large front wheel for speed and a small rear wheel for balance making it the first true penny farthing. Starley’s improvements made the bicycle more practical and efficient for long-distance travel.
Why the Name Penny Farthing?
The name penny farthing comes from the British coins: the large front wheel was likened to a penny, and the much smaller rear wheel resembled a farthing. Although it was officially called the ordinary bicycle at the time, the nickname penny farthing became common after newer, safer bicycle models emerged in the 1880s. The name stuck due to its vivid representation of the bicycle’s visual proportions.
Key Features of the Penny Farthing
- Large Front Wheel: Enabled higher speeds since the pedals were directly attached to it.
- Small Rear Wheel: Helped balance but had no function in propulsion.
- Fixed Pedals: Pedals were mounted directly on the front axle.
- High Center of Gravity: Made mounting and dismounting challenging and sometimes dangerous.
- Solid Rubber Tires: Provided minimal comfort but improved durability on rough roads.
Risks and Challenges
Although revolutionary, the penny farthing had serious drawbacks. The high center of gravity meant that riders were prone to going over the handlebars if they hit an obstacle an accident known as taking a header. Mounting the bike required agility and experience, and stopping quickly was difficult without throwing the rider forward. As a result, the penny farthing was often ridden only by young, athletic men.
Impact on Bicycle Design
The penny farthing pushed the limits of what was possible with human-powered transport. It helped popularize cycling across Europe and North America, and it laid the foundation for the modern bicycle. However, its dangers also led inventors to look for safer alternatives. By the late 1880s, the safety bicycle was developed, featuring two equal-sized wheels, a chain drive, and a much lower frame. These innovations effectively rendered the penny farthing obsolete but cemented its place in bicycle history.
Legacy of the Inventors
Eugène Meyer’s role in developing the wire-spoked wheel was critical not just to bicycles, but to many mechanical designs that followed. James Starley, meanwhile, continued to innovate in the field of cycling, and his family would go on to play a key role in the British automotive industry. The influence of both men can still be seen today in modern cycling engineering and design.
Penny Farthings Today
While the penny farthing is no longer in common use, it remains a beloved collector’s item and is often featured in parades, cycling events, and museums. Enthusiasts around the world still ride penny farthings for sport and historical appreciation. Some clubs even organize long-distance rides on high-wheel bicycles to celebrate the spirit of early cycling.
Interesting Facts About the Penny Farthing
- The first official road race involving penny farthings took place in 1870 in Britain.
- Riders had to mount from a small step on the frame, often requiring a running start.
- Penny farthings could reach speeds of 20 km/h or more, faster than earlier velocipedes.
- They were considered a status symbol among upper-class gentlemen during the Victorian era.
- The bikes were sometimes used by military scouts because of their speed and quiet operation.
The penny farthing stands as a testament to human creativity during a time of rapid industrial progress. Though it may look strange to modern eyes, it represented a leap forward in transportation and bicycle innovation. Invented through the pioneering efforts of Eugène Meyer and refined by James Starley, the penny farthing not only changed the way people moved but also ignited a cycling revolution. Its legacy lives on in cycling culture, mechanical design, and the enduring spirit of exploration and invention.