Use of Cookies

We use cookies for our electronic news, shop, childrens quiz and Google G4 Properties. By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions our Privacy Policy and our Cookie Policy. Please Accept our terms and conditions before using the site.


National Cycle Museum

Home About the Trust The Trustees Development Of Cycling Types Of Bicycles Opening Times Museum Parking Our Facilities Accessability History of the Museum Latest News Events Museum Diary Support Us Off-Site School Workshops School Trips to the Museum Childrens Activities Childrens Quiz Cycling Links Museum Shop Clothing Mugs Cycling Books Posters Gifts Bicycle Parts Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Privacy Policy

The Ordinary / Penny Farthing

The invention in the 1870s of the metal-rimmed wheel with wire tension spokes introduced the next phase of bicycle design, the development of the high ordinary or ‘penny farthing.’ Front wheels could be constructed of a diameter only limited by the inside leg measurement of the rider. Tall cyclists with long legs had a built-in advantage!

Use of the ordinary was limited to athletic young men.

Long distance tours were made and, in the 1880s round-the-world rides were accomplished. However, the ordinary is not for the faint-hearted.

Machines were developed in which the driven front wheel was reduced in diameter and a form of ‘gearing-up’ was introduced between the pedals and the wheel.

Geared-up chain drives, lever treadles and epicyclic hub gears were all tried and ‘geared front-drivers’ enjoyed a short vogue during the 1880s..



Back to All Types Of Bicycle