Penny-Farthings

N1TRO
N1TRO Posts: 103
edited April 2016 in Vintage bikes forum
Saw this (quite beautiful) thing today at the town market. :)
10f3wom.jpg
Full story and more pictures on my blog - click here - but it got me wondering what it was like to ride one. Obviously I couldn't have a go, neither would I honestly want to, but has anyone else ever tried it?
Specialized Diverge Elite
Felt F85
Bikes, hikes and lots more besides:
http://smallcountrycyclist.com/

Comments

  • andcp
    andcp Posts: 644
    Neve ridden one but here's a picture of my mate Richard who races them. This is him completing the Monsal HC. Epic.
    unspecified.jpg
    eta - he did it in 3:24 if anyone is interested.
    "It must be true, it's on the internet" - Winston Churchill
  • N1TRO
    N1TRO Posts: 103
    Should have known someone would make them into a race. :) Wonder if "HMT Hospitals" gets any business out of it. :)
    Specialized Diverge Elite
    Felt F85
    Bikes, hikes and lots more besides:
    http://smallcountrycyclist.com/
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    I've ridden a little one - obviously a lot less intimidating than a full size example! It was slightly odd as each pedal stroke pushes the wheel so the bike waddles a bit until you get used to it - probably much less of an issue with a big one though. I think it would be not too hard to get comfortable with if you are used to riding fixed.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,248
    It's terrifying how tall they are... front catapult is very common too, so the first step is to learn how to fall on your feet. You learn to ride them in steps and it takes time and bravery.

    There are loads of replicas, some utter crap you can buy for a couple of hundred quid, others well made that cost close to a grand, but ultimately you want the real deal, once you know how to ride one. I suggest you get a cheap replica to thrash while you learn... if you bend a rim (which is very common, just ask our friend mroli on this forum) it's not easy to find a spare
    left the forum March 2023

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