I had a go on a Penny Farthing at the weekend. It wasn’t the classic ‘big wheel’ but it still counts, I think.
I quite want to try and make one at some point. I’ll have to learn to weld first! There are a few quirks when riding. The first is that its a fixed wheel - so as long as the bike moves, the pedals rotate. One cannot ‘freewheel’. Secondly, there is the issue of pedal-steer. Each pedal stroke tends to make the front wheel change direction. This can be compensated for with a little practice. Thirdly, turning too sharply could cause the wheel to hit the leg - but I did not find this a problem.
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I have a few penny farthings in the shed that I built. It would probably come as a shock how much the parts cost to build a penny farthing. If you were in my area, you would be most welcome to come and try a hi-wheeled penny farthing.
I have a 54″, 50″, 48″ and a 46″
regards Neil
Thanks for the offer…. what area?
Forres in Morayshire. It is 25 miles from Inverness.
Got a couple of penny farthing photos if you like.
Square Wheels from Strathpeffer bought a 52″ penny farthing, which he takes to events.
Regards Neil
Quite a way from Southern England, then….
I would love to read a site detailing how a Penny Farthing is made though, got any links (or indeed, fancy documenting the next one?)
Not sure if I will make any more as there is 5 in the shed. I was asked to find out how much to transport one to the south, but the person has just lost her job.(she offered to buy the 48″ and the price covered my parts cost)
If I do manage to get more room in the shed I will take photos as I make each part as I go along.
There was someone in America who had a site with photos and document of himself making a penny farthing, but I don’t know if it is still on the net.
Regards Neil
do you still have the farthings?
are they for sale? if so how much - i have been lookin at the Quax one but the wheel is a bit small for what i want - would like to try a few sizes for my leg length.
Is it possible to msend some pictures to me, and maybe i could come and look one day? i am in Cumbria, but would be able to pick up if necessary.
Can send pictures, let me know where. You would be most welcome to come up and have a go and a look
Regards
Neil
Hi, Merry Christmas.
Its a lovely day in Scotland, I was going to send you a couple of photos of me and the dog out riding the penny farthing.(could not see a facility to send photos) It was such a nice day, someone suggest a bike ride, so me and the dog took a penny farthing.
All the best for 2009
Neil