531phile 

yeah,

there's a group of old foggies who are into that kind of stuff.

Always a trip to see, but I hope they have good health insurance.

Neist

https://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=439

I wanted that one for a long while.

JohnBrooking

They were called Penny Farthings because the big wheel and the small wheel were about the same ratio in diameter as a farthing to a penny (in common usage at that time). And the diamond-frame, rear wheel chain-driven bikes that came later were called "safety bikes" because they were much safer than Penny Farthings, or "ordinaries" as they were also called. Ordinaries were okay for serious racers and other agile young people (mostly men), but were not as accessible (literally and figuratively) to most women, children, and older people. "Safety bicycles" caught on like wildfire because anyone could ride one relatively safely.

In case you are interested in reading more, I learned a lot of this from a good history book I read recently, named (appropriately) Bicycle: The History, by David Herlihy.

DavidFLY

Hi there,
I work for a motion media magazine based in NYC, and we are looking for a penny farthing bicycle to make a video shoot.
Does anyone know someone in the area who could lend it to us ?
Of course this person will be invited to join the team during the shooting time.

Thanks,
D.

ItsJustMe

I have this to say about the safety aspects of penny farthings. There's a nut who has tried to ride around the world on one, starting in England. I think he's tried 3 times now, and he never makes it to even eastern Europe before seriously injuring himself, either broken wrists, ankles, whatever.

tjspiel

If you haven't already, try posting in the Classic and Vintage forum. I've seen one around here but it didn't look like it was in rideable condition and I can't remember where it was.

BigDaddyPete

The LBS near my job has a fleet of 5 of them, they like to go for rides through downtown on nice days. Probably attracts lots of attention.

anomaly

I used to commute on mine once or twice a month. It was a terrible idea, terrible ride, uncomfortable and worth every second.

anomaly

My old one is still floating around DC but that is a hike. Curtis has one in Philly.

Loose Chain

A little modern engineering and a 3 speed hub should make those very capable. Using a 48 inch wheel, chain drive and chain steer to shift the steering and wheel forward and increase the wheelbase to reduce the "end over" potential and a 20 inch rear wheel with a disc brake or Vee brake should be feasible. It would have the look without the danger.

hairnet

My bike shop has one, but they don't do test rides for it

I'd rather commute on a tall bike anyway.