Penny Farthing, Odd Bike, Clown Bike: Answering Some Basic FAQs

You may know them on sight even if you don’t recognize them by their official name. Call it a penny farthing, an odd bike, a clown bike, or a circus bike - you might be referring to the same thing.

The bikes with the large front wheels and smaller rear wheels - that’s what we’re talking about. It’s actually the first machine to which the term “bicycle” was ever applied.

Let’s answer some of the more common questions on these interesting contraptions, which, though they might be dated, are not defunct!

Are Penny Farthings Still Made?
Yes, penny farthing bikes are still made and you can still buy high-quality clown bikes like these here at Unicycle.com. Just check out the previous link to investigate your options. We offer penny farthings in a range of sizes, as well as other “clown bikes” like circus clown bikes and minibikes. You can see them all via the previous link.

How Much Does a Penny Farthing Cost?
Since these are historical curiosities, they tend to be on the more expensive side. However, we offer a number of options here at Unicycle that are priced fairly affordably.

The most affordable penny farthing bike in our collection is our Hoppley 29” model, with the most expensive being the larger Unicycle.com penny farthings. As of the time of this publication (early 2022), they range in price between $400 and $2,600, with some models being out of stock because of parts shortages.

Why Is the Front Wheel So Big?
To answer the question of why the penny farthing has such a large front wheel, you need to investigate the history of the design.

Penny farthings hail from an era that preceded the widespread use of the chain drives that are so common on bicycles (and some unicycles) today.

Because the penny farthing lacks a chain drive, there’s only one way to create a design that offers a higher top speed - you need to increase the circumference of the wheel. The circumference, being a product of radius, required a larger wheel.

The fact that the front wheel is so large enables riders to attain higher top speeds in the absence of a chain drive, but there is another reason for the comically large front wheel.

Before the introduction of the penny farthing in the late 1800s in England, a device known as a boneshaker was fairly commonplace. The boneshaker looked much like a modern bike - except, unlike a modern bike, it lacked not only a chain drive but also a suspension system.

Consequently, the lack of a suspension system made for quite a jarring ride - hence the name, which you can understand with only a smidge of imagination.

The penny farthing’s larger front wheel was able to absorb some of the vibrations from roughly paved, or as it were, unpaved, roads, making the ride slightly more comfortable.

How Can I Choose a Penny Farthing?
Much like choosing a unicycle, choosing a penny farthing that is suitable for you will depend largely on your inseam measurements. You can’t simply adjust the seat up or down to accommodate, and a wheel that’s too large or small will make for a most unpleasant ride and overall experience.

For adults, the following measurements can serve as helpful guidelines:

●30” inseam: 48” penny farthing

●32” inseam: 50” penny farthing

●34” inseam: 52” penny farthing

●36 inseam: 54” penny farthing

We also carry smaller penny farthings. Both our 29” and 32” models are suitable for riders with minimum inseam measurements of 26”, with the 29” model being more comfortable for slightly shorter or smaller riders and the 32” model being more suitable for those that are taller or larger.

The saddle type, how the rider sits in the saddle, the length of the crank arms, and how the rider engages the pedals can all impact the rider's experience.

These guidelines are just that - guidelines. If you are unsure of what penny farthing would work best for you please give us a call and we would be more than happy to help you choose.

Does Anyone Else Still Ride Penny Farthing Clown Bikes?
Yes, there are plenty of people who still ride penny farthings, even though you probably won’t meet any of them around town. You’ll have to get in touch with one of the riding or racing clubs out there.

In fact, some are so enthusiastic about keeping in touch with this aspect of history that they’ve organized. If you’re in the United Kingdom, check out the Penny Farthing Club at PennyFarthingClub.com. They run training courses and even organize tours.

If you’re in America, make sure you check out the High Wheel Race at HighWheelRace.com. Self-styled as the “only race of its kind in America,” the club organizes races for penny farthing riders every year.

These are only a few of the higher-profile groups. Do some research in some local areas or consult cycling clubs. You might be surprised by what you find!

What Safety Gear Do I Need?
As with riding a unicycle or a bicycle, wearing a helmet is an absolute imperative, whether or not it is required by law. Start your safety gear roster with a helmet that is lightweight, comfortable, and well-ventilated to keep you cool in the heat, preferably one with a visor to help keep the sun out of your eyes.

It’s also advisable to wear a set of elbow and knee pads to protect these sensitive areas of your body since they are prone to injury should you fall from the high saddle of a penny farthing. You should also wear protective footwear and gloves to protect your hands, especially while you are learning. These bikes are tall, give you a high center of gravity, and take some getting used to. Everyone’s experienced an unplanned dismount while learning - best to have the proper safety gear to protect you against injury.

Questions? Call Us!
Are you still thinking about getting a clown bike or a penny farthing? Get in touch with us via the live chat at the bottom of your screen or give us a call at 678-494-4962.