Saturday, September 15, 2012

Wheee! High-Wheeling!

I wrote a few days ago that there "...was a way to start small..." with pennyfarthing bicycles. It works pretty well. Not too rough on the pocketbook, either. Mind you, it takes some practice and at this point, I still struggle to not wobble the wheel too much, especially when controlling speed on a downhill. (The rear brake is more of a fond wish than a practical accessory.)

That's a 28" wheel in front and the little gadget turns heads wherever you ride it. A couple more photos and a bit more info over at Retrotechnologist.

20 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Is there any adjustment to the seat hight? barely looks like its high enough to get a full leg extension out of, neat tho!

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  3. Bob: Very little adjustment to seat height and you don't get full leg extension, not like you'd have on a safety bike or a full-size ordinary.

    Alan: it's way fun!

    Turk: It is a lot more stable than it looks.

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  4. Next, you'll want to get a Velo-Dog revolver to match.

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  5. lol. Very cool. Keep posting pics!

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  6. Very nice! What og said, more pics!

    Oh, if you get the chance, I need some help. I humbly ask for your guidance. I have a blog post up about it. I invoked your Retrotech name. Email if you like. I need some help!

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  7. Looks more like 2/3 of a tricycle than a true pennyfarthing.

    *grins*

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  8. "The rear brake is more of a fond wish than a practical accessory."

    I've seen some vintage cars of which something similar can be said.

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  9. Haha Oh that's great!

    It looks like a blast to ride.

    Have you taken it down a big hill yet?

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  10. Nope, and not planning to any time soon. Not with the brakes -- no, brake -- it has, anyway.

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  11. Please pics of you in period dress :o) (ducking and running)

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  12. Where's the "like" button on this confounded page? ;-)

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  13. There is some argument over what constitutes "period dress" for the lady bicyclist, especially approx. 1880 - 1900, before "safeties" replaced "ordinaries."

    As a rule, in the early days women of taste and refinement rode large tricycles if they rode at all, vehicles with two large rear wheels, allowing a proper seat and properly modest attire. The wilder element -- probably suffragettes, or worse -- wore garments adapted from other outdoor pursuits, or a version of gentlemen's bicycling togs: high stockings, fitted over-the-knee breeches, blouse, jacket and visored cap. Later on, "bloomers" (an outer garment invented by Amelia Bloomer) were worn. Shocking! The drop-frame safety bicycle allowed the return of more ladylike styles, especially after chain guards and rear-wheel skirt guards were added.

    The fellows had riding clubs, with distinctive uniform colors and ties; lady riders generally did not wear club uniform. (In modern times, this has changed.)

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  14. Good luck! Looks way too dangerous for me. I’ll stick with my 67 BSA Gold Star.

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  15. See above, Greylock. Or see here: "Bloomers" of the sort known as Rationals. ...Not that you won't still just leer.

    ;)

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