What was the gear ratio limitation of the high-wheelers or penny-farthings before chain drives?
Answer
Direct drive, meaning one pedal stroke equaled one wheel rotation
The earliest chainless bicycles, known as high-wheelers or penny-farthings, utilized a direct drive system. This inherent mechanical linkage meant that every single rotation of the pedal resulted in exactly one rotation of the front wheel, establishing a one-to-one ratio. This mechanism severely constrained the rider, particularly when encountering inclines. Climbing hills became extremely difficult, forcing the rider to exert significant strain while maintaining a very low cadence, which limited the overall utility and accessibility of the machine despite its speed potential on level ground.
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