penny-farthing articles
Why was the Victorian high-wheeler machine better known as the penny-farthing?
What dictated the top speed achievable on a penny-farthing due to its direct-drive system?
What infamous, high-risk failure mode was common to the high-wheeler design?
What structural aspect of the penny-farthing made the rider prone to the 'header' hazard?
How did penny-farthing riders attempt to slow down without modern braking systems?
What critical mechanical innovation defined the arrival of the safety bicycle?
What did the chain drive mechanism allow the safety bicycle to decouple?
How did the geometry of the safety bicycle significantly improve rider stability?
What societal shift in purpose did the safety bicycle represent compared to the high-wheeler?