High wheel bicycle: meaning, definitions and examples
🚲
high wheel bicycle
[ haɪ wiːl ˈbaɪsɪkəl ]
vintage transport
A high wheel bicycle, also known as a penny-farthing, is a type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. It was popular in the late 19th century and was the first machine to be called a 'bicycle.' The rider sits high up, almost above the front wheel, and pedals directly on the front wheel. The design allowed for faster speeds than previous bicycles, but also posed safety risks due to the rider's height and the lack of brakes.
Synonyms
high wheeler, ordinary bicycle, penny-farthing
Examples of usage
- The high wheel bicycle was a symbol of the Victorian era.
- He rode his high wheel bicycle through the park with grace and style.
- The penny-farthing was a unique and eye-catching mode of transportation.
- The high wheel bicycle required skill and balance to ride effectively.
- Many people today collect and restore high wheel bicycles as a hobby.
Translations
Translations of the word "high wheel bicycle" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bicicleta de roda alta
🇮🇳 उच्च पहिया साइकिल
🇩🇪 Hochrad
🇮🇩 sepeda roda tinggi
🇺🇦 велосипед з високим колесом
🇵🇱 wysokokołowy rower
🇯🇵 高輪自転車
🇫🇷 grand-bi
🇪🇸 bicicleta de rueda alta
🇹🇷 yüksek tekerlekli bisiklet
🇰🇷 고휠 자전거
🇸🇦 دراجة ذات عجلات عالية
🇨🇿 vysoké kolo
🇸🇰 vysoké koleso bicykel
🇨🇳 高轮自行车
🇸🇮 visoko kolo
🇮🇸 háhjól
🇰🇿 жоғары дөңгелекті велосипед
🇬🇪 მაღალი ბორბლის ველოსიპედი
🇦🇿 yüksək təkərli velosiped
🇲🇽 bicicleta de rueda alta
Word origin
The high wheel bicycle, or penny-farthing, was invented in the 1870s by British engineer James Starley. It quickly became popular due to its increased speed and efficiency compared to earlier bicycles. The design with the large front wheel and small rear wheel was a significant advancement in cycling technology. However, as safer and more practical bicycle designs emerged, the popularity of the high wheel bicycle declined. Today, it is mainly seen as a nostalgic symbol of the past and a collector's item.