The Bike with One Big Wheel and One Small Wheel

Not so long ago I wrote a post called On Yer Bike which related a story about how Master Ben had asked me if I had a bike with “one big wheel and one small wheel” when I was young.

Now Master Ben is 10 years old. It is acceptable for him to not know the correct name for such a bike.

However, it has come to my attention that across the world almost daily people are Googling “Bike with one big wheel and one small wheel” and arriving on my blog.

Obviously, I am hoping they are all school children. However, as I am nothing but generous I am now delighted to finally make use of my history degree by informing the world that the “Bike with one big wheel and one small wheel” is actually called a …

PENNY FARTHING

Now for a small fortune I will regale you with the story of how my grandmother invented the Penny Farthing. (You may recall my story of how she also invented the rugby ball.) However, if you want the truth just try Wikipedia or a history site. I’m not big on the truth – although my grandmother was but that’s because people looked up to her and respected her.

That’s what happens when you’re 9ft 7″ and have arms like a wallaby and legs like a giraffe.

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Martin Lower says:

9 November 2011 at 4:14 PM

I've always wondered why anyone would have invented the penny farthing at all. Surely a bike with two wheels the same size is far more obvious?
I've got this mental picture of the inventor seeing a 'normal' bicycle for the first time, and having a 'Homer' moment, (slaps forehead and shouts "DOH!)"

Reply
Jane Turley says:

9 November 2011 at 4:47 PM

Hmm- I'm sad to say Martin – I have experienced quite a few of those Homer moments:)

In fact I abandoned my shopping in M&S today – fortunately I actually stumbled across it later whilst doing yet another circumnavigation of the men's department looking for jeans for Master Jacob. I nearly tripped over this bag, looked down and thought…DOH!! I was lucky I found it by accident otherwise it would have been a very expensive mistake!!

Reply
Jane Turley says:

9 November 2011 at 4:48 PM

Ps – yes I am that stupid:))

Reply
Martin Lower says:

9 November 2011 at 6:49 PM

Not stupid Jane, just distracted!

Too much to do, too little time….

Reply
Jane Turley says:

9 November 2011 at 6:52 PM

I know others that would disagree with you Martin!! But I am naturally very pleased you think I am not entirely stupid:))

Now about my grandmother….

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Anonymous says:

3 May 2013 at 5:12 AM

how do you get on a bike like that?

Reply
Jane Turley says:

3 May 2013 at 5:14 AM

Interesting question, Anonymous. I feel this is a question I should expand upon in some depth at a later date when I have some time on my hands. Please do not expect any truthful answers:)

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Unknown says:

16 June 2015 at 11:59 AM

I am so grateful to find your particular post about the bike wheels, also show the difference between big wheels and small wheels . I have bookmarked this website and I will keep visiting you for further such interesting posts.

road bike wheels

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