Minibikes and clown circus bikes are popular as novelties and are also attractive to trick riders and others who like to perform stunts.
To be fair, they are not without their charm and learning to ride one is not easy. There is a challenge involved, trick riding or not, that makes them all the more appealing to some riders.
But if you are going to get an odd bike, don’t make it one of these. Get a penny farthing bike instead. There are good reasons for this – and if you’re seeking novelty and a challenge in one package, you’ll be glad you did.
Why the Penny Farthing Instead?
Before diving into a course on apologetics, let’s make sure we’re talking about the same thing here. Penny farthings are the bicycles that have one larger front wheel and a smaller rear wheel.
They were some of the first machines to which the term bicycle was even applied in the first place.
Moreover, there are some practical reasons why these are the very odd bikes on which you should be honing your ridership – not trick bikes like minibikes and clown bikes.
So, why start your descent into the world of odd bikes with one of these?
It’s Fast
Penny farthing bikes, with their comically oversized front wheels, might look like a bit of a joke. But there is nothing trivial or jocular about these things. They are built for speed.
In their day, experienced penny farthing riders could outpace both horses and automobiles. Granted, these were early automobiles, but the penny farthing, in the hands of a seasoned rider, could run faster.
Perhaps some of the amusement comes from the fact that when these machines rose to popularity, the people that rode them wore somewhat questionable athletic gear. That may be the case, but the fact remains that penny farthing bikes can be very fast, despite the lack of a chain drive.
The Novelty Won’t Wear Off
While the penny farthing might look like an easy ride and something of a joke, make no mistake about it: it is not without its challenges, and they will keep the novelty of the whole ordeal fresh.
Just getting in the saddle of a penny farthing takes no small command or coordination. Then, handling, turning, coasting, braking – all of these things require practice and strength.
Handling and braking, especially require both touch and stamina, as these bikes cannot be braked too aggressively, lest the rider fly out of the saddle and over the handlebars in an unfortunate phenomenon referred to as “taking a header.”
Either way, the sheer challenge of learning to control and master the penny farthing will keep the pursuit fresh and invigorating – and you won’t be chasing tricks like you would with a minibike or clown circus bike.
There Are Still Organized Clubs
If you take to the penny farthing and find you really love the thrill and exhilaration of the challenge it affords, then the good news is you should be able to find a club that deals with them. There are still enthusiast groups, but even more promising is the fact that there are still organizations that are dedicated to the sport of racing penny farthing bikes.
So as it turns out, there may be a practical outlet for this new interest of yours.
Where to Get One of These Odd Bikes
Thinking you might actually want to pull the trigger on a purchase of a penny farthing bike instead of a clown circus bike? That might be a good move, and you can do it at Unicycle.com. Check out what they offer and order your new ride today.
