obsidian-sphere:

Train vs penny-farthing bicycle

Boys of New York
March 3, 1887

Around the World on a Bicycle.

A cry of horror emanated from Ned’s lips as he saw the locomotive dash into view and come rushing down upon him. But he did not pause an instant. His bicycle seemed to suddenly shoot forward along the single plank as though impelled by the impetus of a catapult.

A penny-farthing bicycle vs a train? Yeah… he’s boned.

lostsplendor:

Trick Cyclists, London c. 1891 (via)

tuesday-johnson:

ca. 1880’s, [tintype portrait of a gentleman in a riding outfit with his beloved high wheel racing bicycle]

via Ebay Auctions

famousselfportraits:

Circa 1890. “Frances Benjamin Johnston, self-portrait, dressed as a man with false mustache.” The Washington, D.C., photographer was one of the first women to rise to prominence in the profession. Albumen print.

knojak:

mirouge:

treselegant:

“A Quadrant Tri-cycle

The figure illustrates a new tricycle termed the “quadrant” which has three wheels of equal size, so that the weight is equally divided amongst them. This gives the steering or third wheel a better “bite” of the ground, and facilitates the act of steering. The machine is open-fronted and is braked at the axles. The axle of the hind wheel revolves in sliding boxes, operating by a steering-rod.”

‘The Gatherer’ - Cassells Family Magazine 1884.

BIKE-OFF!

why anyone ever thought having someone sit on top of a giant wheel would be a good idea will forever be a mistery to me, bth

You know that other guy’s hatin’ that his ride ain’t half as sweet~ Pimp THIS, ya’ two-wheelin’ oaf!

stellar-raven:

Frances Benjamin Johnston, full-length self-portrait dressed as a man. (c. 1880-1900)

Chaps and their Penny Farthings

design-cycle:

Extreme Beginnings. Funny Tees by Glennz

(Source: dzineblog.com)