Penny-farthing cycle
A penny-farthing cycle is a type of early bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel.
Also known as: ordinary bicycle, high wheeler
How big is it?
1.55 m long
Also 5.085 ft
Defined overall length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 1.4 m to 1.7 m.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Brain coral colony.
Brain coral colony: A brain coral colony is a living mound-shaped formation of coral polyps that secrete a grooved, dome-like calcium carbonate skeleton.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Penny-farthing cycle
A defined penny-farthing 1.55 m long and 1.50 m high with a 14 kg mass. Historic and modern replica wheel diameters vary.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined overall length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Brain coral colony
A defined massive brain-coral colony 1.5 m across with a 900 kg wet skeletal mass. Species, growth form and cavities vary; the living grooved dome, not attached reef rock, defines the diameter.
Smithsonian Ocean — Corals and coral reefs
The marked defined colony diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.55 m
For comparison, this page uses defined overall length. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 1.4 m to 1.7 m.
A defined penny-farthing 1.55 m long and 1.50 m high with a 14 kg mass. Historic and modern replica wheel diameters vary.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Penny-farthing cycle dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.55 m | 1.4 m to 1.7 m | defined specimen | |
| 1.5 m | 1.4 m to 1.6 m | defined specimen | |
| 14 kg | 11 kg to 17 kg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · ContainersOak wine tun1.5 mAn oak wine tun is a large wooden vessel traditionally used for fermenting or storing wine.
Around the same scale · TransportRecumbent bicycle2 mA recumbent bicycle is a cycle where the rider sits in a reclined position with legs forward, offering ergonomic support.
Nearest higher value · TransportBicycle1.8 mA bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels, pedals, and handlebars for steering.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TransportBicycle1.8 mA bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels, pedals, and handlebars for steering.TransportRecumbent bicycle2 mA recumbent bicycle is a cycle where the rider sits in a reclined position with legs forward, offering ergonomic support.
Living thingsBrain coral colony1.5 mA brain coral colony is a living mound-shaped formation of coral polyps that secrete a grooved, dome-like calcium carbonate skeleton.
PeopleAdult in firefighting gear1.78 mAn adult in firefighting gear is a person wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus for structural firefighting.
SportBasketball backboard1.8 mA basketball backboard is a flat, rigid board mounted behind the hoop to provide a surface for rebounding and scoring.
SpaceExplorer 12.03 mExplorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States, carrying scientific instruments to study Earth's radiation environment.ContainersOak wine tun1 m³An oak wine tun is a large wooden vessel traditionally used for fermenting or storing wine.
Everyday thingsBall gown1.5 mA ball gown is a formal evening dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, traditionally worn at balls and other ceremonial occasions.