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 · defined overall length
Also 5.085 ft
Defined overall length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 1.4 m to 1.7 m.
A little perspective
Penny-farthing cycle vs Brain coral colony: length comparison
The overall length of a penny-farthing cycle is about 1.03 times the colony diameter of a brain coral colony.
A penny-farthing cycle is a type of early bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel.
A brain coral colony is a living mound-shaped formation of coral polyps that secrete a grooved, dome-like calcium carbonate skeleton.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Penny-farthing cycle
Defined overall length: 1.55 m; defined specimen; range 1.4 m–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.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined overall length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Brain coral colony
Defined colony diameter: 1.5 m; defined specimen; range 60 cm–2 m.
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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.55 m
We compare the overall length of a penny-farthing cycle. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. 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 measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
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
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueContainers and capacityOak wine tun1.5 mDefined exterior heightAn oak wine tun is a large wooden vessel traditionally used for fermenting or storing wine.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportRecumbent bicycle2 mDefined overall lengthA recumbent bicycle is a cycle where the rider sits in a reclined position with legs forward, offering ergonomic support.
Nearest higher valueVehicles and transportBicycle1.8 mLengthA 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.