do you have to get them custom-made to fit your standover/leg length?

Now, maybe. Back in the day I'd bet they just altered the cranks. If you were shorter, you had shorter cranks. If those didn't work, tough luck.

The first day of a physics class I took a few semesters ago, my professor is nowhere to be seen when everyone's sitting around the lecture hall at the start of class. Next thing you know he comes hauling *** out of the back storeroom on a penny farthing. It's a shame he had next to no coordination.

Poor physics professor.

Yes. It's roughly twice the length of your inseam. You would probably ride a 38" wheel, but I ride a 48". Some tall guys ride 52"-55". Huge bikes.

But yeah, they are a blast to ride. I'm restoring one now....


For performance, handling and the avoidance of headers, try the Star, or Eagle cycle.

Here are a couple of pictures I took from a book I got out of the library today. Enjoy :)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...y/IMG_3975.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...y/IMG_3974.jpg

Since each one is handmade, a Highwheel bike can become a real rolling work of art....

That guy rollin down the stairs is badass! Wish I had his guts...

The caption for that photo is as follows:

"Will Robertson of the Washington Bicycle Club riding a Star bicycle down the steps of the United States Capitol in 1885, a stunt he reportedly performed in the wee hours of the morning to avoid arrest. The Star became a favorite among tourists and racers for its enhanced stability."

And for anyone wondering what book this is:

Bicycle: The History
Yale University Press, New Haven and London
Copyright 2004 by David V. Herlihy
ISBN 0300104189

400+ pages of sweet pictures and good reading...

That's straight pimpin.

More than a Che hat and NY chain I'd like to see somebody on one in full roadie gear. Lycra head to toe, carbon fiber Sidis with little Look Keo Carbon pedals and a huge wheel with bladed spokes.

Oh, and the obligatory LiveStrong bracelet.

Man, I hope 165 doesn't move this to the Olde Timey forum.

Maybe you just need to look a little closer?

Hehe I'm sorry.

The one I saw had several pedal holes, so you can mount the pedal so you can reach the bottom of the rotation.

Understandable. The Campagnolo throwback bibs aren't for everybody.

Disc (wheel) rear?

I can't think of a better way to die.

No wait, I can.

http://www.threepointstance.net/tpsb...lold3ts6fo.jpg

BEST...EVER!

Valencia and 16th, back in the day.

http://www.bikespecialties.com/image...anetsports.jpg

Can you get bars like those today? Very similar to taking drop bars and flipping them up the way the cool kids did back in the 70's.

http://www.bikespecialties.com/image...ates-track.jpg

Brooks saddle, Major Taylor adjustable stem, wood tubulars, funky forks.

http://www.bikespecialties.com/image...anet-track.jpg

Yes, they were made to fit your inseam they came in sizes that ranged from childrens that could be very small down around 28" or so and up to a 60" that was about the largest production bike made.

I only were the outfit when I go to celebrations and it really gets the kids curious about cycling and gets them into it:) usually I just cruise around in carpenter shorts and a shirt:rolleyes:

Be careful what you conjure...

http://www.xcp.bfn.org/PHOTO_3_Ordinary_Specialized.jpg

a bicycle supplier that closed had one of these wheels (front) (from OP) that he repaired...the spokes were custom made from piano wire.

I hope they pull it off, although that price seems unrealistic by a long shot.

Did someone ask for this?

Edit: Image removed as requested by subject.