What is a High Wheeler?

There are several different names for the type of bicycle that you describe. I am familiar with some of them, because my father's employer actually made these bicycles in the 19th century. What fun!

Jeffrey Manufacturing Company in Columbus Ohio and elsewhere became better known for mining and industrial machinery, but in the 1880's, they made high-wheeled bicycles with special safety features that prevented the rider from flying over the top of the bike. However, this type of bicycle became less popular after 1890 and was replaced by bikes with equal-sized wheels. But in 1887, Jeffrey's bike was all the rage!

One name for this type of bicycle is the penny-farthing, which might indicate that this is the British version of the two-wheeler from the 19th century. A nickname for this type of bicycle is high-wheeler. It was also called the ordinary bicycle. The first vision of this vehicle was called the bone-shaker and it's rear wheel was not so much smaller. It did jostle the rider, though.

Another name brand for the high-wheeler is the Columbia Expert 1883 - 1885. The Columbia Expert was built in Boston, Connecticut by the Pope Manufacturing company. One of these bicycles was ridden as late as 1984 in the Ride Across America event.

The company for which my father worked for 40 years - Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, in partnership with Gormully in Chicago, Illinois made the 1887 American Safety version of the famous two-wheeled bicycle with the gigantic front wheel. It was called the G and J American Safety.

The Wright Brothershad a famous bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio before they flew their first airplane at Kitty Hawk. Thus, there is a lot of bicycle history in Ohio. If you have the opportunity, visit the Bicycle Museum of America, in Ohio at:

• 7 West Monroe Street
• New Bremen, Ohio 45869
• (419) 629-9249

Chapters Seven and Eight in the book bicycle,by David Herlihy (2004) are devoted to the High-Wheel Era. These chapters contain many pictures, cartoons, posters, and photographs of the famous bikes.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving"

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-- Albert Einstein