high-wheeler

A high-wheeler is a type of bicycle popular in the late 19th century, characterized by an enormous front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel.

The rider sat perched high above the large wheel, which allowed for greater speed since each pedal rotation covered more ground.

Also called a penny-farthing, the design was notoriously dangerous—hitting a stone or stopping suddenly could pitch the rider headfirst over the handlebars, giving rise to the expression "taking a header."