Some star info...
1890 Safety Ordinary Star 58 Bicycle
edited by David Barth, 6 June 2011.
Courtesy The Forney Museum of Transportation at 4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80216. Photos were taken in June 2011.
This bicycle is called the "Star 58." Because of the large and small wheel design, it was called by various names including "ordinary," "penny farthing," "standard," and "high wheeler." It was built by the H. B. Smith Co. of Smithville, New Jersey.
It was called a "Safety" because of the pedal arrangement. The pedals moved up-and-down, transmitting power through leather straps to the hub, instead of going around in a circular pattern which could have improved rider stability.
The bicycle has wooden grips, a leather seat, and a brake pad that rubs against the wheel.
Unusual features:
1) Unlike most high-wheelers of its time, the front wheel was small. The small front wheel provided a better turning radius than a large wheel in front.
2) With a wheel in front of the rider's position instead of behind it, there is less likelihood of the rider flying over the handlebars if the front wheel were to hit a curb or during hard braking.
The original price of this bicycle was $135, 3 or 4 times the price of other bicycles of its time. Because of the large, 58-inch wheel and the ratchet-type drive, this was the fastest bicycle in the world. Only one other bicycle like this one is in existence, and it is in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
A small, alcohol-fueled steam engine was mounted on the front fork of a few Star bicycles, making them the only steam-powered bicycles, as well as the first motorcycles.
This is exhibit #132.
Additional information or anecdotes provided to the Museum would be appreciated.