In building this replica, I am not intending to construct any particular model of penny farthing. While I would like it to look as original as possible, I am primarily focused on the feel of riding it. My design is based on photographs and drawings found on the web. For dimensions and proportions, I have often taken the average specs found in my research. For particular details, I have gone with the design that I like the looks of the most, like the head of the steering pin bolt.

For materials, I am mainly using steel which will be painted gloss black. The originals had many plated parts but to avoid getting any plating done, I will be doing these parts in stainless steel. A few select pieces will be done in brass such as the spoke flanges and nipples. I will be using aluminum for construction jigs but there won't be any on the bike itself. It would be far from accurate to use aluminum as during the time of these bikes, only the King would be able to afford aluminum as it was worth more than gold.

Here are some of the specs I have settled on to date:

wheel diameter: 50"/16"
spokes: 72/24 radially laced using 1/8" stainless welding wire with a #5-40 thread
bars: 1/2" x 28" to the end of the grips