Penny farthings go back on sale

The bike is said to be selling well for Christmas

A Derby cycle shop has taken delivery of a batch of Penny Farthings.

The originals were manufactured between 1870 and 1878 and were among the first cycles to be made.

The new ones being stocked by Hawks Cycles on London Road are replicas that have been updated to meet the standards expected of modern bikes.

Manufactured at the firm's factory in Birmingham it has lighter aluminium parts and a sprung saddle making it easier and more comfortable to ride.

Novelty buy

Greg Tate, shop manager said: "It looks not unlike the old fashioned style penny farthings, a bit smaller, a bit lighter, easier to manage.

"It's obviously still got a steel frame, alloy wheels and is a bit more modern.

"It's not exactly the most practical bike but it's a lot of fun.

"There's a big comeback with retro bikes at the moment, its absolutely novelty factor."

Two out of the original batch of 10 stocked in the Derby store have already been sold, with people spotting them in the window as they drive by.