Esquires Coffee World-class cofffee at a world-class museum Opening Hours Admission Prices Admission FAQ Getting Here & Parking Access Information Shopping Group Visits Car Clubs Star Vehicles Sky Blues Bus Ferguson TE20 Daimler Wagonette Ariel Cycle Standard Roi de Belges Standard Fulham Daimler Armoured Car Humber Super Snipe Queen Mary's Daimler Humber Imperial 5 Series Reliant Scimitar GTE Triumph T140 Bonneville Singer Gazelle Series V ThrustSSC Rover Safety Cycle Ted Simon's Triumph Tiger 100 Stanley Glanfield's Rudge 4D Simulator Esquires Coffee Ariel Cycle Name: Ariel Cycle Make: Starley & Hillman Year: 1871 This style of cycle is an “Ariel” design penny-farthing made by James Starley during the 1870s. The frame and wheels of this cycle are made from steel; this makes it a very heavy machine weighing in at about 50lbs. It has tangent spokes adjustable at the hub and solid rubber tyres. The brake is operated by twisting the handle-bars; this pulls a cable taught, which operates a roller onto the rear wheel and aids slowing-down. This design of bicycle has been referred to by several names over the years such as: Penny Farthing, High-Wheeler, and Ordinary-Bicycle. The idea of the penny-farthing’s large front wheel was to cover a longer distance with each revolution of the pedal. The pedals are directly connected to the driving wheel, making it quite difficult to control the steering. Don't miss out on the latest from the Coventry Transport Museum Home of Record Breakers Coventry Transport Museum is home to the world's two fastest cars. When you visit the Museum, not only can you marvel at these spectacular feats of British engineering, you can experience travelling through the sound barrier on our 4D Land Speed Record Simulator! MORE Schools Bring the curriculum to life! Coventry Transport Museum's interactive exhibitions make the perfect venue for school visits in Coventry. We offer a wide range of sessions for school groups, all 'Learning Outside The Classroom' quality assured. MORE Join and Support Join us in celebrating a unique transport heritage There are lots of ways for you to get involved, from supporting us with a financial donation to volunteering your time. We are always looking for people to get involved! MORE