How did a penny farthing work?

Answer 1

The Penny Farthing was a bicycle that featured a very large front wheel coupled with a much smaller rear wheel. The model had widespread popularity prior to 1880 and the advent of the safety bicycle. It weighted between 24 and 36 pounds.

Answer 2

Just fine in its limited way. The pedals were solidly attached to the axle and turned with the front wheel.