Tim Maltin sets Guinness World Record for tandem penny-farthing ride

Our Managing Partner Tim Maltin has set the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance travelled in one hour on a tandem penny-farthing, at 21.97km.

Tim completed the record-breaking ride together with Rufus Flann at Palmer Park Velodrome in Reading, as part of a 24-hour event organised by the Penny Farthing Club on 6 and 7 August 2026.

Tim had the idea to build a modern version of a tandem penny-farthing when he saw a picture of one in his great-grandfather’s cigarette card collection. Several years in the making, the bicycle was built by Roger Davies of unicycle.com, who overcame a number of considerable technical challenges to bring the unusual design to life.

Believed to be the only bicycle of its kind in the world, the tandem penny-farthing is technically an inline tricycle. Its small rear wheel helps to strengthen the frame and counter the significant forces created by two riders sitting at height and some distance apart.

The event brought together experienced penny-farthing riders from across the country to attempt a series of Guinness World Records titles, including the furthest distance travelled without dismounting, the furthest distance travelled in 24 hours and the fastest 100 kilometres.

Commenting on the achievement, Tim said:

“This tandem penny farthing has been several years in the making. I am extremely grateful to unicycle.com for overcoming the technical challenges in building this enormous bike. I would like to dedicate the world record to my son Aubrey, who may try to beat it next year!”

Congratulations to Tim, Rufus and everyone involved in making the event such a success.

News of the event was widely covered across national and local news, including the BBC and ITV.