The process of cycling is indeed more difficult than the eye suggests. Last weekend to my great suprise I saw a rather portly fellow riding a Penny Farthing along a busy main road. It occured that for a moment I had reverted back to the 19th Century and was no longer concerned with driving my automobile, but rather how to be an upstanding Victorian Gentleman.

Then after reading your post it all made sense. Penny Farthing’s were made so large precisely for the reason you highlight: that is in order to not get too dirty. The beneficial hight of the contraption not only gives you the air of certain superiority but also maintains that your fresh garments stay nice and clean.