A major disadvantage of the boneshaker was the ratio between the wheel diameter and the pedal crank diameter that restricted the speeds that it could reach. Attempts to counter this were made by increasing the diameter of the front wheel and the "Ordinary"

was born. The picture shows an 1884 Expert Columbia. The large front wheel made for faster travel, but increased the instability of the bike, particularly for throwing the rider in a 'header' over the front wheel. The pedal crank was slotted to allow the pedal location to be adjusted for rider leg length, the spokes now acted in tension rather than compression, brake action was onto the solid front tire, the saddle was sprung to increase comfort, and a rear step provided a leg-up for mounting the bike.

From: Adams, "Antique Bicycles," TAB Books (1981)