Yamaha R6 converted to world’s fastest penny-farthing

English engineer Greg Mitchell spent nearly 750 hours transforming a 20-year-old Yamaha R6 and spare steel into the world’s fastest penny-farthing — a bicycle from the late Victorian period whose odd name was inspired by the size difference between its front and rear wheels.

Mitchell created the SuperFarthing, using a massive 165-kg front wheel with 420 machined pieces and a vertical swing arm. Initially, the bike was nearly impossible to ride, and steering issues forced Mitchell to redesign it with a rigid fork, a reinforced frame, and hydraulic power steering controlled by handlebar buttons.

Though not road-legal in England due to its non-pneumatic front wheel, Mitchell has reached 50 mph on short runs and believes it could hit 140 mph under ideal conditions. The SuperFarthing remains a bold and visually stunning engineering feat.

Humans vs robots in Beijing half-marathon

Beijing is set to host a unique half-marathon this April, where 12,000 human runners will compete alongside bipedal robots from top companies like Tesla, Boston Dynamics and 1X. The robots, standing 0.5 to 2 metres tall, must resemble humans and be capable of running or walking on two legs.

While experts say humans still have the edge — given robots’ 8-12 km/h speed range compared to the 14 km/h pace needed to finish in 1.5 hours — battery life will be a key factor. Mid-race battery swaps will be allowed.

Last year, Laibo 2 became the first quadruped to complete a full marathon, but only bipedal robots can compete in April.

Montenapoleone, the world’s most expensive street

Milan’s Montenapoleone has overtaken New York’s Upper Fifth Avenue as the world’s most expensive shopping street, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest ranking.

Luxury tourism in Milan is booming, and the city’s elite shoppers spend an average of €2,500 ($2,600) per purchase, the highest globally. Retail rents on Montenapoleone have surged 30%, reaching €20,000 per square metre ($2,047 per sq. ft.), surpassing Fifth Avenue’s €19,537 ($2,000 per sq. ft.). Top brands like Fendi, Prada and Versace generate €50–100 million annually from their stores here.

At less than a quarter mile long, Montenapoleone’s limited space makes it even more exclusive. Buildings sell for billions, and only the biggest fashion houses can afford to stay.

Home in the middle of a motorway

Huang Ping, a homeowner in Jinxi, China, refused the government’s compensation offer for his property, hoping for a better deal. Instead, officials built the motorway around his house, leaving it stranded in the middle of the road.

Initially offered 1.6 million yuan ($220,700) and three properties, Huang held out for more, but miscalculated. Now, Huang, who lives with his 11-year-old grandson, regrets his decision and avoids his home during the day due to the ongoing construction. However, once the highway opens in spring, the noise and isolation will worsen.

For now, his “nail house”— a symbol of defiance against government projects — draws curious visitors, but to Huang, it’s a constant reminder of his misstep.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 8th, 2025