WITTY’S VELOCIPEDE.
Calvin Witty, of 638 Broadway, New York, models his velocipedes almost entirely after those of Messrs. Michaux & Co. When he commenced their manufacture, he tried by various experiments to improve upon the original patent. Most of his attempts proved unsuccessful. Among other proposed improvements, he endeavored to apply the brake to the front wheel, but found that it would stop the machine on the instant, and throw the rider headlong; and that such a brake, though suitable for a steam-engine, could not be rendered practicable upon a velocipede.
These machines are made of wrought iron, with brakes, springs, improved saddle, and gun-metal bearings. As Mr. Witty has the exclusive right of M. Lallement’s patent upon the two-wheeled velocipede, he can afford to manufacture at a somewhat cheaper rate than those who are obliged to pay a royalty. His bicycles range in price from $90 to $130.
Mr. Witty’s first machines were not so good as some of other manufacturers, but he has lately improved upon them. They are a little heavier than those of Messrs. Sargent & Co., Pickering & Davis, and Wood Brothers, but equal to any in durability and finish.
Mr. Witty is at present constructing a velocipede which he anticipates will run a mile in one minute and twenty seconds, or faster than any trotting-horse can ever be expected to go; the driving wheel is to be so constructed that it will revolve three times while the treadles are once making their circuit.