WOOD BROTHERS’ VELOCIPEDE.
The Wood Brothers, of 596 Broadway, New York, decided at the commencement of the furore in this country, to make the manufacture of velocipedes an important branch of their business. They made thorough and personal investigation of the many styles used abroad, and selected the patents of Messrs. Michaux & Co., as being the one most in favor with experts there.
The Wood Brothers’ velocipede, though very similar to the French machine, is made of better material, with steel tires and axles, and with gun-metal gearings upon the rear wheel. This machine combines in a great degree lightness and durability. It weighs from fifty to fifty-eight pounds, and if required, can easily be led, lifted, or even carried by the rider. The seat is fixed more directly over the stirrups than in some machines, and at such a height above the wheels as to avoid wear and tear of the clothing from contact with mud and dirt, and the driving wheel in turning. The stirrups are attached in such a manner to the crank, that they can be adjusted near the hub or axle, giving speed on level roads; or they can be placed at the end of the crank, giving power and ease for rough roads and ascending grades. Two kinds of stirrups are used; the “spool pattern,” entirely round, and covered with leather, making it easy for the beginner to keep his foot in place; and the French swing stirrup, which is for proficient riders and general use. This latter style has a very long bearing, relieving the strain on the ankle joint, and making it easy to ride a distance without fatigue.
This bicycle has a brake, rests for the feet in front, and a handsomely finished saddle, supported by steel springs. It will ascend a grade of one foot in twenty. The price is $135.
The Wood Brothers have in their possession the first velocipede ever brought into this country. When first exhibited on the sidewalk in front of their warerooms, it attracted such attention that the police requested them to remove it. They have just completed for a New York gentleman, at a price of $300, one of the most completely finished velocipedes yet manufactured in America.