The accompanying engraving will convey to the mind of the reader a correct idea of the French two-wheeled velocipede. The majority of makers in this country fashion their machine upon this pattern in every essential respect. We append a full technical description.
A is the front wheel. This is the steering wheel, and upon its axis the power is applied. B is the hind wheel; C, the treadles or foot-pieces; D, the treadle cranks; E, slots in cranks, by which to adjust the foot-pieces and accommodate the length to the legs of the rider; F, bifurcated jaw, the lower part of which forms the bearing for the axle of the front wheel. From the upper part of this jaw a rod or pivot extends, to which is attached the steering arm or handle F; G, the reach or perch, extending from the jaw of the front wheel to the rear or hind wheel. This reach is bifurcated, forming jaws for the hind wheel. H, “rests” on the front part of the reach. The rider puts one leg on the rest and works one of the cranks with the other leg while riding “side-saddle,” or a leg may be placed upon each rest when the velocipede has acquired sufficient momentum, and the rider does not wish to keep his feet upon the treadles. I, the saddle or seat, which is adjustable on the seat-spring L, by the thumb-screw K. The seat-spring L, is attached at M to the reach G, which, at the other end, is fastened to the spring-struts N, that rise from the reach G; O, the brake-lever, on the fulcrum P; Q, the “shoe” of the brake that acts against the periphery of the hind wheel. The brake is operated by means of the cord S, one end of which is attached to the steering handle F, and the other end to the reach at 3. A cord passes from the steering handle under the pulley or roller 4, thence over the pulley 5, on the brake-lever O, and from there to the point 3, where it is attached to the reach G. The brake is operated by giving a slight turning motion to the handle F, thus winding a small sheave upon the axis of the handle, and bringing the shoe Q, of the brake-lever O, in contact with the surface of the wheel B.
VARIETIES OF THE BICYCLE.
The best two-wheeled velocipedes manufactured in this country, are those of Messrs. Pickering & Davis, Wood Brothers, Mercer & Monod, and Calvin Witty, New York City; and William P. Sargent & Co., and Kimball Brothers, Boston, Mass.
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.