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.
THE MONOD VELOCIPEDE.
Messrs. Mercer & Monod, of 54 William Street, New York, manufacture their velocipedes after a model of their own, which has its advantages, and embraces many of the best points of the French machine.
The steering post is inclined backward, which brings the handle within easy reach of the body, and the whole machine under perfect control; and gives it a particularly rakish and natty appearance upon the road. The saddle can be adjusted backward or forward, according to the length of limb of the rider.
Messrs. Mercer & Monod use the triangular beveled treadle and an improved brake. The defect of this machine is its weight, which is about seventy pounds. Some riders, however, prefer a heavier machine than others, and recommend the Monod velocipede on this account.
A good rider on this machine can obtain a speed of ten or twelve miles an hour. It varies in price from $110 to $150, according to finish.
These gentlemen have lately manufactured some very complete machines for country use, with shawl rack, mud dasher, etc.
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.