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.
PICKERING’S AMERICAN VELOCIPEDE.
As will be seen from the accompanying engraving, “Pickering’s American Velocipede,” manufactured by Messrs. Pickering & Davis, 144 Greene Street, New York, differs very materially from the French model, so generally used by other manufacturers. It is claimed that it is more simple and durable, lighter and stronger.
The reach or frame of this velocipede is made of hydraulic tubing. The gun-metal bearings are so attached that, when worn, they may be replaced by others, which are interchangeable like the parts of sewing-machines and fire-arms. The axle is so constructed as to constitute, in itself, an oil box. It is made tubular, and closed at either end with a screw, on the removal of which it is filled with lard oil. Cotton lamp-wick is placed loosely in the tubular axle and the oil is by this means fed to the bearing, as fast as required, through the small holes made for the purpose in the centre of the axle. The saddle is supported on a spiral spring, giving an elastic seat; it is brought well back, so that the rider maintains an erect position, and is adjustable to suit the length of limb of the rider. The tiller or steering handle is constructed with a spring, so that the hands are relieved from the jolting that they would otherwise receive while running over rough ground. The stirrups or crank pedals, are three-sided, with circular flanges at each end, fitted to turn on the crank pins, so that the pressure of the foot will always bring one of the three sides into proper position. They are so shaped as to allow of the use of the fore part of the foot, bringing the ankle joint into play, relieving the knee, and rendering propulsion easier than when the shank of the foot alone is used. The connecting apparatus differs from that of the French vehicle in that the saddle bar serves only as a seat and brake, and is not attached to the rear wheel. By a simple pressure forward against the tiller, and a backward pressure against the tail of the saddle, the saddle spring is compressed, and the brake attached to it brought firmly down against the wheel.
Messrs. Pickering & Davis have a large manufactory, and are the constant recipients of orders from all parts of the country. Mr. Pickering has always been a practical machinist, and personally superintends the structure of each machine turned out.
A rider upon the Pickering velocipede can average ten or twelve miles an hour. On good roads they have been ridden, for short distances, at the rate of eighteen miles an hour. It is claimed that they will easily ascend a grade of from one foot in twenty to one in fifteen.
The price varies from $110 to $155. A very complete, finely finished one, can be bought for $150. This is an expensive machine; but many connoisseurs think its advantages over other bicycles fully merit the small difference in price. Many experts use it altogether for fancy riding, and many who have tried all kinds upon the road, think this much to be preferred.