Wm. P. Sargent & Co., of 155 Tremont Street, Boston, have many excellent facilities, in connection with their extensive works for the construction of pleasure carriages, for the manufacture of velocipedes. They foresaw the furore that would arise in this country before its commencement, and made early preparations to engage largely in the manufacture of the Parisian novelty.
Their machines are made upon the French plan, with all the American improvements, in form, material, and thoroughness of construction. They are very similar to those made by the Wood Brothers, but have important merits of their own. The hind wheel turns on the axle bar, preventing the friction upon the bearing, as in other machines in which the axle turns with the wheel. The neck of the machine is wrought in one piece, and the head of the swivel in the neck is of wrought iron, square in shape. The fork of the steering bar is of wrought iron also, instead of the cast brass usually used. This makes a delicate part of the machine very durable, for it is a rule in mechanics that one metal will act upon itself with less friction than upon another kind of metal. The best workmen are employed and the best material used. The tires and axles are of the finest steel, and the bearings of the finest gun-metal. The saddle is adjustable and can be readily moved backward or forward.
Messrs. Sargent & Co. use both the three-sided beveled and the swing treadle, either of which always present a surface to the foot, so that after mounting or removing the foot temporarily, no time is lost in replacing it.
They have made every effort to construct a light, noiseless, steady-running, completely-finished, and perfect machine. Their price is from $110 to $150.
Messrs. Sargent & Co. also manufacture a cheaper machine, without springs, much like those manufactured by Mr. Brownell of New Bedford. This machine is sold for $55, and is used with satisfaction in halls and rinks.
Mr. Sargent has on hand in his warerooms a large assortment of machines of other manufacturers, including those of Wood Brothers, Mercer & Monod, and Pickering & Davis.
KIMBALL’S VELOCIPEDE.
Messrs. Kimball Brothers & Co., of 110, 112, and 114 Sudbury Street, Boston, secured the first license granted in this country under the Lallement patent, giving them the exclusive right to manufacture in Maine, and the liberty of selling throughout the United States. They have long enjoyed a high reputation for elegant sleighs and carriages, and at their commencement of the manufacture of velocipedes, determined to maintain their reputation in this new and important branch of their business. Their velocipedes are also patterned from those of Messrs. Michaux & Co., with such improvements as are in use with the best manufacturers.
The frames of these machines are of wrought iron and steel, with composition and gun-metal bearings, steel levers, and axles, and superior saddles. Even into the lowest priced machines, they put the best stock in every part. Messrs. Kimball Brothers’ velocipedes vary in price from $75 to $175, according to style and finish. The most expensive are furnished with mud fenders, lamps, and silver-plated brakes. A very fine one can be obtained for $135. Their cheaper bicycles are, without doubt, as good as any in the market. They are light, durable, built of wrought iron, and furnished with springs.