The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and PracticeGoddard, J. T.
History
The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and Practice
Goddard, J. T.
Bicycles -- History; Tricycles -- History
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_.
The New England manufacturers of two-wheeled velocipedes, next in
prominence to Messrs. Sargent & Kimball, are William H. Brownell & Co.,
of New Bedford, George E. Elliott, of Providence, and Messrs. Dalzell &
Sons, of South Egremont.
William H. Brownell & Co., of New Bedford, manufacture only the cheaper
kind of velocipedes. The frame or reach, which curves over the rear
wheel, is built of wrought iron. The machine is without springs or
metal gearings. This is used almost exclusively in the New England
schools and rinks; and for the use of the beginner, or on smooth
floors, gives merited satisfaction. It is not as suitable for the road,
or as easy for the rider, as the more expensive machines, which are
furnished with springs, brakes, and rests for the feet. But for those
who wish to have a bicycle, with as small an expenditure as possible,
this machine will answer as well as any that we know. It is firm and
durable, moderately light, and does not get easily out of repair.
Messrs. Brownell & Co. have sold $40,000 worth of machines in the last
three months, and the demand is far greater than the supply. They are
as heavily engaged in the business as any manufacturers in the country.
The price varies from $70 to $90. A good machine of Mr. Brownell’s make
can be obtained for $75.
* * * * *
George C. Elliott, of Providence, has purchased a license under the
Lallement patent, for the exclusive manufacture of the two-wheeled
velocipede in Rhode Island. He combines the French machine with the
usual American improvements. The prices are the same as are demanded
for other good machines.
Those who have used Mr. Elliott’s bicycles claim that they are the
equal of any manufactured.
* * * * *
Messrs. Dalzell & Sons, of South Egremont, Massachusetts, manufacture a
velocipede which has many of the merits of that of the Wood Brothers.
Their velocipede works are at Hudson, N. Y., and there is a steadily
increasing demand for their machines. The prices vary from $125 to $150.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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