The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and PracticeGoddard, J. T.
History
The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and Practice
Goddard, J. T.
Bicycles -- History; Tricycles -- History
Though this machine requires more room for its accommodation than the
bicycle, and cannot be stored against any wall; and though it does not
give the peculiar and fascinating kind of exhilaration which balancing
upon the bicycle affords, it will be seen to have many advantages over
the two-wheeled vehicle.
This velocipede is especially adapted to ladies, and allows the rider
to sit as becomingly and gracefully as she would in her carriage or her
parlor chair. The proprietors have a very ingenious device which can
be attached to the machine for ladies, which completely conceals all
points of motion.
The Bradford Brothers have a large manufactory in Newark, N. J. Mr.
J. W. Thorp is their agent, and is rapidly selling State and county
rights. This velocipede is sold at $150.
The Messrs. Bradford also manufacture a smaller size for boys, complete
in every particular, for $75.
CALLAHAN’S VELOCIPEDE.
This velocipede was patented January 5th, 1869, and is on exhibition
at 17 State Street, Boston. It has been thoroughly tested and is
pronounced a complete success. It will be seen that it is very
different from Bradford’s machine. The front wheels are used as guiding
wheels, the rear as the driving ones. It is propelled by both hands and
feet, acting together or separately. The propelling power is almost
unlimited, and is furnished by cranks in the hind axles, with lever
attachments. It has three different steering arrangements, either of
which can be applied, according to the taste of the purchaser. In all
these, the forward wheel and axle are turned with a lever arrangement,
operated upon by the hand.
[Illustration]
The machine develops both chest and limbs, and can be readily used by
ladies and children. A little girl of six years has ridden it for an
hour without fatigue. It is so constructed, that scruples of delicacy
need prevent no lady from driving it. It can be driven either backwards
or forwards, will run upon the road, at the rate of fifteen miles an
hour, and will ascend any ordinary hill with ease. It is claimed, that
it is the only machine made that can be checked in going down hill, or
that can be stopped instantly. The machine varies in size and weight.
That most in favor, has a wheel of three feet and a half in diameter,
and a weight of about one hundred pounds. It is constructed of the best
material, and is neat and nobby in appearance. Its price is $125.
THE TRICYCLE.
The generic tricycle, or three-wheeled velocipede, as used abroad, is
not likely to meet with general favor in this country.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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