The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and Practice — John Shaqi
The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and PracticeGoddard, J. T.
History
The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, and Practice
Goddard, J. T.
Bicycles -- History; Tricycles -- History
A mechanic of Dubuque, Iowa, has invented a one-wheeled machine, which
he calls a velocycle or velocyde. This velocipede is not ridden upon,
but transports its rider into the position of “walkist.” It is a large
wheel or double wheel, made a unit by a light rim of five feet one inch
in diameter. The operator steps upon the rim and commences to ascend an
endless ladder. It being movable, of course he does not ascend but sets
the wheel in motion. The inventor claims that the effort is not greater
than the force of muscle required in ordinary locomotion, and that by
his arrangement of pulleys, each step gives a complete revolution of
the wheel and is equivalent to a stride of eighteen feet. He claims
that it will ascend steep grades, will run at the rate of twenty
miles an hour, will not weigh over twenty pounds, and that it can be
manufactured for $40.
* * * * *
The single wheeled velocipede was perhaps predicted in Ezekiel i.
15-21. A gentleman in Pittsburg, Pa., claims to have invented one,
which can be propelled by the combined force of five men, who occupy
comfortable seats in the automatic horse. This wheel is ten feet in
diameter, and the inventor thinks it can be driven at the rate of
twenty miles an hour.
* * * * *
A New York mechanic has devised a monocycle or single machine, which
consists of a wheel eight feet in diameter, with a tire six inches
wide, or two narrow tires on its outer edges, with two sets of spokes
connecting with a double centre, which fills the place of a hub, the
two sides of which are two feet and a half apart. The operator is in
the middle, and propels the wheel by an apparatus, in which both his
weight and his muscles are brought into play.
[Illustration]
We present an engraving of an English one-wheeled velocipede. The feet
are placed on short stilts, connected with the cranks, one on either
side of the rim, while the rider sits upon a steel spring saddle over
the whole wheel. The inventor modestly limits the diameter of the wheel
to twelve feet, and the number of revolutions to fifty per minute.
Twenty-five miles per hour is the speed expected to be reached. The
riders of this machine, without the ability to overcome the laws of
gravity, would be very likely to get broken bones and noses. It is not
likely to come into general use.
* * * * *
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