The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, And Practice - free ebook by J. T. Goddard

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The Velocipede: Its History, Varieties, And Practice

J. T. Goddard

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THE VELOCIPEDE;

THE VELOCIPEDE;

ITS HISTORY, VARIETIES, AND PRACTICE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON. Cambridge: Riverside Press. 1869. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by J. T. Goddard , in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY H. O. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY....

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PREFACE

PREFACE

When the rumor first came across the water, a few years ago, of that wonderful and fascinating little two-wheeled machine, upon which one could so gracefully annihilate time and space, the author of this little book was seized with his first attack of Velocipede Fever. When, in the spring of 1868, we heard how popular this invention was becoming in France, how much it was ridden in Paris; in its Boulevards, its Bois de Boulogne, and on the smooth paths of the Champs Elysées; how it was employed

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THE VELOCIPEDE:

THE VELOCIPEDE:

ITS HISTORY AND ORIGIN. We have spent much time in fruitless and weary researches over old French books and musty journals, and have found that there is but very little about the Velocipede, in the literature, or dictionaries and encyclopedias of ancient or modern times. In the “Journal de Paris” of July 27, 1779, there is a description of a vehicle invented by Messrs. Blanchard and Mesurier, the former the celebrated aeronaut, which was exhibited on the Place Louis XV., named to-day Place de Co

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THE BICYCLE.

THE BICYCLE.

Of the various kinds of velocipedes, four, three, two, and one wheeled, the bicycle seems to be considered the most artistic, is altogether the most in favor, and steadily maintains its ground against all rivals. Whether it will be the model velocipede of the future remains to be seen. The various experiments now being tried will, no doubt, eventually result in a nearly perfect machine, but it will require a season’s experience fully to develop the ingenuity of our American artisans. Many have e

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PATENTS AND THE RIGHTS OF MANUFACTURERS.

PATENTS AND THE RIGHTS OF MANUFACTURERS.

Early in last winter, a great rivalry began to develop itself in the business of manufacturing velocipedes; and the demand became so large, as to lead the principal carriage-makers of the country into making it an important branch of their business. At that time it was generally understood that any manufacturer was at liberty to make the two-wheeled velocipede, in any way he deemed most profitable. When the furore first manifested itself, Mr. Calvin Witty of Broadway, New York, saw it would be a

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HINTS TO PURCHASERS.

HINTS TO PURCHASERS.

There is a very general complaint of the high prices maintained by the manufacturers of velocipedes, and it is claimed that they are pocketing immense receipts, at the expense of an excited and incautious public. Though there is no doubt that they can be manufactured at prices much below those at which the best machines are now held, and still yield a handsome profit, a reduction in price will not be probable so long as the demand so far exceeds the supply. And now that it is found that the mach

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ADVICE TO THE BEGINNER.

ADVICE TO THE BEGINNER.

To those who have never seen the two-wheeled velocipede in use, it seems surprising that the rider can keep his equilibrium. The principle of the thing is the same as that of the movement of a boy’s hoop. As long as the hoop revolves rapidly, its tendency to any lateral movement is almost suspended, and the greater the speed the less the difficulty in maintaining the upright position. At first sight one supposes it to be a formidable undertaking to mount and steer the bicycle. To learn to manage

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CONSTRUCTION OF THE BICYCLE.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BICYCLE.

The accompanying engraving will convey to the mind of the reader a correct idea of the French two-wheeled velocipede. The majority of makers in this country fashion their machine upon this pattern in every essential respect. We append a full technical description. A is the front wheel. This is the steering wheel, and upon its axis the power is applied. B is the hind wheel; C, the treadles or foot-pieces; D, the treadle cranks; E, slots in cranks, by which to adjust the foot-pieces and accommodat

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WOOD BROTHERS’ VELOCIPEDE.

WOOD BROTHERS’ VELOCIPEDE.

The Wood Brothers, of 596 Broadway, New York, decided at the commencement of the furore in this country, to make the manufacture of velocipedes an important branch of their business. They made thorough and personal investigation of the many styles used abroad, and selected the patents of Messrs. Michaux &amp; Co., as being the one most in favor with experts there. The Wood Brothers’ velocipede, though very similar to the French machine, is made of better material, with steel tires and axles,

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THE MONOD VELOCIPEDE.

THE MONOD VELOCIPEDE.

Messrs. Mercer &amp; Monod, of 54 William Street, New York, manufacture their velocipedes after a model of their own, which has its advantages, and embraces many of the best points of the French machine. The steering post is inclined backward, which brings the handle within easy reach of the body, and the whole machine under perfect control; and gives it a particularly rakish and natty appearance upon the road. The saddle can be adjusted backward or forward, according to the length of limb o

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WITTY’S VELOCIPEDE.

WITTY’S VELOCIPEDE.

Calvin Witty, of 638 Broadway, New York, models his velocipedes almost entirely after those of Messrs. Michaux &amp; Co. When he commenced their manufacture, he tried by various experiments to improve upon the original patent. Most of his attempts proved unsuccessful. Among other proposed improvements, he endeavored to apply the brake to the front wheel, but found that it would stop the machine on the instant, and throw the rider headlong; and that such a brake, though suitable for a steam-e

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PICKERING’S AMERICAN VELOCIPEDE.

PICKERING’S AMERICAN VELOCIPEDE.

As will be seen from the accompanying engraving, “Pickering’s American Velocipede,” manufactured by Messrs. Pickering &amp; 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 interchang

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SARGENT VELOCIPEDE.

SARGENT VELOCIPEDE.

Wm. P. Sargent &amp; 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 thoroughn

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KIMBALL’S VELOCIPEDE.

KIMBALL’S VELOCIPEDE.

Messrs. Kimball Brothers &amp; 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 busi

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THE DEXTER BICYCLE.

THE DEXTER BICYCLE.

The Dexter bicycle only differs from other two-wheeled machines in one respect. This, however, is quite important. By a simple and effective device, it admits of an instantaneous connection and disconnection of the crank with the axle of the driving wheel, keeping the treadles stationary or in motion, at the will of the rider, while the wheel continues to revolve. Ordinarily, in obtaining a high rate of speed on a velocipede, the rapidity of the revolution of the crank becomes too great to be fo

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THE CHICAGO VELOCIPEDE.

THE CHICAGO VELOCIPEDE.

This velocipede is manufactured by Messrs. Loring &amp; Keene, of Chicago, Illinois, and has become very popular in that city and throughout the West. It is a light machine, somewhat similar to that of Pickering &amp; Davis. The saddle is upon a spiral spring, is not connected with the rear wheel, and serves as a seat and brake. The manufacturers claim that it will ascend a grade of one foot in eighteen, and that it can be driven at great speed. Its price is $130. D. W. Gosling, of Cinci

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BRADFORD’S VELOCIPEDE.

BRADFORD’S VELOCIPEDE.

If any of our readers desire the luxury of a ride on a velocipede without the necessity of taking lessons, or the danger of getting a fall, they will find “Bradford’s Four-Wheeled Velocipede” ready and able to afford them the pleasure. The inventor of this vehicle, Mr. C. K. Bradford, has devoted the greater part of the last five years to experiments upon the velocipede, and took out his first patent three years and a half ago. The machine, as now constructed and improved, obtained its American

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CALLAHAN’S VELOCIPEDE.

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 thr

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THE TRICYCLE.

THE TRICYCLE.

The generic tricycle, or three-wheeled velocipede, as used abroad, is not likely to meet with general favor in this country. In its steering arrangements and mode of propulsion, its construction is similar to that of the bicycle. The rear wheels are large and light; the fore wheel is smaller, and serves to guide the machine, being acted upon by means of the steering bar or handle, which causes it to bend in the direction indicated by the rider. The pedals are attached to the front wheel, and are

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HEMMING’S UNICYCLE, OR “FLYING YANKEE VELOCIPEDE.”

HEMMING’S UNICYCLE, OR “FLYING YANKEE VELOCIPEDE.”

The single-wheeled velocipede has at length received a palpable body, and “a local habitation and a name.” Richard C. Hemming of New Haven, Conn., invented the machine herewith represented, two years ago; but has only recently brought it into the market and applied it to practical purposes. The main wheel has a double rim, or has two concentric rims, the inner face of the inner one having a projecting lip for keeping the friction rollers and the friction driver in place; each of these being corr

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VELOCIPEDES FOR LADIES.

VELOCIPEDES FOR LADIES.

We present a bicycle for ladies, lately invented and patented by Messrs. Pickering &amp; Davis of New York City. It will be seen that the reach or frame, instead of forming a nearly straight line from the front swivel to the hind axle, follows the curve of the front wheel until it reaches a line nearly as low as the hind axle, when it runs horizontally to that point of the hind wheel. The two wheels being separated three or four inches, allow of an upright rod being secured to the reach; aro

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VELOCIPEDE SCHOOLS AND RINKS.

VELOCIPEDE SCHOOLS AND RINKS.

Those who have thought the rage for velocipedes would be fleeting and evanescent, have found themselves much mistaken. Velocipede “Schools,” “Halls,” “Rinks,” “Institutes,” and “Academies,” have sprung into existence with mushroom rapidity. There are scores in our large cities, and one or more in almost every country town. They secure a patronage which is not only surprising, as indicating the extent to which the enthusiasm prevails; but also as showing that the desire to ride is not confined to

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VELOCIPEDE RACING.

VELOCIPEDE RACING.

Another feature of the velocipede campaign, will be races against time, and contests of rival riders. Fast and slow races for money, silver cups, and other prizes, follow each other night after night in most of our rinks. All the race-courses will be used for this purpose. A provision for this sort of sport is in progress, at the Capitoline Ball-ground, Brooklyn, where in May a half-mile track of smooth hard road-way will be ready. The managers of the Prospect Park Association, of the same place

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VELOCIPEDE LITERATURE.

VELOCIPEDE LITERATURE.

Until very recently, velocipede literature has been confined to some few magazine articles, editorials in scientific, illustrated, and other newspapers, and various and constant newspaper squibs. Now, however, the velocipedestrians have a novelty in a paper of their own, which has made its appearance in New York. It is to be published monthly by Messrs. Pickering &amp; Davis. It is a quarto of eight pages, and is entitled “The Velocipedist.” “The object this paper has in view, is to record e

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VELOCIPATHY.

VELOCIPATHY.

THE VELOCIPEDE FROM A MEDICAL STAND-POINT. The vast majority of people are almost wholly responsible for their physical condition. Bodily strength and sound health, like mental accomplishments, are the results of cultivation; and the greater part of mankind can as easily obtain them, as they can acquire a knowledge of Mathematics in school or college. Let any one place, side by side, the closely confined student or clerk, and the man who has paid special attention to his physical culture. Compar

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