Part 3

Take things as easy as possible. The greatest difficulty with beginners is to restrain the unnecessary expenditure of muscular power. They ordinarily perform ten times the amount of labor requisite. They use all the force they can, in pressing upon the pedals, and clasp the handle in front, as if hanging on for dear life. Do not strain the muscles of the arms. There is no necessity for it, or for any violent muscular effort. A good rider can obtain the greatest speed upon the road with half the exertion used by the novice in learning the first movements.

If the day after your first attempt you feel a little lame and sore, remember that it is nothing more than you would feel after riding horseback for the first time, or after taking gentle but unaccustomed exercise in a gymnasium.

If you finish your first trial covered with dust and perspiration, with a bumped head, jammed feet, tired arms, and sore muscles, let your faith remain triumphant, and your determination and expectation to master the vehicle increased. But with proper caution there is no danger either of falls or hurt in using the velocipede in the way we have advised. The pedal is constructed so that the foot of the rider can at once leave it; and should the machine incline to one side, it is only necessary to remove the foot from the same side, and place it on the ground. One must not let the handles go; they seem to restore and maintain the balance of the machine after the rider is off it. In alighting, both feet should be raised from the pedal at the same instant, which slackens the speed of the machine, and placed upon the ground simultaneously.

If you learn in a school or rink, you will find a rough pine floor much the best for practice. Floors that are sprinkled with sawdust, or sanded, are apt to cause the machine to slip in turning.

In your first practice, avoid trying experiments, or doing too much; but watch your position in the saddle, and perfect yourself in the balance movement. After that is perfectly learned, try to ride slowly, and practice with your feet upon the rest in front. It will of course require much experience before you are able to dash along the paved streets or country roads, or to try the tricks and fancy movements of an expert. Perseverance, however, makes perfect; and if you persist, you will be able, in due time, to ride side-saddle fashion, to pick up your hat from the floor, to take off your coat while going at full speed, and even to stand upon the saddle. Some learn to ride in three hours, some in three days, and occasionally we hear of a timid and stupid scholar, for whom three months will scarcely suffice. It depends upon the machine, the method of going to work, and the quickness and adaptability of the rider. The knowledge often comes suddenly. We have seen those who have tried to learn for days without success, suddenly mount their veloces and start around a hall, astonished at the ease with which they maintained their balance, and looking as pleased as if they had accomplished the object of their existence. A few hours’ practice usually makes a student quite the master of ceremonies.

As soon as you have acquired the knowledge, you will wonder how amateurs can be so awkward, and be surprised that you found it so difficult.

Should the velocipede upon which you learn be too high to practice in the way we have indicated, you should have some one hold the machine for the first trial, the hands upon the back extremity of the bar upon which you sit, so as to in no way impede the action of the fore wheel.

To those who wish to learn, we would especially suggest the spring, fall, and winter months. It is too warm to learn in summer, that being the season to reap the reward of early exertion. Velocipede riding is the easiest thing imaginable when one knows how to ride properly.

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.

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 & 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, and with gun-metal gearings upon the rear wheel. This machine combines in a great degree lightness and durability. It weighs from fifty to fifty-eight pounds, and if required, can easily be led, lifted, or even carried by the rider. The seat is fixed more directly over the stirrups than in some machines, and at such a height above the wheels as to avoid wear and tear of the clothing from contact with mud and dirt, and the driving wheel in turning. The stirrups are attached in such a manner to the crank, that they can be adjusted near the hub or axle, giving speed on level roads; or they can be placed at the end of the crank, giving power and ease for rough roads and ascending grades. Two kinds of stirrups are used; the “spool pattern,” entirely round, and covered with leather, making it easy for the beginner to keep his foot in place; and the French swing stirrup, which is for proficient riders and general use. This latter style has a very long bearing, relieving the strain on the ankle joint, and making it easy to ride a distance without fatigue.

This bicycle has a brake, rests for the feet in front, and a handsomely finished saddle, supported by steel springs. It will ascend a grade of one foot in twenty. The price is $135.

The Wood Brothers have in their possession the first velocipede ever brought into this country. When first exhibited on the sidewalk in front of their warerooms, it attracted such attention that the police requested them to remove it. They have just completed for a New York gentleman, at a price of $300, one of the most completely finished velocipedes yet manufactured in America.

THE MONOD VELOCIPEDE.

Messrs. Mercer & 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 of the rider.

Messrs. Mercer & Monod use the triangular beveled treadle and an improved brake. The defect of this machine is its weight, which is about seventy pounds. Some riders, however, prefer a heavier machine than others, and recommend the Monod velocipede on this account.

A good rider on this machine can obtain a speed of ten or twelve miles an hour. It varies in price from $110 to $150, according to finish.

These gentlemen have lately manufactured some very complete machines for country use, with shawl rack, mud dasher, etc.

WITTY’S VELOCIPEDE.

Calvin Witty, of 638 Broadway, New York, models his velocipedes almost entirely after those of Messrs. Michaux & 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-engine, could not be rendered practicable upon a velocipede.

These machines are made of wrought iron, with brakes, springs, improved saddle, and gun-metal bearings. As Mr. Witty has the exclusive right of M. Lallement’s patent upon the two-wheeled velocipede, he can afford to manufacture at a somewhat cheaper rate than those who are obliged to pay a royalty. His bicycles range in price from $90 to $130.

Mr. Witty’s first machines were not so good as some of other manufacturers, but he has lately improved upon them. They are a little heavier than those of Messrs. Sargent & Co., Pickering & Davis, and Wood Brothers, but equal to any in durability and finish.

Mr. Witty is at present constructing a velocipede which he anticipates will run a mile in one minute and twenty seconds, or faster than any trotting-horse can ever be expected to go; the driving wheel is to be so constructed that it will revolve three times while the treadles are once making their circuit.

PICKERING’S AMERICAN VELOCIPEDE.

As will be seen from the accompanying engraving, “Pickering’s American Velocipede,” manufactured by Messrs. Pickering & 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. [Illustration]

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 interchangeable like the parts of sewing-machines and fire-arms. The axle is so constructed as to constitute, in itself, an oil box. It is made tubular, and closed at either end with a screw, on the removal of which it is filled with lard oil. Cotton lamp-wick is placed loosely in the tubular axle and the oil is by this means fed to the bearing, as fast as required, through the small holes made for the purpose in the centre of the axle. The saddle is supported on a spiral spring, giving an elastic seat; it is brought well back, so that the rider maintains an erect position, and is adjustable to suit the length of limb of the rider. The tiller or steering handle is constructed with a spring, so that the hands are relieved from the jolting that they would otherwise receive while running over rough ground. The stirrups or crank pedals, are three-sided, with circular flanges at each end, fitted to turn on the crank pins, so that the pressure of the foot will always bring one of the three sides into proper position. They are so shaped as to allow of the use of the fore part of the foot, bringing the ankle joint into play, relieving the knee, and rendering propulsion easier than when the shank of the foot alone is used. The connecting apparatus differs from that of the French vehicle in that the saddle bar serves only as a seat and brake, and is not attached to the rear wheel. By a simple pressure forward against the tiller, and a backward pressure against the tail of the saddle, the saddle spring is compressed, and the brake attached to it brought firmly down against the wheel.

Messrs. Pickering & Davis have a large manufactory, and are the constant recipients of orders from all parts of the country. Mr. Pickering has always been a practical machinist, and personally superintends the structure of each machine turned out.

A rider upon the Pickering velocipede can average ten or twelve miles an hour. On good roads they have been ridden, for short distances, at the rate of eighteen miles an hour. It is claimed that they will easily ascend a grade of from one foot in twenty to one in fifteen.

The price varies from $110 to $155. A very complete, finely finished one, can be bought for $150. This is an expensive machine; but many _connoisseurs_ think its advantages over other bicycles fully merit the small difference in price. Many experts use it altogether for fancy riding, and many who have tried all kinds upon the road, think this much to be preferred.

SARGENT VELOCIPEDE.

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_.

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.

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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.

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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.

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G. F. Perkins & Co., of Haydenville, Mass., advertise to furnish a velocipede with steel springs for $40. We do not know that their machine has been fairly tested. We have never seen it in use, and are unable to speak of its merits. Among the latest improved machines, is one manufactured by Messrs. Tomlinson, Demarest, & Co., No. 620 Broadway, New York. It is called the “Improved American Velocipede,” and differs from styles best known to the public in important respects. It is the recipient of many encomiums from those who have learned to ride it.

The iron arms, between which the front wheel is held, are inclined back at an angle of forty-five degrees from the perpendicular, which inclination brings the seat in such a relative position to the fore wheel, that a man of medium height can, with his feet, reach the treadles of one of these velocipedes, the front wheel of which is forty-five inches in diameter, with as much ease as he can those of the ordinary velocipede, the fore wheel of which is of a diameter seven or eight inches smaller. This peculiarity gives likewise great facility in describing sharp curves and circles of small diameter, the body being inclined in the direction in which the rider wishes to propel himself, and in the direction in which the driving wheel is inclined. Those who have become expert in the use of this new machine, claim that the movement of the body in propelling and guiding it, is more nearly analogous to that of skating, than is employed in controlling the ordinary bicycle. Indeed, they claim that it can be guided by the mere inclination of the body without perceptibly varying the pressure upon the handles to the one side or the other.

The peculiar rakish arrangement of the standard, prevents the usual jar to the guiding arms in going over rough ground and pavements, and allows the wheel to turn without soiling the pantaloons. It is claimed that this machine can be driven at great speed, and up steep grades.

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Messrs. Pearsall Brothers, of New York, have patented a bicycle which is so constructed that the rear wheel is used as a guiding wheel. This machine will turn a quick corner, and can be ridden rapidly. Its price is $125.

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Stephen W. Smith, of 90 William Street, New York, manufactures a velocipede for boys, with a guiding wheel twenty inches in diameter, for $25. The saddle of this machine is so wide that but little balancing power is requisite, and any child can easily learn to ride it.

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 followed by the movement of the feet, except at the expenditure of too much exertion. This difficulty is wholly obviated by Mr. Dexter. A continuous and uniform rate of speed may be kept up with his machine without fatiguing the rider.

THE CHICAGO VELOCIPEDE.

This velocipede is manufactured by Messrs. Loring & 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 & 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 Cincinnati, Ohio, has been engaged for some months in the manufacture of a velocipede upon the Franco-American plan. He claims that his bicycle is equal to any other, both in durability and fine workmanship.

There is another manufactory in Cincinnati, which turns out sixteen hundred velocipedes per week, that are sold at $35 each. These machines are of the poorest possible workmanship and material.