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.
[Illustration] 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 accommodate the length to the
legs of the rider; F, bifurcated jaw, the lower part of which forms the
bearing for the axle of the front wheel. From the upper part of this
jaw a rod or pivot extends, to which is attached the steering arm or
handle F; G, the reach or perch, extending from the jaw of the front
wheel to the rear or hind wheel. This reach is bifurcated, forming
jaws for the hind wheel. H, “rests” on the front part of the reach.
The rider puts one leg on the rest and works one of the cranks with
the other leg while riding “side-saddle,” or a leg may be placed upon
each rest when the velocipede has acquired sufficient momentum, and the
rider does not wish to keep his feet upon the treadles. I, the saddle
or seat, which is adjustable on the seat-spring L, by the thumb-screw
K. The seat-spring L, is attached at M to the reach G, which, at the
other end, is fastened to the spring-struts N, that rise from the
reach G; O, the brake-lever, on the fulcrum P; Q, the “shoe” of the
brake that acts against the periphery of the hind wheel. The brake is
operated by means of the cord S, one end of which is attached to the
steering handle F, and the other end to the reach at 3. A cord passes
from the steering handle under the pulley or roller 4, thence over the
pulley 5, on the brake-lever O, and from there to the point 3, where it
is attached to the reach G. The brake is operated by giving a slight
turning motion to the handle F, thus winding a small sheave upon the
axis of the handle, and bringing the shoe Q, of the brake-lever O, in
contact with the surface of the wheel B.