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.