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.