Show OF THE VINTAGE OF 68 the first pedal action bicycle ever built A wooden bicycle alleged to have been built in 1858 and to be the first pedal action machine constructed la Is on exhibition in the window of a bicycle house in new york the wheel has many novel features despite its antiquity ty the owner discor discovered ered it in a small town near utica N Y and appreciating pre precia elating ting its worth purchased it while the wheel is quite old and has no doubt suffered some rough usage it is in good condition it weighs pounds nearly 84 pounds heavier than the average bicycle in use today to day an ingenious and curious part Is the frame which Is a piece of iron curved to fit the wheel the steering gear while not elaborate in either finish or design is very strong A large iron coaster Is attached to the forks above the front wheel the saddle is a large affair being of heavy wood eighteen inches long iong and twelve inches wide and Is adjustable ju stable as are also the pedals the diameter of the front wheel Is 30 36 C MADE IN 1858 inches and the rear wheel Is 28 inches both are made of ash asb this bicycle which Is regarded as a novelty now Is valued at GOO when wheels of design were in use cycling trips consisted of short rides which were sufficient to io exhaust the enthusiasm of the most ardent rider |