Evening star., 1896-06-16
MEXICAN BICYCLES S
Increase of Their Use in Germany and
Other Foreign Countries.
Interesting Report From Consul Cen
eral MasOn-kind of Wheel That
Should BE Exported.

Advance sheets of consular reports on the
subject OF American bicycles in Ger
many" and the bicycle In other foreign
countries have been issued by the State
Department. They are full Of interest TO
bicycle riders and manufacturers in this
country.
Increase in Germany.
On the subject of the American bicycle
in Germany, Consul General Mason says
that year ago the American bicycle was
practically unknown In Germany, and that
until recently cycling was confined exclu-
sively to men who rode English wheels or
German machines closely modelled after
the English types. In 1895 the ever-push-
irg American, of both sexes, appeared at
German watering places riding American
bicycles. The hgttness, grace and easy
running qualities of the machines We're
revelations to the natives. Particularly
noticeable was the high seat of the Amarl-
can ladies' bicycles, set well forward over
the pedals, which, combined with the mar
row tread and light, neatly formed cranks
and medals. ayerted the laborious, ungrace-
ful movement of the lower limbs unavoid-
able to riders OF machines Of most Euro
pean models. and which had previously
done much to prevent the general aoopdoh
Of the wheel by ladies In Germany
Qualities of the American Wheel.
Later in the season an important probes
sional race was won by visitor In Ger
many on an ordinary road machine built
at Hartford. Then the Germans began to
realize that high-grade American bicycles
possessed qualities which the European
machine had not attained. A limited de-
mand for the American cycle started, ana
has now reached proportions which indi-
cate that Germany may become a promis-
ing and profitable field for American manu-
facturers. To succeed in this, however
Consul General Mason gives some facts
which will be essential to American manu-
facturers in making machine to SEND to
Germany To do this they must also COM
pete with many German manufacturers
who turn out thousands of machines every
year, which bring from $50 to 800. and are
exported in numbers to Italy, Russia and
other countries.
Mr.. Mason believes that eventually the
best American models will be closely copied
in Germany, but that for some time they
will be inferior in finish, nicely of adjust
ment and easy running qualities to the
American bicycles. which maintain their
superiority the world over.
Mr.. Mason next discusses two topics, the
kind of machines that are in demand and
the best method Of opening and conducting
trade The demand he says, for American
bicycles will not be SO much from profess
sfonal riders as from men and women who
He suggests that bicycles sent to Germany
should embody as nearly as possible the
following specifications:
Some Suggestions.
First. weight from twenty-one to twenty
five pounds; lighter machine will be sus-
pected of frailty and tendency to excessive
vibration when ridden on rough roads
Second, frames Of large tubing. from twen-
ty-two to twenty-six inches in height;
twenty-three inches being about the stand
ard. Third. wooden wheel rims. rubber
pedals and double tube tires; rat trap"
pedals are not acceptable for amateurs;
single tube tires are considered too sem
sitive for touring purposes. Mr.. Mason ac-
counts for this by saying that European
roads are strewn with hobnails that fall
from the shoes of peasants. and that the
punctures liable from these and other
troubles are against single tube tires
The bicycles should be carefully shipped
so that no suspicion can be awakened by
the loss of even nut OF the breakage of
chain or spoke. Fourth, all BICYCLES
should have brakes, wheel guards and
spring saddles: without these public opinion
In Germany feels affronted. In many of
the cities police regulations are against
brakeless machines. and wheel guards are
Indispensable for wet weather. Hard sad
dies are also condemned. and the most
popular saddle is wel1-formed leather
seat resting on steel springs, with an ad-
tuSting nut screw.
There is considerable demand for youths
bicycles adapted to the use of boys and
class German manufacturers have so far
made but scanty provision, the machines
made up to date being heavy and of bad
construction.
How to Introduce Them.
Mr.. Mason says that there are two
methods by which American bicycles may
be effectively introduced into Germany
The first of these is by establishing direct
relations with some responsible German
firm at Hamburg. Bremen or Berlin which
will take charge as general agent through
out the country. The second is for the
American exporter to send a competent
salesman equipped with samples and cata-
1ogues to visit the larger cities.
Consul Parker at Birmingham England
submits a report on the cycle tube trade of
birmingham.
Consul Ridgely described a new Swiss
bicycle which is to be exhibited at the
Swiss national exhibition. The front wheel
is smaller than the rear wheel: the seat Is
directly over the rear wheel, and the
sprocket wheel. instead of being midway
between the two wheels is almost directly
most on the same order as that of childs
tricycle. The inventor claims many things
for the bicycle.
Consul Burke at Malaga, Spain, discusses
the use of bicycles there. He says that
eight months ago not four bicycles were In
use in the city, and that now there are up
ward of ESQ Up to date he says, not a
Spanish belle has had the courage to try
the wheel. Mr.. Burke tells how American
manufacturers can best secure the trade of
Malaga and other cities In SPAIN
Sent to Reform School.
Frank Myers a ffteen-year-old colored