The evening times., 1896-03-14
GOSSIP OF THE wHEELMEN.

There Ia such "A variety of opinions as
to the proper adjustment OF saddles and
handlc-bars that an attempt TO establish
any set rules is pract ically Impossible.
Most men riders prefer the saddle set
toward the forward extreme. If any, with
the handle-bars set low enough to cause
the body TO lean forward. This forward
position is. OF course. increased or dimln-
islicd according to the individual IDEAS OF
the rider, although II is generally agreed
that for ordinary road riding position
that requires moderate inclination. SO
as 10 grip the handles without either rest
ing the entire weight OF the body upon
them. or having the la ndle -bars so high as
to cause any bending OF the elbows, Is the
best.
For women riders the saddle Is usually
set lowcr to permit OF easy mounting and
dismounting, although as they become
more proficient they are apt 10 raise it
somewhat. But by n strange inconsist-
cncy they not only retain the In ndlc-bars
at high adjustment. but also with the
upturn. The curves OF an upturned han
dic-bar are neither graceful nor useful,
because OF the required bending of the
arms AT the elbow. They cause an undue
strain, which not only interferes with
the ease OF steering. but soon tires the
rider. The highest grade machines, how
ever, are provided with adjustable handle
bars. which can be easily arranged to
conform to upturn or downturn ideas TO
suit the whm OF the rider.
A. W. Harris, the well-known profess
sional. Is now on his way to this country
from Australia II will be remembered that
when Zimmerman visited England In 1893
one OF the riders who WAS relied upon 10
beat the invader was Harris, but he failed
TO fill the bill. When the Jerseyman started
for the antipodes il was thought to be
good plan by the concern whose wheels
Harris was riding TO have him also take a
similar trip. The Englshman wanted an
other crack at Jimmy, but the result was
not very satisfactory. Harris is expected
to reach New York early in May.
The multitude of wheelmcn of Greater
New York are rejoicing over the action
of Gov. Morton in signing the bill permit
ting the bridge trustees to throw the drive
way of the great span open to bicyclists
without toll fees. 1t may be some time
yet, however, before the toll is abolished.
The trustees do not meet until Monday, but
II a certified copy OF the law can he secured
by that time the trustees will adopt reso-
luton making the driveway free ru wheel
men.
The Brooklyn Cycle Club people have
every reason to be satisfied with their
venture. as up to date over 10000 people
have paid admission 10 see the show. The
management sent :. 800 tickets to the board
OF education 10 lie distributed among the
school children OF Brooklyn. The tickets
were good for yesterday afternoon. and
a great crowd of school boys and girls
visited the exhibition.
Those W no think they know have said that
a wheel to carry more than six would wob-
BILE and be less speed than the seXtet, but
out in California they think differently.
Time is now to he annihilated by he mona
plet," or a bic ycle built for nine.
Some 1,7OO new Columbia bicycles aid
a Dumber of secondhand and unfinished
wheels were burned In the Pope Manufactur-
Ing Company sbuildiDg, at Boston, Thurs
day night.
One of the first bicycle events OF the
year will be the road race OF the Dcdham
Cycle Club, of Massachusetts, on Patriots
day, April 20.