Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-07-11
About Pneumatic Tires.

About Pneumatic Tires.
1t has long been question as to whether
double-tube or single-tube tire enables
rider to make the best time in race, and
thousands of dollars have been paid by
tire makers and promoters to prove their
claims.
Tire makers have maintained racing
teams at great expense. and some of them
are beginning to think that this large
expense is rank extravaganza. These
same advertisers have, however, done
much to make the sport of bicycle riding
attractive, and have done more than all
other influences put together to show the
possibilities of the bicycle. The kickers
are those makers whose tires have failed.
The bicycle stands to-day as practically
the only attractive torn of outdoor sport,
and is proved to be one of the most healthy
and useful forms Of recreation, furnishing
an incentive for outdoor exercise, some-
thing that Americans particularly were
much in need Of until the bicycle came
into general use. This is the opinion of
those tire makers whose tires have not
failed-the double-tuber-and who are
willing to go on with the expense, since it
is SO much to their advantage.
1t is now conceded by all who pretend
to knowledge of the bicycle, and of tires,
that the double-tube tire is the most prac-
teal, and, at the same time, the fastest
form Of fIra in tho xuorld
In the so-called single-tube tire, wherein
the whole fabric of the tire is cemented
and vulcanized together, the walls of the
tire are made OF several layers of fabric,
and the tires thus made are stiff and
unyielding, as compared with the double
tube tire, in which the inner lining is free
to move independently of the outer wear
ing cover.
All the important speed records of the
world are now held by the double-tube
tires, and during the present year it is
interesting to note that nearly all of the
fastest riders of the United States are
mounted on this form of tire.
AS the racing man loses no opportunity
to select such apparatus as will conduce to
the last item of speed, realizing that his
reputation, salary and consequent glory
depend upon his success as racing man
and winner, he has gradually abandoned
the single-tube form of tire and taken to
the double-tube. AS result OF this the
records have been repeatedly lowered in
the last year, and new records are now
being made almost daily. 1t is apparent
that the days of the single-tube are mum.
bered, and that in short time no racing
man will feel properly equipped unles:
mounted on double-tube tire
An important point in favor of double
tube tires is that they are greatly more
durable. The single-tube tire is all RICH
for very short time, but its average life
owing to the peculiarities of its construc
: ton, is but a few months. When thu
single-tube is once punctured it seem
impossible to repair it so that it will remail
air-tight. The plugs, whether vulcanize'
in or not, soon work loose, beside disfgur
ing the tire and making hard Jumps, whicl
on smooth road can be felt at each revo
luton of the wheel.
1t is very difficult matter to make
tire air-tight, The holding of the al
depends upon the integrity of the innel
| lining. In tires from which this innerl lin.
ing cannot be removed, it is impossible tc
make them air-tight for any length Of time
1t is important for new rider to know
that many leaks are from causes that can
not be located on the outer surface of thu
tire, hence the Importance Of having thu
tube which contains the air removable fol
inspection and repair.