The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-09-29
WHIRLS OF THE WHEEL.

mere Is d StllhllS uIIleleilCe' says
writer in the Irish Cyclist, between
the multicycles made by American and
European makers. The first named
usually place the rear rider behind the
driving wheel, while the Europeans al
ways place all the riders within the
wheel base. The American plan short
ems the wheel base, but places more
strain on the driving wheel, and in
wolves more heavy gearing. There is,
however, no originality in the placing
of the rear rider behind the rear wheel
This was the position on the very first
tandem ever built in which both riders
drove the rear wheel, but with only
one rider in front. l found that the
front wheel tipped up by reason of the
rear riders weight behind the rear
wheel; and although Albone and | (who
designed and made iD, hung heavy
weights on the front fork. the machine
would not steer. and so | designed the
next tandem with both riders inside the
wheel base. With more than two rid
ers, of course, the weight of the men
in front more than counterbalances
the weight of the one man behind the
rear wheel axle"
A new bicycle lock invented by ma
tive of Milwaukee is placed inside the
front tubing Of the frame. and does
not mar Its appearance. 1t Is cylindri-
cal in form, one inch long. and is Sc
cured by means Of a rubber washer
expanded against the side of the tub
ing. Locking and unlocking are
brought about with a key which en-
cages the bolt, forcing it outward or
inward, locking the front wheel at an
angle, thus bringing the bicycle out
of operative position. The device does
not engage either spokes or sprockets,
thereby doing away with possible in
jury to the wheel by attempting to ride
before unlocking the machine. 1t Is
said that the lock cannot be harmed
by hammering, filing or by the use Of
nippers. 1t is also said that II can-
not be picked and that it weighs less
than two ounces.
Columbus, o.. wants the 1897 League
Of American Wheelmen race meet.
Many inducements are offered. and the
Business Mems league of that city in
an invitation says: our wide, we'll
paved streets. and our splendid coun-
try roads will please the wheelnien of
the nation. Our parks and public
places will interest them and best Of
all. that warmth of welcome We can
give, the liberty. the freedom which
makes each guest feel at home, will
lead the swift riders Of the world to
congratulate themselves upon the judg-
ment that fixed the meet of 80 AT Col
umbus." Columbus has 10000 cyclists.
100 miles of paved streets and u fine
race track.
The Spanish ladies look askance at
the cycle. as. indeed, have the sterner
sex in sunny Spain until recently. Cy-
cling is now recognized as Il sport in
Valencia, and although fashionable So
ciety shows Indifference. because the
lower and middle classes first took it
up, the wheel Is slowly finding favcr
with them. especially with the young
ar element. AS for the ladies riding
the wheel" writes AN agent. "it is
likely to take years or another genera
ton to be countenanced here: the Sc
dentary life of the fair sex i'm this coun-
try cannot be- easily overcome. In spite
of examples and fun appreciation
Of the beneficial results. In my opin-
ion the use of the bicycle 10y the ladies.
of Spain will help towards removing
the barrier which prevents them from
going out unless attended by Il duen-
ma: il will give them more courage
and independence.
Parsons. the Australian champion,
has failed Ia show high form in this
country. and it is said he viii sail for
England next week. He expected to
Join the team in which johnson Is the
star when ie came to this country. but
the negotiations did not go through.