The evening times., 1896-09-07

II is possible for any man to clean every
part OF his wheel He can remove the chain
and bearings and wash them In gasoline dry
them, replace them and give them oil
enough TO secure freedom OF movement
There are several methods OF cleaning
ing chains and bearings, but the best is un-
doubtcdly by washing in gasoline Tile
fluid cuts ava y dust and grease, a nd removes
sand from the bearings. II evaporates
SO quickly after use that the parts soon
become dry. Bearings and axles can he
cleaned by flushing them with gasoline,
and, when the fluid runs clear and white,
permitting the wheel to rest until the
gasoline has all evaporated. II the bear
ings are covered and tue owner does not
want TO take the balls out. lie can generally
flush them by taking off the saddle post
and pouring gasoline down the frame.
The only good way TO clean a Chain is
to remove il entirely and wash 1t in gas
olinc, clean it with 4 dry cloth, and then
oil il with vaseline, the best lubricant so
far found for wheels. One man gives a
method for cleaning chain with a solu-
tion of cyanide or potassium He neg
lects 10 give the proportions Of the drug
in his solution, bu, does call attention to
the poisonous nature OF il.
The man who uses cyanide of potassium
in any form is trifiing with fate, unless lie
is skilled chemist and knows what he is
doing. As a warning to green hands, it is
Thought best to remark that cyanide OF po-
tassium is n blood poison which acts with
fearful rapidity, and that no known anti
dote has been found which can be applied
in time To save life attacked by it. The
active principle in the drug is the deadly
prussc acid.
If a man attempts to use this drug to
clean a chain, and has an abrasion of the
cuticle or false skin on his hand. so that
water oozes from the hurt, he may know
that the blood capiliaries are exposed to
the action OF an ytliing whichis applied there.
If he uses the solution mentioned and it
comes in contact with that hurt he runs
the risk of death, and that right speedily.
Therefore, cyanide OF potassium should
never be used by any man in cleaning
wheel or any part Of it. The frequency
with which abrasions are caused in taking
a wheel apart and readiustnS it renders the
use Of the drug too dangerous for serious
consideration.
Chains can be cleaned by placing them
in can, pouring on gasoline and shak-
cut away everything which should be re-
moved, and leave the chain in good Con
dition.. Then when dry and oiled it can
be placed in position, and will run
smoothly for a long time. This is the
case with the joints, balls and other
parts which require Oiling and sometimes
acquire deposits OF sand and otherdirt.
careful man never permits water to
remain on his tires. While they are OF
rubber and not likely to receive much
injury, as the ordinary man believes,
they are certainly not benefited from its
contact Then the water, if left on the
tires, will run to the rims and thence TO
the spokes and cause the rust which ruins
the best wheel sooner than anything else.
1t is easier to clean wheel while the mud
is soft than whenit is hard. II can be re-
moved without the application of water.
and without danger of scratching the
enamel, two good reasons for promptactiOn.
Heat is as bad for a tire as water is
for the metal parts of q wheel. A man
who wants to give his w heel proper care
will nOt expose it To the Continued action
of tile sun. OF course. while riding this
action is reduced to a minimum. bicy-
Gle is built to ride, and it must take the
same chance as other vehicles do while
in use. But no careful man will leave his
machine where it is subjected to lie
hot rays of the summer sun, and then
expect the tires to last any length oS
time They will soon show the effects Of
such Treatment. and will puncture more
readily than tires properly cared for.
flock Of sheep being driven down Spring
Garden street, Philadelphia, few rights
ago, played havoc with a number OF bloom
er girls on wheels. Spring Garden street