The sun., 1897-12-03
CYCLING.

given as much consideration as Ameri-
can riders receive from the Government.
"To prohibit the use of all the streets
by bicycle riders at certain hours" is one
Of the latest propositions of the powers
of London. This, Of course, seems idiotic
to American riders and shows the mar
rowmindedness Of London's governors.
The cicycle is IA vehicle Of transportation
just as much as carriage Or horse and
has as much right to the thoroughfares
as either 1t is needless to say that e
cyclists fought the measure.
English manufacturers are still unable
to reduce the weight OF their wheels
The English wheel is stanch and sound
and for that reason is reliable. The En-
glish racing wheels are seldom under
twenty-four pounds.
Oil bearing lightly once in two weeks.
Use oil on chain, applied to bearings
when sound tells of grit. Take them
apart, wipe balls, cones and cups clean,
then pack bearings with vaseine.
A St. Louis firm has been incorporated
for the purpose of manufacturing gear
case aluminium bicycles. The gear case,
which bids fair to become popular next
season, will be part of the frame. The
principal feature Of the wheel will be the
gear -cased frame in one continuous cast
ing free from all joints. The invention
is calculated to add strength to the wheel
and stiffness to the frame. The demand
for gear cases as q preventive OF
dust has occasioned the patent, but
it is a question ii it will prove a fnan-
cial success. The gear case singly has
apparently come up to all requirements
as protector OF chains, and for that
reason bicyclists may not like to expert
ment with the aluminium affair. If it is
built strongly the aluminium wheel may
become popular, as it would be much
lighter than the ordinary make. Peter
Berlo, the wellknown professional used
an aluminium wheel in several of his
races and it proved quite serviceable.
Jimmy Michaers marriage is now a
grand conundrum, as we'll as the prob
able age of Tom Eek at one time.
Michael is reported married and denies
it himself at times, while at other times
he refuses to discuss the question.
Friends say that he is married, and the
Pittsburg papers lately published lengthy
interviews with Mrs. Michael, who is
reported to be at Homeste ad, Pa.
Several novelties towards the improve
ment of the wheel and all its accessories
will be shown at the English bicycle
shows. They include novelties in
brakes, celluloid gear cases, gear wheels,
tool bags and mud guards.
Dealers are unanimous in the opinion
that of all the purchasers of wheels, the
hardest class to suit is u woman. A
large amount of tact and intuition must be
used in making sale. 1t mnst be salts
factorily shown to all women buyers that
the machine will not dctract from their
personal appearance. If they can be
convinced that they look well on the
wheel. hail the work in connection with
the sale is done.
Another novelty in the way of tool
bags has been advanced on the local
trade. Instead of leader this one is
made entirely Of steel. with a thin
leather covering, and carries complete
set Of tools. Each tool is held in its
place by means Of Il small metal spring
to prevent rattling. Another mcritorious
thing about the new bag is the manner
in which it can be attached and removed
from the frame Of the bicycler 1t has
three spring clamps on each side, two to
adjust themselves to the top tube Of the
frame and the other to fit aonnd the
head. The bag in place can only be re-
moved by opening it. 1t opens on Il
hinge at tie bottom and is operated by a
small spring lock on the top.
Any wheel after IL seasons use may be
.madrto look like new if the RAINING gear
is in good order by rc-enameIing. Every
machine is more or less scratched up at
| the end oi the season, and unless it is to
<cc..rp some new Improvement no rider
likes. to ''tludc in his wu"c4 Iilr only
| thing to ,lo thcn is to have new coat OF
enamel p.t ON. Many dealers ;s we'll as
rvpHi!c's are paying much attention to
| atis part OF the business and iind it Il
/ r,A slFrc oi revenue, particularly in
| thr early art ot the season. Many fac
/ turir: viii Furnish name plates for use
ou rc-a 4a'uoled machines, 50 that WHEN
! tie joJ is rarviuiiy done and completed
the appearance oi the wheel vii! be
gr, IL y added to.
EELF-LLTANST.