The Mena weekly star., 1897-08-11

servatism, have always insisted that
 thoroughly good bicycle was worth the $100 price and have rigidly maintained that figure regardless of the price cut | ting that has been indulged in by other makers. The announcement was a pig surprise to the trade, for, although many manufacturers and dealers | thought this concern would lower it's prices at the beginning of the present season, it was generally supposed that after ths prices had been upheld for more than half the season no cut would be made until next year. The move, therefore, which is very radical one for this company, which has for many years held the reputation of being the dictator in the bicycle business, has set all the other makers to guessing and wondering what may be the cause of the reduction. Some assert that the medium-grade bicycles at popular prices have made great inroads in this concerns business and that with n large stock of unstable high-grade machines on hand this late in the sea son the management had become alarmed and decided to lower the price as last resort. Others prophecy that the concern has perfected a chainless bicycle model which will be manufac- tured in large numbers and pushed next season as leader at $100.
 Whatever the cause of the reduction may be, it will probably have some what demoralizing effect on the trade this summer, although most of the large makers assert positively that they will make no attempt to meet the cut this year. 1t will have the effect, however, of driving number of the small and weaker concerns out of the business and thus leave it on frmer basis, and will also end the inflated price evil, for with the very best makes selling at $75 there will be no excuse for building bicycles to list at $100 and sell for what can be got for them. The purchaser has long been aware of the fact that the average bicycle listed at $1O0 could be bought for almost any price above 50 per cent. of it's list price. Nevertheless, he will welcome the time when all bicycles sell for just what they are worth and retail at one price to all. The maker will be glad to see that time also, since one of the peculiar phases of the cycle trade has been that all club members. racing men, and long list of people with pulls" have systemat- ically "worked" the makers for bicycles for nothing or at cost price.
 It is generally conceded among the trade that the price of high-grade chain bicycles will be only $75 next year, and that a number of chainless wheels will be put on the market at S100. 4 chainless machine is q deli cate and rather impractical piece of mechanism, however, and it remains to be seen whether or not it will retain popularity more than g season or two.
 Arthur Gardiner's victory at Chicago July over the best field of crackajacks that has faced the starter at any race meet this year seems not to have sur prised any of the well-posted racing en- thusiasts very much. They are well aware that the Chicago lad had the re- quisite speed to beat the best man of the track. but assert that he lacks the heart to run a hotly-contested race. He would rather tack into somebody's rear wheel and finish second than go out and fight for first. He is beautiful rider and can follow the fastest pace in good style. having held number of American paced records. but his friends are anxious to see him win competitive races, and believe that by the exercise of determination and courage he will soon attain the high po-