The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-02-04
THE BICYCLE OF This YEAR.
No Very Radical Changes From Those
Of 1895.
Some of the improvements Noted at
the Shows in New York
and Chicago.

It can be said on good authority that
many OF the bicycle makers are think
ing seriously about putting racing
teams on the circuit for the coming
season. With State and interstate cir
cults the expenses will be reduced and
localities where racing is popular will
get more sanction plums.
The exhibition of trophies to be seen
at the National Cycle Show, to be held
at the Grand Central Palace in New
York, will eclipse anything of the sort
ever before attempted in this country
Most Of the Individual and club trophies
captured in the East for several years
past viii be on exhibition. The list
will include the numerous prizes Won by
A. \. Zimmerman in his famous con-
tests at home and abroad. Experts say
that the electrical display at the show
will surpass all records.
1t is thought throughout the East
that the organization of the Track
owners Association viii simplify rae
ing matters to a considerable extent.
While there may be some misunder-
standing for a time between the new as
sociatiOn and the l.. A. W. the chances
are that no serious break viii occur
The landowners are not looking for
fight with the parent body, and SEN
sauonal rumOrs to that effect have no
foundation in fact. The next meeting of
the landowners win be held on jan
Uary Both, when definite announcements
will be made regarding the intentions
and objects of the new organization.
A few weeks ago ii was generally an
ticipated among those who We're not
familiar with the details of the bicycle
trade that this years catalogues would
show a general cut in prices. The cat
alOgueS have appeared and the eX-
pected reductions have not been noted
iOn any high-guade wheel. 1t is stated
as a fact that the construction and
marketing of a modern bicycle costs 50
much that the manufacturers cannot
afford to go below their quoted figures
and still leave a living profit for the
retailer.
Wheelnen thought last year that the
perfection of bicycles had about been
reached. but many minor improvements
can be seen at the bicycle exhibitions
being held in Chicago and New York
1t is true that none of the improve
ments adopted by the manufacturers is
Very startling. most OF the very daring
innovations being advanced by manu-
facturers of the particular novelty. But
while no very radical changes are no.
ticed. il is observed that many new
ideas have been incorporated in the
structure of the wheels. These are
chiefly by the lesser known manufact-
urers and relate to the perfection of
details.
In general the wheels are a trife
heavier than last year. Very few are
shown which weigh less than twenty
pounds, and those which sacrifice other
considerations for pound or two of
weight are comparatively few.
Il is noticed that there is no radical
alteration in the frames. They are prac-
ideally the same as last year. the opin-
ion of the makers seeming to be that
they are the best for the purpose The
frames. however, are made with Won
q rfuliy conrivei flush joints. and that
seems to, be point Of rivalry on the
part Of the manufacturers. Il is no.
ticeab3a that the uns!ghtly bolts and
nuts at the handle bar have been large
1y done away with. The adjustable bars
Ct last year seem to sill have some
vogue. but they have been greatly i'm
proved, being fitted with all manner Of
grips which are apparently conducive
10 comfort.
Treads are narrower and hubs are
larger as rule. The Improvement in
bearings is, however, most noticeable.
If the makers can be believed ali their
wheels are now dust-proof. They are
fitted in nearly every case with delicate
and secure ball-retaining devices and
The balls are larger. with cones so con-
suructed that the friction is reduced.
The crank-hanger has a greater drop
than last year, and simplicity is evil
dent in the manner of crank and sprock-
et constructions. The crank and sprock-
cts are in nearly every case made OF
only TWO pieces, fitted with easily de-
aachable sprockets and movable bear
Ings. These, however, were on 80
wheels
Large tires are provided for by pro-
portionately large fork-side clearngS
This is quite an Improvement. Another
very noticeable Improvement is the
gear-case. which has been popular for
some time in England. 1t is seen on
many Of the specimen wheels shown al
the exhibition. Another feature is the
return to the old form of crank con
stTuctiOn, the round crank being app
parentIy about to give way 10 the
square crank.
Among the tires shown is one com
posed Of a series Of detachable balls
secured to the rim by means of PONIES
extending through the base of the balls
and engaging in grooves in the rims
The balls have no covering, but come
directly in contact with the ground
Another tire has two piles OF fabric be-
tween thick walls OF rubber There IS
also q tire the surface Of which is en-
bossed 10 prevent slipping. The other
tires are much the same as last year
There are the usual "puncture-proof
tires. but they do not seem to be i'm
pTovements.
Lamps are shown al the exhibition IL
great variety. There are many cleo
tricaI devices. One has a storage bat
tery A practical gas lamp is alsC
shown which makes use Of acetylen,