Omaha daily bee., 1898-07-24

SPECIALIZING ON STYLES.
Probable Changcs in Patterns unt
Equipments for $500.

While some of the manufacturers have al
ready begun to plan their models for next
year, relates the New York Sun, no patterns
are likely to be made up for a couple OF
to come. From talk in trade circles,
some points can be cleaned from
which certain things in connection with the
1899 product can be foretold with reasonable
accuracy. The general frame lines of this
years models will be maintained, although
there may be reaction on the part Of certain
makers against the excessively short head.
The short head, 1t is claimed by some, has
been the cause of many frames getting
twisted out of alignment, because with the
lower tube running up from the bottom
bracket at such a sharp angle there is moro
sway to the rear section Of the machine. The
rear wheel does not follow so quickly, and in
turning corners sharply or steering through
sand the visit on the frame is apt to be Sc
rlous. This proposition, though, is not gem
orally considered to be of much Importance,
and, as a rule, the dropped crank hanger and
low heads will be retained. The complaint
on the part Of some riders against the In
creased weight of roadsters and their EFFORTS
to bring wheels back a pound or two nearer
the scale Of 1895 will pass unheaded, for the
reason that with the reduced prices prevail
ing manufacturers cannot afford to take such
risks on their guarantee as formerly. Low
ering the weight of bicycles would mean a
slightly increased cost of production and a
decrease in the factor Of safety. The lower
the safety factor the more liability OF break
age and the more claims on manufacturers
to mako good at their W expense. In fact,
wheels next season are more apt to run half
| a pound heavier than they are to come down
a pound. Big tubing with D-shaped rear
| farlys and hock ctaya will ba ratnina1.
A stronger tendency toward widening the
distance between the bearings of the crank
axle by means of ball races within the crank
boss and the use of overhung sprockets may
be looked for. A number who had not pre-
viously done SO will adopt disk adjustment
for the bearings. All this means little change
in the external appearance, but there VIII
be many new improvements in bearings, in
fastenings and adjustment and the niceties
of construction that make toward the refine
ment OF the bicycles. Half a dozen makers,
it is now known, will make up part of their
stock with thirtyinch wheels, which annoys
a few of the others, because with wheels
thirty inches in diameter frame lines have
to be so altered that 1t means a complete
change OF patters, with the consequent ex-
pense OF new tools. The annoyance is felt
because of the bare possibility OF the thirty
inch men creating a demand for finding a
market not open to the rest. AS cycles with
thirty-inCh wheels are necessarily bigger
and heavier, and, being more costly 10
make, are held at higher prices, they arc
not likely to appeal to the scorching ele-
ment or to the great middle class of buyers
who want medium prices. Large sized riders
who have also large purses and exclusive
ideas are apt TO furnish the chief market
for this type Of cycle and 1t is in recognition
OF these conditions that the majority Of
makers are holding aloof from the expert
ment.
The fact that the larger the wheel ant
tire the less vibration there is for the frame
and the rider is about the strongest virtue
in thirty-inch wheels, although it is tru'
also that the increased size Of the fran,
permits OF a greater drop at the cranl
hanger. Makers who disapprove of then
say that the advocates of them are working
to bring out a new pattern with the idea o
restoring prices somewhat. There will be
variety OF specialties in the line of grips
bars, saddles and other parts, but some o
the producers are seriously contemplatinI
the advisability OF Offering only two color
of enamel on option and charging extra TO
other colors and fancy stripping. Some inter
esting changes are promised in connectioi
Q with chainless wheels, but precisely wha
they will be cannot at this time be ascer
tanned, Under the natural law of progress
II might be expected that the shaft and pin
: ions, the bearings and the housing would al
be found susceptible of marked improve
ments after the first seasons use.