The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-08
CARE OF A WHEEL.
How to Keep Machine in tho Best
s= Running Order.

How to Keep n Machine In the Best
Running Order.
Remember, bicycle is an exceeding
ly fine piece Of Workmanship. You VIII
probably weigh five or six times as
much as your wheel does; hence handle
1t accordingly.
Always keep your bicycle we'll clean
ed. A well-groomed horse moves freer
than one neglected-the same with n
bicycle.
Be sure to have the bearings. always
properly adjusted. as perfectly ad-
justed bearing Is necessary to secure
easy running. 1t would be better that
the bearings be adjusted little loosely
rather than too tight. II they are n
little loose the wheel will run freely,
but II they are too tight, either the
cones or bushings will soon be worn or
broken. ~, -
See that your chain Is adjusted right.
Better have 1t little slack than too
tight. Keep your chain In perfect run
ming order; take 1t off occasionally and
wash out all the dirt and grit with kerr
osene oil. After the latter has fully
evaporated place the chain in bath Of
heavy lubricatinS oil and let 1t remain
there over night. Before putting 1t on
the wheel rub Off as much Of the oil
as possible, for the oil is needed in the
bearings only. not on the surface
Before using your wheel spin the rear
wheel around for q few moments, SO
that the oil will only remain in the
bearings Of the chain; then wipe the
chain dry and afterward put on thor
ough coating Of graphite. This vii.
give. you q very smooth running chain;
the oil lubricatee the bearings and the
graphite makes the chain run smooth
and easy over the sprockets. -H
Always see that both front and rear
wheels stand true in the frame. II
wheels need truing have 1t done by an
experienced person.
Be sure that your hands bar and
saddle post are clamped perfectly rigid
In the frame. a loose bar has caused
many bad accident.
Keep your tires well Inflated, for you
do not get the full advantage OF ppeu-
matte tire until you compress the air;
then you get life" With the tire
blown up moderately tight you will ride
further with less fatigue than you
would with 4 soft tire; the former
bounds over the roaG the latter drags.
The rear tire should be blown I'D q
little harder than the front one, rs 1t
carries the heavier portion OF the load.
Be sure that every nut Is set up tight:
make 1t rule to examine every nut
before each ride. 1t takes but q mo-
ment, but may Save an accident.
Nickel plating will rust II permitted
to remain damp. therefore each nickled
part should be cleaned and dried after
each ride In the rain or over muddy
roads. a good rule would be to have
a bottle Of kerosene near where you
keep your wheel, 30 that II you have
not time to clean the wheel when you
return. IL it is wet, saturate cloth
and cover all the nlckeled parts with
kerosene, which will keep them from
rusting until you have time to Glenn
them thoroughly.
Most saddles rs they nre made to-
day are comfortable, but you must find
out the position at which they will be
comfortable 10 you: hence, by little
experiment Of fitting them up or down,
back or forward, or raising or lowering
you will find that your saddle Is prob
ably right.
When starting out for n ride see that
the necessary tools. pump and repair
kit are in the tool bag.
OIL will destroy the life Of rubber.
Do not let any come In contact with
your tires.
Keep your bicycle in 4 dry place.
The time that you devote to the above
suggestions will give you the satisrnc-
ton, at least. Of knowing that your
bicycle Is right.