The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-05-21
THE WHEEL

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An invention for the wheelman is the
combined cyclometer and watch, re-
Gently invented by ]. Davidson, OF Lon
don, England 1t is so constructed ti1at
time and distance are both Indicated on
the same dial. For this purpose the
cyclometer is secured to the front OF
the watch or is made integral there
with, and the arbor of the mile mana OF
the cyclometer is made hollow to re-
ceive the arbors of the hour and MIN
ute hands of the watch. which latter
arbors are made sufficiently long to eX-
| tend through the arbor Of the mile
| hand and to project from the face or
| dial of the cyclometer. Thus when the
| hour and minute hands are in position
they revolve in front of the said face or
| dial, which, in addition to having the
cyclometer indications, is marked with
| divisions like the dial of an ordinary
watch to indicate time.
The instrument may be attached to
any suitable part of the cycle, but pref
erably to the handle-bar. so that it
may be always seen clearly by the rid
| er. The cycIometer is driven by fleX-
ible and adjustable shaft from star
wheel near the hub of one of the BIZ
cycle wheels, which star-wheel is ro-
| tated intermittently in well-known
manner by striking-piece on one of
the spokes of the cycle Wheel
A bicycle without any semblance of
handle-bar, but which is steered en-
tirely by the motions of the riders
| body, is the invention of Simon Metz
ger, Lima, Ia. Many wheelmen have
the present type of wheel SO complete
ly under control that they can guide
the machine in this way, but only on
smooth ground, whereas with the bi-
| nf Nv of hic foo ig
cred not only easy, but absolutely safe
on all roads. In the construction of
this machine the stem of the steering
wheel is supplied with rearwardly
extending steadying- having
| spring causing it to bear slightly on a
support. This pressure is sufficient to
hold the wheel steady, but not great
enough to interfere with it's free mo-
ton, so that it yields to every motion
of the body. The fork of the front
wheel is turned slightly under instead
of outward, and the steering wheel is
slightly smaller than the other, where
by the guiding of the machine is rend-
cred more easy. The steadying bar
also offers a means of steering by the
hand in case of any sudden emergency.
One of the most annoying experiences
which can fall to the lot of the bicycl-
list who is bitten with the century"
paralysis" A numbness is felt in GER
tain fingers, which may last not only
while on the Wheel but for twenty-four
hours, and sometimes longer after the
ride is over. In some cases this numb
ness extends throughout the whole
hand, and the rider simply has to stop.
This affection has frequently necessi-
tated the giving up of the attempt to
make long rides. The cause of the
trouble is excessive vibration in the
handle-bars. A good remedy is skilled
massage, but the quickest and
most thorough cure is attained by the
use of electricity. Either the ordinary
induction COIL as sold in the electrical
supply stores, or the static machine,
which can only be reached by consult
ing an electrotherapist, will serve the
purpose. In either case the electric
current gives to every atom in the af-
. fected hand a gentle and continuous
, vibration which soon restores its nor
. NAL condition. The liability of rider
to bicycle paralysis is greatly reduced
by having the front tire of the wheel
only moderately hard, and seeing that
, the head is we'll adjusted, /. e., proper
ly frightened.
1t is noticeable that almost every BIZ
, cycle rider has toe-clips, and that the
habit of using these important little
footholders will soon be universal. Toe
, clips give the rider a sense of security
+ which is invaluable. If he or she is
+ well seated and feels certain of firm
hold upon grips and pedals, steep hills
lose their terrors and the difficulties
| and annoyances of rough road riding
are greatly lessened. The toe-clip az
: applied to the old-tme wheel was a
, dangerous thing for road use and af-
) fected only by daring riders who fan
. cied imitation of the racing men to be
\ the chief end of cycling existence The
, | invention of the safety and the conse.
f quent passing of the header advanced
e the clip to a leading place among the
useful accessories and clothed it with
a new Importance. The common as
e sertion that the toe-clip is dangerous
i may be regarded as wholly due to ling.
t ering memories of bruised heads anG
: bioodied noses, primarily caused by
s misplaced confidence in the appurten.
: ance during the days of its use on the
), dangerous looking high wheels.
n Ten thousand people recently saw the
= most hotly contested wheel race eve
: ridden in Australia won by deat
d man. 1t was at Sidney, at big cleo
f trio light carnival. There We're fit,
s entries in the one-mile scratch event
d including the fastest men in Australia
: James Sommervlle was one of tn
# riders. He spurted from the start an,
S rode the lace of his life in more way
e than one. He was closely followed b,
e Percy Cliff, another fast rider, and tn
e two speedy racers soon left the othe
IS forty-eight entries in the rear. Som
mervile maintained the lead through
e keep ahead of Cliff, who was less thai
e a wheel-length behind him.
It Both men were favorites, and Their
t | was deafeninS applause as they swun