The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-09-17
THE WHEEL

not a few cases the 1900 models have
been passed upon finally. 1t was gem
orally expected that this would be an
unusually early year with the manufac-
turers in getting out their models for
next season. So far as the buying of
material parts and the articles for
equipment goes, 1t has been an early
year. but the formation of the trust
has acted as somewhat of check on
the perfection of models. There has
been more or less hesitation everywhere
because of its being uncertain what
moves the trust might make in the d.
rection of modifying and standardizing.
One thing that seems assured is gem
eral recognition that the weight limit
has been reached. A slight reaction is
likely in this respect. 1t is on long
rides that additional weight in a ma
chine makes the rider realize how much
it handicaps his efforts, and as touring
has increased, the objections to heavy
wheels have grown stronger until the
complaint has been heard by the
makers. Tightening the excessively big
sprockets will be one of the targets,
but this does not mean any reduction
in the size of the average gear 1t is
thought by some that the year will also
mark the beginning of a reaction in the
matter of large tubing, although no de-
cided and immediate jump to the small
er tubing is anticipated. One maker has
already begun to turn out as stock ma
chimes bicycles with a 26-inch steering
wheel, and it is not unlikely that he will
have quite little company. The small
front wheel is feature that was first
introduced by pace followers. notably
Jimmy Michael. 1t is urged in it's ia
vor that the 26-inch wheel in front mo-
only enables makers to reduce the
weight, but permits the retention OF
the dropped hangers. together with lon
1-
to have been a tendency toward wider
handle bars all this season, the leisurely
riders who make long trips finding that
they do not get enough expansion of
the chest with the sizes now popular.
There will be more chainless wheels on
the market than ever next season, sew
eral makers who do not produce them
having decided to add them to their
lines. A number of manufa cturers will
make the chainless their leader, and a
wave of popularity is confidently ex-
pected for this type. The tide in its
favor it is expected will be largely due
to the changes. for the chainless will
probably show more marked improve
ments than any of the chain cycles. The
first important change will be in the
matter OF weight. 1t will be reduced
four or five pounds and racing models
will be made. The two years of proba-
ton that the chainless has passed
through are considered to have proved
its stability and efficiency enough to
warrant this Tightening. The present
machines were made on safe basis in
order that, their future might not be
spoiled by breakdowns. The refinement
of bearings and construction will con-
tinue and some developments of interest
in bearings are promised.
This is Enthusiastically Denveresque
,.n11 Ntrt,,r NJ iS
for as life size by the veracious bard
of the Post:
Maud Muller jumped on her time-worn
bike
For an evening hit at the dusty pike.
An old drop frame of a way down
With rattle the sleeping dead could
hear.
The Judge came pounding along behind,
Out airing his great judicial mind.
He noted the figure neat and trim
And graceful motion of hidden limb
And he said to hemself in his grave
delight
"Whatsmatter with Maudie? She's all
right!'
He drew beside her and asked her fiat
Why she rode such an old ice cart as
that!
And she said saleslady could Ill sup
port
Such wheel as the Judge of the district
court.
He told her she could on chainless
ride,
With diamond frame, If she'd be his
bride.
Or If she would bust up his solo life
They would tandem together as man
and wife.
Maud bit at the bait like a hungry
And the old Judge smiled as he yanked
her out!
They ride on tandem now. of course
But Maud has to work like a tread
mill horse!
For the judge has learned how to sit
and shirk
And let his darling do all the work.
He weighs two hundred and fifty-one,
But the poor girl thinks it an even ton!
heart:
II wish 1 was back on my old ice cart!"
"Of all true words that ever spake.
The truest are these: He's a bloomin'
faken"
Anent the League of American Wheel
men meet at Boston and the relations
between the league and the n. c. A,
there is a lot of gossip going the rounds
and all of it tends to indicate that the
matter will be settled at the national
meeting of the league in January. One
of the latest reports, which comes from
pretty good authority, is to the effect
that there is already a tacit under
standing between the officials of the
two bodies that the LEAGUE will turn
| the racing game over to the N. C. A. at
the meeting. According to the story
| this understanding was reached about
the time the n. C. A. was making such
a stubborn fight for recognition at the
worlds championship meet, and was to
the effect that if the former organiza-