The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-27
The Stability Of the Bicycle Trade.

The reports OF Consuls abroad and OBJ
servers at home indicate that the industry
OF cycle making in this country is now on
a firm basis. II further proof were needed,
1t would only be necessary to consider the
small number Of failures in the trade dur
ing the present year. And IL any specu-
lation exists as to how the immense number
and variety Of new machines are disposed
OF, a little inquiry among riders will dispel
all uncertainty. Two and three years ago
the announcement that bicycle company
had gone out Of business was received with
very little surprise. The failures were 80
numerous that the public almost expected
their continuance as q matter OF course
When they became fewer, people wanted to
know what had caused the change.
Perhaps the best explanation Of the pres
ent stability Of the trade is to be found in the
statement made recently by dealer to the
effect that, in the fierce competition OF the
past few years, manufacturers whose prod
ucts stood the test of everyday usage dem
onstrated their title to success over that Of
other manufacturers Of more or less doubt
full skill and honesty. In other words, the
finished output of the different makers did
more to establish areputation for frst-class
workmanship and fair dealing than all the
boasts and promises that it was possible to
circulate. The increased mechanical knowl-
edge Of riders and their familiarity with
things cyclical were too great to admit of
their being misled by false representations.
They came to know good wheel when they
saw it. and they also knew poor one when
It's name was pronounced.
In attempting to discover the real cause
Of the failure Of numerous cycle concerns,
much Importance was attached to the fact
that the new companies were without
a reputation and consequently, were
severely handicapped. But, in reality, the
lack OF an established name among wheel
men had less to do with the companies
prosperity or adversely than some may
imagine. In the last five years riders
have been influenced In making their choice
OF wheelsiquite as much by the machines
appearance as by the tag bearing the name
OF the maker. This Is proved by the cir
cumstance that very many enthusiastic
wheelmen haven't the faintest idea as to
the location or prominence OF the manu-
factories in which their wheels were con-
bLruCJeu
Some may say that it is a little too early
In the season to speak with much certainty
regarding the success OF the bicycle in
dustry in 1899, and that in September the
aspect OF the trade may be completely
transformed. Certainly there is ample time
for a great change in the conditions be-
tween now and next January. but it will
be remembered in connection with the fail
ures OF most OF the wheelmakers In the
past that their collapse was predicted
months before 1t occurred, and that their
success would have called forth much more
surprise than was caused by the announce
ment OF their insolvency.
While it will not be strange II the fall
months mark the retirement OF few COM
peting manufactur ,rs, there are strong
indications that the so-called wCaklings
and wil!-D-the-wisps In the wheel-mak ng
business have become scarce.