The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Tho sisters Of tho Wheel.

In view OF the repeated assertions OF
wheelwomen last fall that they expected to
forsake cycling this year for other amuse-
mente, the present marked enthusiasm OF
the fair riders for their old-time spins has
occasioned not a little surprise. II we may
Judge by the number OF women who have
expressed their intention to participate in
wheeling events during the next few months.
and by the number who have already
| planned TO spend the best part Of their va
cations awheel. the cycling sisterhood has
certainly set ont on an extraordinary sea-
son. And much more substantial reasons
may be ascribed for this state OF things
than what have been styled the "vagaries
Of wheelwomen"
At the close OF last year numerous COM
plants were heard among female riders as
TO the all-around fitness Of their mounts for
use on roads less suited to cycling than
those Of the city, and many who took their
wheels to the country returned with sor-
rowful hearts. They explained thai the
cause Of their displeasure was. to a large
extent. the increased weight OF the 90
models over those OF the past. and conse-
quently the greater difficulty they had in
propelling them. They found a very de-
cided difference between pedalling a % or
SO-pound bicycle in the country and one that
tipped the scales at only 20 or - pounds;
and they expressed a popular sentiment
when they declared that the wheels OF 1900
ought to be made lighter.
But the opposition to heavy roadsters was
not all that gave rise to more or less dissat-
isfaction on the part Of women: they
objected strongly to several details in the
makeup OF their bicycles. For example,
the dress guards Of their machines often
caused annoyance by breaking or rafting
or failing properly to protect their skirts.
and in many cases the guards became so
troublesome that they were removed. Han
die bars, also. while readily adjustable up
or down in the steering head. could not. on
some wheels. be raised high enough to per-
nit the rider to maintain an erect pose; and
investigation proves that the upright post
IRE is still favored by wheelwomen in a
large number OF instances. Moreover,
women riders are not at all slow TO appreci-
dt6 MECHANICAL HlCt'icS, anu tHcy tIlllClseu
severely several features OF their old mounts
that are Of less general Importance than
the foregoing.
Familiarity with the new wheels, the
models OF 1900, has caused much OF the dis
satisfaction cf the gentle sex to disappear.
and as the months go by and the product Of
the American Bicycle Company becomes
better understood. expressions Of gratifca-
ton multiply from both men and women
riders. But this Is true particularly Of the
latter. Wherever wheelwomen assemble
may be heard opinions in praise Of the
cycles now on tfte market. Their variety is
almost endless. and If the purchaser selects
one OF from % to 30 pounds weight. she
may be reasonably certain that 1t will do
her good service.
In short, for their avoirdupois, the wheels
OF this year have never been excelled az re-
CARDS the important qualities Of strength
and durability, The minor improvements.
also, and the beauties Of mechanical con-
struction embodied in the new output are
extremely interesting and p~raiseworthy.
From the shape and finish Of the frames to
the most minute details OF the hubs and
spokes. they evoke nothing but commenda-
ton. 1t Is easy. therefore. to understand
and account for the revival of interest
manifested this spring by wheelwomen.