The hatchet. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1883-19??, 1900-06-10
LIGHTER WHEELS.
U.~nJss In the 1900 RloyoIe-Revel
Gears.


There is little, if any, appreclable
change in the models of construction
of this years bicycles from last
years pattern and build. While In
quality and workmanship improve.
ments are made where possible, the
models in both chain and chalnless
wheels are practically unchanged.
With most manufacturers there Is a
tendency toward lighter machines,
while with few the coaster brake or
free wheel will be featured. Many of
the makers composing the American
Bicycle Company, or "Cycle Trust"
will give more attention to the chain
less bicycle than to the chain driven
wheel. They believe that the expert
mental stage of the chainless has been
passed, and that before the close of
another year 1t will have superseded
the chain machine in popularity.
The Improvement in the beyel gear
type of chainless to be marketed this
year are n reduction of several pounds
in weight. Chalnless models that form
erly weighed from twenty-SiX to thirty
pounds have been reduced by three,
four, and, in some cases, five pounds.
A constant rider will appreciate the
value Of this improvement.
The reduction in weight has been ac-
complshed by general tightening of
the tubular framing and of the spOkes
in the wheel. Some makers had in
creased the number of spOkes in the
wheels from forty TO fOrtyfour, the
new makes being of smaller design
and lighter. In several of the highest
grade machines the front forks are be-
lf.I.N
strength. For the first time several Of
the bevel gear models are fitted with
the new coaster brakes, which by
many are considered an improvement.
One manufacturer announces that he
has put no "rOadster" on the market
this year. His experience has been that
lightly constructed wheels are not bro
ken by heavy riders so often as by
reckless riders. Some Of the light
wheels built by this maker will be fit
ted with one and three-quarter inch
tires for heavier riders.
Another manufacturer announces a
combination of bevel gear and cushion
frame bicycle He thinks the two COM
bined make n popular mount with long
distance tourists and others by whom
comfort is sought This same maker
HIS IeuuCeu INC lellSlH Ol MS CIullkS
from seven to six and half inches.
Several firms have put their 1899
mounts on the market again without
other change save reduction in price.
The prices of chainless wheels Of the
highest type this year are $75 and $50,
while chain driven wheels vary from
500 to 500, according to grade. At the
latter price, however the best chain
wheels built may be bought. The most
important feature to the average pur-
chaser probably will be the fact that
he may buy good grade, well built.
easy running wheels for $50 and $40.
while even the wheels listed at $25 are
strong and serviceable.
Tandems are in such small demand
that many firms have entirely ceased
their manufacture. Those that have
not done so, with one or two eXcep-
tions, put out the models of 1898 and
1899.
Several makers who have added au-
tomObile factories to their bicycle
plants make feature of specially con-
structed motor cycles for one or two
persons. Gasolene will be the motive
power of most of these and prices
vary from $500 to $500 for a machine.