THE SADDLE.
Naturally, the saddle for the steel horse followed that long used on
the living one. It began as a pear-shaped sheet metal plate, inclosed
between two pieces of pigskin, sometimes with a thin padding of hair
and sometimes without. Of course, this was hard underneath and rigid
on the edges, and gradually there was enforced consideration of the
practical difference between sitting on a broad-surfaced horse saddle,
with nothing for the legs to do, and a concentration of pressure on a
small surface, with the legs compelled to be in constant working up and
down. Take a chair—not a big, stuffed Turkish chair, but any decent,
ordinary one—and observe how large a portion of the body the support
is spread over; then assume the nearly vertical position and observe
how small the available surface left for support, and it will not seem
strange that the saddle is a serious problem in cycling, and one not
wholly solved yet.
The first step in advance was the appearance of the “suspension,”
the upper plate being left off and the leather being hung from three
points of support, without padding; this left the edges flexible. In
later years the so-called “hammock” type appeared, and in essence this
is still in vogue in all the saddles bearing the name of “hygienic,”
the leather being hung from the front as one point of support, and
a cantle (formerly of steel, but now largely of wood), serving to
give the needed breadth at the rear. Yet the principle is the same as
originally used, many years ago, by Lamplugh & Brown of Birmingham in
their “suspension,” and afterward in their “Long Distance” suspension.
And this principle can never be quite abandoned.
The early saddles had some form of spring under them, and were not
made to attach without one. The “boneshaker” saddle rested flatly on a
very long plate, like a leaf from an ordinary wagon spring, extending
from the head clear back to the rear wheel; but this was not so much
from choice as dictated by the construction as a whole. On the high
wheel the usual support was a flat spring, hinged at the head, and
curving back to slide slightly on the backbone by some sort of movable
clip. This was varied in several ways—by curved or spiral springs, and
even by suspension from enormously thick rubber bands; but the most
notable one was the Arab Cradle, a spring formed of a single piece
of steel rod, bent about into four acting single coils, which had an
open-and-shut work like that of the familiar safety pin of the nursery.
The early rigid saddle survives substantially in the “hard” saddle of
the Brown type; the old “suspension” is in the type with hard nose,
steel cantle and stiff sides; the “hammock” is represented by the
soft-nosed and flexible-sides saddle of the Hunt X type, having wood
cantle and aiming to support gently everywhere; the air saddle, one of
the oldest, reappears in pneumatics of various sorts; the old “pan”
seat is now in the Christy, with solid metal base, which does not touch
the body, but supports by raised pads; the “cradle” is represented
by various looped wire springs, usually of a few wound coils, which
are to yield by compression. The term “pigskin,” as designating the
bicycle saddle, seems, however, to have entirely dropped out, as has
also the use of that material itself. Cycle saddles are now made
almost exclusively of tanned leather, and it may be suggested that the
increase in the number of cyclers has outrun the increase in the number
of pigs; but probably the saddle maker has some commercial reason for
the change.
SAFETY SADDLES.
A popular type of saddle on the early safety was the Garford. It had
a leather top, which was mounted on a U-shaped spring, the open part
of the U being in the rear. Necessarily this spring was a very heavy
one, but it undoubtedly served the purpose for which it was designed,
as, owing to its great height, it was particularly useful on the low
frames then in use by those who desired a longer reach. In England, all
bicycle saddles are made larger, longer and heavier in every way than
our American models, and they are fitted with some sort of a flat or
coiled spring.
A little later again, these large saddles were abandoned for the saddle
of a smaller size, having a hooked pommel and steel cantle fastened to
a very rigid and unyielding spring, and had leather tops, and of which
the type known as the Sager was very popular. Another popular type
still in use was known as the Mesinger, the base of which consisted of
strands of rattan woven into a style resembling chair seats, and which
was covered by a layer of stitched felt and leather, suitably mounted
on round wire springs. The leather portion of this had an opening of a
somewhat irregular V shape. The Climax saddle, which had a small degree
of popularity also, was made of a series of small coiled wire springs
which were nickel plated, but even this style of saddle was sometimes
covered with thin pieces of leather. The next change in construction,
as a variation on these, was produced by the makers of the Hunt saddle.
Their saddle had a leather cover lined with all wool felt, which rested
upon a laced framework of leather strands, these being fastened like
the Mesinger, and having a bent wood cantle instead of one of sheet
steel. The makers of the Sager saddle also made a pneumatic saddle
which had a flat wooden base, through which protruded two valves, which
were connected to two small rubber inner tubes, and these were covered
by a leather covering which was laced to the wooden base. This pattern
with some modifications is still made by the Sager Company. The above
list, of course, is somewhat incomplete from the fact that of the many
freak saddles that were introduced few survived, and therefore are
hardly worth considering here as leading up to the present types of
saddles shown in 1898.
THE CHRISTY TYPE.
At the 1895 cycle show was shown for the first time by Messrs. A. G.
Spalding & Bros., the distinctive type of saddle now so well known
as the Christy. At that time the base was of cast aluminum, having
a smooth edge, but the body of the plate was perforated with holes,
and it had a long peak or pommel. It was mounted upon a flat steel
spring. Within the past two years the saddle has become justly popular,
not only among riders, but among physicians who have made a study of
the cycle saddle question. Over five thousand well-known physicians
and surgeons in this country have given favorable written opinions
concerning it. The changes in this year’s type are mainly in the
details of construction, the same broad, general principles prevailing.
The metal frame is now constructed of sheet steel, which is highly
polished and nickel plated. The leather pads have been lengthened and
thickened. The springs are made of a continuous piece of round wire
spring steel, and the seat-post clamp has two sets of screws, one on
each side of the clamp. The bolt in the pommel of the saddle, which
formerly had a round head, is now made with a head of a flattened L
shape, thus covering more surface, and the lock-nut underneath the
saddle is prevented from loosening or falling off by being struck with
a centre punch after it is set in place. One of the illustrations
shows for the first time their latest model of Christy saddles, known
as the racing Christy. As will be noted the usual construction has
been somewhat departed from. Instead of the metal edge or flange being
turned down as in the other models this flange is turned up, and the
saddle pads run continuously on each side from the cantle to the ends
of the long pommel. The entire model of course is very narrow, and the
object of the long pommel is to permit the track or the road racer
to slide forward on the pommel in starting to sprint, or climbing a
hill, only using the pommel to hold himself in place, and thus prevent
lateral displacement of the body while under rapid pedalling movement.
[Illustration: THE CHRISTY—MEN’S.]
[Illustration: THE CHRISTY—WOMEN’S.]
[Illustration: THE CHRISTY—UNDER SIDE.]
[Illustration: THE “SAFETY POISE.”]
The hygienic feature of the Christy saddle has been universally
recognized and confirmed by testimonials from all the leading
physicians and surgeons in the country. It is moulded in anatomical
conformity to the parts, and comfortable cushions are so placed as to
receive the bony prominence of the pelvis, sustaining the weight of
the body, the open centre protecting those tender parts susceptible to
injury. The frame being constructed of metal, maintains its correct
shape under all circumstances. By slight changes here and there, more
saddle than ever has been embodied in the 1898 models, although the
general lines of the saddle are unchanged. All models are made with
the continuous wire spring, greatly simplifying the construction
and materially strengthening the entire saddle. The cushions are
upholstered with the finest curled hair moulded to proper form, and
always retain their elasticity and shape. The five models or styles
comprise different widths and vary sufficiently to satisfy all tastes.
Many of the prominent bicycle manufacturers of the country now equip
their cycles with the Christy, or list it as an option.
[Illustration: THE CHRISTY RACING SADDLE.]
THE SAGER LINE.
The Sager Manufacturing Co. of Rochester, N. Y., one of the oldest
makers of saddles in this country, are showing this year a new saddle
which they call the “Flexible.” They also say that they “are willing
to stake their reputation that the flexible line of saddles comes
nearer to a solution of the much discussed saddle problem than anything
heretofore presented.” They are entirely new in construction and
appearance, and are very simple, and beyond question they will suit
a greater variety of riders than anything heretofore produced. One
of their saddles has a solid leather base, on which are placed pads
covered with leather, and stitched to the lower base. The pads are
made in two forms. In one form the pads extend from the pommel to the
cantle, having an open centre, however, from the cantle to a point
about midway of the saddle. In the other form of construction the pads
are on each side of the base, and the pommel is not covered, but it
is depressed below the line of the pads, with an opening running from
the end of the pommel between the pads to the cantle. They have also
improved their Hygienic saddles by adding to the seating surface; also
a new take up, and improved edge binding, and also say that they will
retain their shape as well as the old hard leather tops did—something,
it is claimed, no hygienic saddle has ever done before. They also show
a pneumatic moulded saddle, which is moulded to fit the body, and the
entire seating surface is padded with air. A deep depression in the
centre prevents any possibility of any uncomfortable pressure. They
also make a racing saddle, which is composed of veneered wood, cross
grained, and glued together, and covered, of course, with leather.
Another form of anatomical pattern of theirs has a solid wooden base on
which are placed two leather pads which are fastened to the base by a
strap of nickel-plated steel which is screwed thereto. A nickel-plated
steel plate also extends between the pads from the pommel to the
cantle. The Sager Pneumatic saddle consists of a three-ply wood base
to which is fitted a leather cover. Its peculiarity lies in the use of
two separate air tubes, which are inflated with a regulation tire pump,
but these tubes are entirely independent of each other, thus preventing
any rolling or side motion and giving perfect steadiness. There are
two holes through the saddle in the centre of the depressions on the
rear part of the seat, which serve the double purpose of ventilation
and also to retain the base of the pelvis, and the saddle is laced
down the centre, which prevents any undue pressure there; the present
style may be considered a decided improvement over their former
models of pneumatic saddles. The Sager Co. also make a saddle called
the Peck, but it may more properly be called a seat, being radically
different from anything in the market. The rider sits upon a formed
cushion seat and not astride. The body finds a steady support, the
reciprocating parts of the seat support while giving free movement to
the limbs. There is no pommel to this seat, and therefore this saddle
is particularly suitable to those riders of either sex who desire to
sit upright. If properly adjusted it is claimed that there is not the
slightest danger of sliding off the seat, and that the absence of the
pommel does not in anyway interfere with steadiness in riding.
THE MESINGER SADDLE.
The Mesinger Saddle Company show by far the best model line yet made of
this well-known make for 1898. It is softer, both in the back and on
the pommel, than any of their previous styles, and softer on the pommel
than any saddle ever shown by them. The reason for this is that the
weaving of the rattan gives the strength, durability and elasticity,
while, being wood fibre, it is not affected by water, and cannot
stretch or sag. On this springy, but non-stretchable base is a cover
of felt, over which is leather to waterproof it and give it a finished
appearance. A V-shaped opening is cut in the centre of the cover,
anatomically formed to relieve all injurious pressure, ventilate,
prevent numbness, or any possible injury to the delicate parts of
the body. The general shape of the saddle is made to conform to the
anatomical requirements of the body, the ends of the pelvis bones being
supported on the felt on each side of the anatomically shaped opening
and the curves of the outer sides of the saddle conforming to the folds
of the flesh naturally formed in pedalling.
[Illustration: “RUBBER NECK.”]
The Mesinger people are now manufacturing a saddle with an upturned
cantle, model H, which is an excellent specimen of this shape of
saddle. They have not only obtained the desirable features of this
style of saddle but have produced a very soft seat. The base is made
of woven rattan, which cannot sag, and this saddle will always retain
its shape. The rattan is woven in such a manner as to give a peculiar
flexibility to the sides; presents a soft, yielding side surface to the
leg when pedalling.
The Mesinger hygienic saddle is made with an outer finish like their
regular saddle, but the base of this saddle, instead of rattan, is
made of rawhide. The base is made of one continuous strip of rawhide,
interwoven with leather, and passing through the wood cantle. The
interweaving is made in such a manner that the weight of the body,
resting upon the leather, always keeps the central strands tight and
firm. The peculiar shape of their spring with its tension actually
takes up any stretch. The saddle is light and of good appearance.
[Illustration: BERNASCO.]
The principal points of the new Mesinger saddles are found in the new
base, which consists of a very strong woven strap (web), specially
made for this purpose, laced through the cantle and nose, and also a
very strong and effective stretcher, by which the saddle can be made
hard or soft, as desired by the rider, without removing the saddle
from the bicycle. From a mechanical standpoint their saddles will
recommend themselves everywhere; they are soft and pliable from the
tip of the nose to the edge of the cantle, and having an anatomical
shape there can be absolutely no pressure on the tender parts of the
body. Some materials used in hygienic saddles are not pliable enough,
others stretch out of shape. The woven strap which is used in the base
of their saddles yields sufficiently and conforms to the body. Being
seven-eighths of an inch wide it cannot show through the felt and
leather cover, as narrow leather strips or other materials do after
having been ridden for a length of time. They also make a padded saddle
for racing on the plan of their regular saddles, with the exception
that it has a concave wooden cantle.
THE GARFORD SADDLES.
[Illustration: GARFORD—“128.”]
The Garford Manufacturing Company show seven models of padded saddles,
furnished with various styles of pads and springs. Their leading saddle
this year is one known as the “Cavalry.” It has a wood base which
is finished with shellac and varnish and the rear part covered with
leather, corresponding with the top. The top has raised pads, with
a decided upward curve at the rear. The pommel drops over from the
front edge of the pads, giving a very racy appearance. This is made
with either a plain flat spring, or a spring with two rear coils. The
women’s model is about one inch shorter in the pommel. Their hygienic
saddle is made with raw hide strands from the pommel to the wooden
cantle in the rear, and has an adjustment so arranged as to permit
tightening of the strands alone, or the strands and the leather top
together. The top is made of two thicknesses of leather with felt
between, and has a large opening in the centre. Another one of their
models has a wood base somewhat similar to their Cavalry saddle, but
the curve of the saddle from the front to the rear somewhat resembles
the T or Truss saddle made by this company during the past four years,
which was one of the most popular saddles ever made. This new model has
a padded top, the pad extending to the top of the pommel, and having a
deep impression in the centre opening out at the back, thus forming two
raised pads at the rear.
[Illustration: TILLINGHAST.]
[Illustration: THE TILLINGHAST FRAME.]
THE GILLIAM LINE.
The Gilliam saddles for 1898 present a wide variety of styles and
shapes, sufficient to meet the demands of every kind of rider.
Their No. 76 is a road or racing saddle, made with a light steel base
as foundation, over which is glued thick all-wool felt, the whole being
covered top and bottom with the best quality leather. Their No. 76 is a
woman’s saddle made on the same lines. They furnish both these saddles
with cantle raised somewhat giving more dip or curve to the seat.
The Gilliam Hygienic laced saddle has a truss spring bolted to a
hickory cantle (bent by special process), over which is stretched
a stripped single piece rawhide frame as shown in cut. By folding
and stitching the rawhide in front they obtain the same amount of
strength in material as in the rear or broader portion. This at the
same time gives a narrower pommel. The top or cover of their Nos. 70
and 75 saddles is made of boarded pebble leather, and being lined with
all-wool felt, makes a firm and pliable cushion over the frame. The
front end of the soft top covering is not fastened to the frame, as is
some times seen in this style of saddle. The advantage in not attaching
the top to the frame proper is that it assumes the shape of the rider
without stretching or wearing the top.
The Gilliam Company also make a padded saddle, which has a continuous
laminated open frame, and which is covered with rawhide drawn tightly
over it, thus making a pliable base upon which are built pads of
all-wool felt. This pliable base prevents the pads from matting and
getting out of shape, and from the nature of the construction the
weight of the rider is made to force the pads toward the centre instead
of toward the sides. They furnish it with either coiled or truss
springs.
THE BROWN TYPE.
One of the most popular saddles of the day is that known as the Brown.
The base is of three pieces of wood firmly joined together. After
being thoroughly sized with glue, this is covered with a strong linen
and waterproofed with two coats of lead paint. Over this is stretched
a cover of oak-tanned saddle leather, which is hand-sewed and finely
finished. It is built upon absolutely correct anatomical lines and
never loses its shape. It is strong, light and very handsome and
finished in black or russet. It is entirely a hand-made saddle and made
by skilled workmen. The design of the Brown saddle is one of perfect
curves in all its parts.
Variations in this type consist in furnishing them with either flat or
wire spring and also with an easy coil spring in the rear. The saddle
tops are also furnished in broader pattern and with wool felt between
the lining, making a soft easy seat for road riding. The type is also
produced in juvenile models and models for ladies’ use, and a broad,
heavy padded one, which they call their “fat man’s” saddle.
THE “UNIVERSAL” SADDLE.
[Illustration: THE “UNIVERSAL.”]
The “Universal” saddle, into the construction of which rubber and
aluminum alone enter, is built upon the principle that the weight
of the rider should rest upon the flesh covering the pelvic bones
as well as upon the bones themselves. The surface of the saddle is a
perforated aluminum plate ten inches broad, with depressions to conform
anatomically to the positions assumed by both the male and female
pelvis when the body is in a sitting posture. There is no pommel, and
the centre opening prevents the pressure calculated to work injurious
results. Aluminum being a heat dispellor, the surface of the saddle
is cool at all times. Instead of spiral steel springs the seat plate
is supported upon pneumatic rubber bulbs. These completely separate
the metal post springs from the seat proper, and by thus avoiding
contact between the metal of the wheel and the seat plate, effectually
do away with vibration, which, it is claimed, is responsible for the
nervousness and headaches experienced by the users of some saddles.
These, briefly stated, are the leading claims of the Dr. Richmond
“Universal,” set forth in a circular letter to the manufacturers by
several well known New York physicians. A good idea of its design and
construction may be gained from a glance at the accompanying cuts.
THE HUNT SADDLES.
[Illustration: BROWN.]
The saddles made by the Hunt Manufacturing Company of Westboro, Mass.,
have long been deservedly popular, not only on account of their design,
but also because of the excellent material used in their construction.
One of their most popular saddles is known as their “Hygienic,” and
of this they were the introducers. The leather cover is lined with
all-wool felt and rests upon a laced framework of leather strands.
These strands are not raw hide or alum-tanned leather, which readily
absorb moisture and also stretch and become brittle and hard when dry,
but a specially tanned leather which is elastic and impervious to
moisture. This leather is, of course, much more expensive than raw hide
or alum-tanned leather used by the makers of cheap saddles who imitate
their construction. Their ’98 Hygienic saddles have a depression in the
middle in the rear, the object of which is to prevent danger to the
spinal column by jolt. The leather top has an opening in the centre to
afford ventilation and prevent perineal pressure. A modification of
their Hygienic pattern consists in placing pads on the top of them,
the saddle, of course, having the same laced framework found in their
other patterns, so that in this construction framework as well as pads
yield under the rider’s weight. For those riders who do not care for
the padded saddle with a depression running between the pads, they
furnish a pattern of padded saddle which only has a depression on
the front and rear of the padded portion and not through the centre.
Another variation in their Hygienic pattern consists in using strands
of a special woven fabric instead of leather, making the whole leather
smaller than their other styles, thus adapting it to young and light
weight riders who only require small sitting space. They also make
a rigid saddle, which is constructed of two plates of sheet steel
so shaped that the edges of the leather cover, which is lined with
thick felt, are firmly held by the two plates when assembled, without
stitching or rivets. Another new type of saddle made by this company is
a saddle absolutely without a pommel. It is of the padded pattern, with
leather strand supports, similar to their Hygienic padded saddle, but
without pommel. This model is said to be very comfortable for riders
who have no difficulty in maintaining their balance without the pommel.
SUNDRY OTHER MAKERS.
The “Stylish Gordon” saddle, made by the Beckley-Ralston Co., Chicago,
is one that has made a reputation for itself during the past two
seasons. It is a well-made saddle and has a racy appearance, with
no edges to pedal over or retard the circulation in long distance
riding. The same dish that gives the racing man a brace affords in
solid comfort models rooms for a thick sanitary felt padding. The
Gordon has a steel base covered with felt and leather, and this steel
base (which was made from a master plate) was the result of long
experiment, to produce a perfect model, nearly fifty hand-made models
being rejected before one that was considered perfect was produced. The
Perry Pneumatic saddle was placed on the market last year. It was one
of the first to combine anatomical formation with the added feature
of a pneumatic air cushion. One of its peculiarities is that it can
be ridden deflated as well as inflated. The saddle is constructed by
placing upon a steel plate, which is covered with a layer of felt to
prevent friction, an inflated rubber air cushion, the whole being
covered with leather above and below sewed together by hand.
[Illustration: GILLIAM FRAME.]
[Illustration: GILLIAM.]
The Phillips Hammock saddle has the base made of linen cord covered
with leather. This cord of course is not of unyielding texture, and
therefore conforms to the movements of the rider and the bicycle. It
permits an easy oscillating motion corresponding to the natural action
of the limbs in pedalling. This saddle presents somewhat peculiar
features in construction. Instead of the cantle being round as in the
usual saddle construction the back of the saddle is perfectly square or
straight. It is made entirely without rivets or screws and the leather
portion of the saddle only extends about two-thirds of the distance
between the pommel and the cantle. The base is made of one continuous
cord looped to the pommel and cantle, a sliding loop changing the shape
or width of the saddle to the liking of the rider without the use of
any tools. The adjusting of the rods forming a universal joint at the
centre of the cantle is one of the peculiar features of this invention.
It is also to be noted that each cord on the top of the saddle has a
return strand beneath with a free motion over to the cantle, so that
the extent of the saddle’s flexibility is measured by twice its length.
The Safety Poise Saddle is the invention of Dr. Otis K. Newell of
Boston. The perineal or middle flesh pressure is entirely eliminated by
its use. It is the only open frame saddle in the market, and the cut
gives an excellent idea of its construction. They show a new model for
1898, which is about two-thirds of the size of the regular pattern, and
is constructed so that the rider sits more on the saddle than in it.
This change has been made so that the rider at once accustoms himself
to the saddle.
The makers of the Rusch have departed entirely from the idea of using
for the foundation of a saddle a metal or wooden base, and construct
the base of their saddles of specially prepared oak tanned leather.
It has an indentation in the centre which is one of their patented
mechanical features. This centre depression is sufficiently deep to
prevent irritation and allows the use of sloping sides. The cantle is
so placed under the body of the saddle that it is almost impossible to
strike against it either in mounting or in pedaling.
The Bernasco Adjustable Saddle is built in two parts, so that it is
adjustable to the form of all riders.
The Tillinghast Hygienic saddle has a continuous open frame work of
bent ash, on top of which are fastened leather straps covered with a
padded leather top.
The P. & F. Anatomical saddle has a rigid base covered all over, in the
pommel of which is constructed a mechanical pneumatic device which does
not require any valves, and cannot get punctured. It gives the effect
of a full pneumatic construction without using a depressed pommel or
raised pads.
The La Tulip saddle is made wholly of raw hide, which the makers claim
will not stretch or sag; also that it weighs less than one pound. It is
made on some new ideas of anatomical construction. The “Rubber Neck”
saddle has a steel base covered with a rubber cushion in the shape
of vertical rubber tubes forming a honeycomb which yields to every
motion. This honeycomb also produces air spaces or cells extending
from the plate to the cover, which keep the saddle cool and thoroughly
ventilated.
The Bunker Pneumatic saddle is similar in shape to a flattened
crescent, and is used transversely to the frame. A variation of it
is somewhat of the regulation shape, and is provided with a yielding
rubber cushion an inch thick over its entire surface, having at each
side of the centre a depression to receive the pelvis bones, and an
opening from the centre to the front to relieve all pressure. They
also make a pneumatic saddle which is open in the centre, the whole
construction being only a rim which is inflated.
The Glover Perfection Saddle has a platform of crucible steel so shaped
and coiled that a diamond-shaped opening is left in the central and
front parts of the saddle, thus preventing any pressure at these points
and also affording proper ventilation. Instead of having a horn or
protuberance in front to bump against the Glover saddle drops away from
the plane on which the rider sits, making it impossible to strike it in
riding. The Glover saddle can also be ridden without tilting it up at
an angle. The springs are reversible, and the leather cover is easily
removable. The coiled steel platform is padded with felt. This saddle
was designed by a physician who has long been an enthusiastic wheelman.
IN GENERAL.
It is practically impossible to construct a bicycle saddle which will
meet the views and requirements of all riders. The style of riding
and the rider determine the pattern of saddle best suited to each
individual. Care should be taken in the adjustment and tilt of the
saddle. It will often be found that a slight change in the tilt will
render comfortable a saddle which has been the cause of much complaint.
For average riders and riding a nearly horizontal position is advised.
For racing and fast road riding, however, lower the nose of the saddle
in order that the weight of the rider may be thrown more on the pedals.
[Illustration: LA TULIP.]
To get perfect comfort the saddle must be properly adjusted. It all
depends on whether you want a seat or a saddle. A seat is to sit on.
A saddle is simply a support. If you put your weight all on your seat
you lose the power of your weight. It is harder work to go fast, but
perhaps it is easier for those who do not want to ride far and fast.
With a saddle it is best to tip up the cantle and put more weight on
the pedals. You can ride fast this way, but it involves more muscular
exertion. As a general rule ladies prefer the seat; gentlemen, the
saddle. The saddle must not be placed too far back or front, but well
toward the pedals, to give more weight to the stroke. As to height,
the right height is when the rider, sitting on the saddle and his foot
parallel with the ground, can just rest the heel on the pedal at its
lowest position. This leaves room for the necessary ankle play.
The rider of the bicycle must remember that not only are the legs
affected by riding, but the exercise benefits nearly every portion of
the human body. This seems at first to be rather odd, but at the same
time it is perfectly true, and has been proven by the best experiments.
The new rider, after taking a ten-mile jaunt, expects to feel tired in
the legs, and is considerably, not to say disagreeably, surprised to
find himself aching all over. Probably he has more discomfort in the
thighs than anywhere else, or maybe the ache is in the loins, back or
between the shoulder blades. A number of muscles in the arms, shoulders
and chest begin to ache, and he is quite unable to explain it. In
fact, the thought that his fatigue is due to the character of the
saddle of his wheel is probably the last thing to enter his mind. To
ride a bicycle and avoid the discomforts mentioned, you want a saddle
which conforms to the shape of the body and prevents pressure on the
sensitive parts.
As a rule, sufficient care is not taken in selecting a saddle suited to
the rider. Many people in purchasing a bicycle accept unquestioned the
saddle found on the cycle at the time of purchase without stopping to
determine whether or not it is adapted to their use. Some actual trial
of a saddle should be insisted upon, for a saddle that “fits anybody”
is really a saddle that fits nobody.
No saddle is perfect. The perfect saddle, as the public looks at it,
is the saddle that fits everybody. It will never be made, for “people
are different.” The true wisdom of saddle buying is to get one that
will fit you. Choose a saddle as you choose a pair of shoes. Wrong
shoes cause corns. So do wrong saddles. Saddle corns are decidedly
uncomfortable.
During the season of 1898 the rider will, more than ever before, be
allowed the privilege of stipulating the make of saddle he will have
furnished on the cycle he buys, because competition in the cycle trade
has reached such a stage that only cycles with exceptional advantages
in the way of equipment will sell easily. With the reduction in price
of bicycles has come a reduction in the price of saddles, so that at
present the difference in price between saddles of recognized merit and
inferior imitations is not so great as the difference in actual value.
SEAT POSTS.
Of seat posts little need be said. Such adjustability in height as
once existed was had by the slot in crank, the saddle position being
fixed. The rear-driver allows a large vertical adjustment, which is
still obtained by telescoping one tube into another. In this there is
no recent change save in the modes of fastening, which are more in the
direction of internal binders, nearly all working on the principle of
expanding one of the tubes to bind on the other by the use of a wedge.
Many of these devices are neat, convenient and invisible. A peculiarity
is the one on the Wolff-American, working by an external lever and
using an internal “thumb-latch,” which jams of itself when borne down
to the horizontal. The goose-neck spring stem, of the day when saddles
were borne high above the frame, has disappeared; but if the present
craze for short heads and extreme drop continues the tall rider will
be compelled to return gradually to this or some other device for
raising up, including the long draw-out of the stem which used to be
characteristic about six years ago.