CYCLOMETERS AND OTHER SUNDRIES.
[Illustration: TWENTIETH CENTURY CYCLOMETER.]
The cyclometers first in memory of the oldtimer were about two and a
half inches in diameter and one and three-quarter inches thick, and
were attached by a clamp to the axle of the wheel of the high bicycle,
where they turned with the wheel eccentrically, the clamp and not the
cyclometer being the centre of the circle traversed. The motive power
within was a short and heavy pendulum, which of course hung vertical
as the whole went around, the case (in effect) revolving while the
pendulum remained stationary, thus communicating motion to the hands on
the dial.
In one English make a single hand traversed the dial circle,
registering up to seventy miles only; another English pattern had
four small dials and hands like a gas meter, counting by tens, and
registering up to 10,000—whether of miles or of revolutions does not
clearly appear. These were all heavy, weighing two or three pounds,
and clumsy and costly as well. All had the disadvantage of requiring a
dismount for reading, but one pattern was carried in sight, at the top
of the fork, and was worked by a wire carried in two bearings on the
fork and actuated by a “striker” on a spoke, which hit little arms at
the bottom of the wire. The Victor of ten years ago, like the Butcher
of an earlier date, hung without revolving, motion being given by a
clamp in the centre which turned with the axle. The Butcher was listed
at $12; the Victor which had a separate trip dial for 100 miles, was
$10; the Victor spoke cyclometer of the same year, at $6, was carried
on the spoke and had a projecting arm which struck the fork or other
fixed part. The Lakin and the Brooks were also popular types.
[Illustration: VEEDER CYCLOMETER.]
The appearance of the Standard, in 1894, priced at $2, was the first
step toward the popular use of cyclometers, and its great success
brought in competing makes, at reduced prices and with a total registry
up to 10,000 miles. These were all dial or watch instruments, and
served well, but the search for novelty and lightening of even ounces
led to the barrel type with the figures of denomination showing side
by side after the manner of the old printing press counter, but with
the edges and not the sides of the wheels in sight. The United States,
introduced in 1894, had the field to itself in this type for a while,
but now the dial form has been almost entirely driven out by the tiny
barrel, and the makes of the latter may almost be reckoned by the
dozen; the most prominent are the Veeder, United States, Leader, New
Departure, Twentieth Century, New Era, Shepard, Burdick, Trump, Seth
Thomas and Standard. They hardly exceed a nickel in diameter; they are
dainty little trifles, yet strong and effective, and are such triumphs
of American ingenuity that there seems nothing left to be done in this
line. The usual registry is by miles in four places, up to 9,999,
with another place for tenths, yet the Shepard (which is peculiar in
using bevel-gears) also shows yards. The United States has a 100 mile
trip register, which can be set back to zero, and “carries” each
trip forward upon the separate total, making practically two distinct
cyclometers in one. The gears for the two meters are run by two pinions
solid on one shaft, and the shaft is moved by a worm, therefore while
each part of the meter registers independent of the other, both must
register exactly alike. They are finished in nickel and antique copper
for wheels from twenty to sixty inches in diameter, to register miles,
kilometers and Russian versts. The figures used are somewhat larger
than those used on other makes of cyclometers, and the clamp, which is
curved, throws the meter up and back, close to the fork, out of the
way, and protects it from injury.
The Twentieth Century cyclometer, made by the makers of the Twentieth
Century lamp, is also made to register miles and kilometers.
[Illustration: SHEPARD BEVEL GEAR CYCLOMETER.]
[Illustration: NEW DEPARTURE CYCLOMETER.]
The well-known Veeder cyclometer has been very much improved for ’98.
The figures are larger, occupying the entire length of the case,
and are close to the glass. It registers to 10,000 miles and then
repeats. The right-hand ring shows the decimals of the mile divided
into tenths. The mechanism of the cyclometer is the same as has been
used heretofore, and is a compound differential combination of gears,
which are without small parts and yet occupy small space. The clip
for attaching the cyclometer to the axle gives a maximum range of
adjustment. The spoke pin, which is exceedingly simple and neat, is
attached to the spoke by two substantial screws, and cannot be jarred
off. They also make a trip cyclometer, which is practically two
cyclometers alongside of each other and having two separate dials, the
whole construction being double, and is a decided novelty in cyclometer
construction.
[Illustration: STANDARD CYCLOMETER.]
The Shepard cyclometer, a new cyclometer manufactured by A. G.
Spalding & Bros., is made on an entirely new principle, it being
constructed with bevel-gears, an improvement which is at once
apparent, as there are no springs to get out of order. Another new
feature introduced is a detachable holder, by which the cyclometer
is instantly removed—a feature that will be appreciated by those who
have had their cyclometers broken on railroad trains, etc. The barrel
is eleven-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, and weighs but one and
a quarter ounces. Every part is made from hardened brass and bronze,
and nickel-plated, making it dust and rust proof. The Shepard will
run 10,000 miles, and requires no lubricant of any kind. The Shepard
cyclometer has been submitted to the most convincing tests by the
makers, and they are satisfied that it is one of the most perfect
cyclometers made.
The Burdick cyclometer is made by Edward Miller & Co., the makers of
the well-known Miller lamps. They claim that it is made on entirely new
principles, and that it contains less than one-quarter of the parts of
any other cyclometer on the market. The bar is turned out of solid rod
metal on a turret lathe. The figures are enamelled on silver-plated
cylinders. These figures are always in perfect alignment, and do not
change gradually as in some other cyclometers, but instantly. It
registers tenths of a mile in the red-lettered right hand cylinder;
the total registration is 10,000 miles. This cyclometer will register
forward only, and reversing the action of the wheel has no effect on
the figures. They claim that their six-tooth “star” wheel used in
connection with their patent striker will register infallibly, and
that in any cyclometer with eight teeth in the sprocket wheel there is
danger of constant false registration. The cyclometer is made to record
720 revolutions, based upon the number of revolutions that a 28-inch
wheel will make in a mile. The bracket is a novel and ingenious device,
and has a great range of adjustability.
[Illustration: LORD BELL.]
The Waterbury Watch Company make the Trump cyclometer. The arrangement
of the mechanism is entirely by gearing, and can only be changed by
revolving the wheel. It registers up to 10,000 miles, and then jumps
back to zero. Like some other makes of cyclometers, the tenths of a
mile are shown on the inner end in large figures. It registers backward
and forward, and no harm can result in turning it either way. The usual
finish is nickel plated, but they are also made with sterling silver
casings and gold casings; this latter in a satin-lined case makes a
handsome and unique gift. The spoke clip is an ingenious little device
consisting of a little roller which fastens to the spoke on the wheel,
and engages with the little “star” wheel of the cyclometer as the wheel
of the bicycle revolves. It is adjustable, and can be fastened at any
angle. The clip screw is large, so that an ordinary screw-driver will
fit it.
The Leader cyclometer, which is of the 10,000-mile type, has enamelled
registering wheels, doing away with paper. The mechanism is without
springs. It has red figures for the tenths of a mile. It is made in
three sizes, for 26, 28 and 30 inch wheels, to register miles, kilos
and versts. They have a new bracket this year, which is made of very
heavy stock, so that it cannot be broken with ordinary use. The whole
cyclometer is a very compact one, and weighs only 1¼ ounces.
The New Departure cyclometer is made of a special nickel silver metal,
which cannot rust or corrode. It has direct gearing; the figures are
large and bold. This cyclometer registers 10,000 miles and repeats,
showing the fraction of tenths of a mile.
[Illustration: TRUMP CYCLOMETER.]
The New Era is a new barrel-shape, 10,000-mile cyclometer, made by
the makers of the Standard. They have had a long experience in making
cyclometers, and therefore it can be confidently asserted that this
cyclometer will prove satisfactory. They continue, however, to make
the Standard Midget, and the No. 2 and No. 3 Standard, which are of
the open-face watch-dial style, differing only in size. They also make
what they call a Tachometer, or Speed Indicator, which weighs only 2½
ounces, and is attached to the front fork near the crown. A small wheel
bears against the rubber tire operating an open-face dial. It can be
swung either in or out of position while riding.
The Trenton cyclometer is of the open watch-face style. The dials are
of satin finished aluminum, and the case is of polished aluminum, which
is but one-third the weight of nickeled brass. The cyclometer can be
run either forward or backward, and the system of interlocking wheels
which carry the small registering dials which can be seen from the top,
prevents jumping or inaccurate registration. It registers 10,000 miles
and repeats. The weight is only one ounce.
[Illustration: BEVIN BELL.]
The Buffalo Meter Company also make a cyclometer of the barrel type,
and which does not differ in general details from the others in the
market.
The most interesting collection of cyclometers that was ever gathered
together was shown at the last cycle show in Chicago. Models were
shown of all the old types that have ever been used, showing the
evolution of cyclometer construction up to that time. This unique
collection was in charge of Mr. Bernard Schultz, the mechanical expert
of _Bearings_ of Chicago.
BELLS.
Custom and local ordinances have made the use of a bell a necessity,
and therefore bells have always been used by wheelmen since the early
days of the sport. All the well-known and popular makes of bells are
still largely used, and there are a number of new things on the market
this season, one of the most taking being a bell made by the Bristol
Bell Company, makers of the “Corbin” bells. This bell has a raised
emblem of the L. A. W. cast in the top part of the gong, which was an
extremely difficult thing to do in order to get an even thickness of
metal all through the surface of the gong. The bell has a beautiful
clear tone and is handsomely finished.
[Illustration: L. A. W. BELL.]
The Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company make a bell they call the “Tie
Bell,” which has either a single ring or a continuous ring at pleasure.
It is fitted with a band clamp adjustable to any size fork aid is
operated by pressing a spring lever attached to the handlebar, which in
turn pulls up a cord, which throws a small hard rubber disk against the
tread of the tire and places the bell in operation. They also make a
double stroke tandem bell, which they call the “Clear the Road Alarm.”
It has a large gong of from four to six inches in diameter, which is
attached to the rear forks, a string passing from there up and along
the main upper tube to the head, an arrangement being rigged on the end
of the seat post to carry the cord to the bell.
The Hardware Specialty Company of Newark make both a double stroke and
a rotary hammer bell, which are operated by pushing a button instead of
being operated in the usual way.
The B. & R. bell is also of the same type, using a push-button instead
of a lever. The advantages claimed for this type of bell are that
the rider is enabled to use the bell on either side of the handlebar
without reversing.
The Ericson Automatic Bicycle bell is attached to the front forks by a
clamp-bracket and operated by a friction pulley thrown in contact with
the tire of the front wheel and connected by a small lever on the left
side of the handlebar, which can be pressed by the forefinger without
moving the hand out of position. The lever is connected with the bell
by a short piece of cord.
[Illustration: THE “BELL-BRAKE.”]
The Saks Continuous Ringing Bell will ring continuously from ten to
fifteen minutes as desired. The bell is wound up by taking hold of the
top part of the bell and turning it to the right, and to ring the bell
a knob is pushed to the left, to silence the bell the knob is pushed to
the right.
The T. & K. Bell rings automatically, either continuously or a short
ring at the pleasure of the rider. The bell is attached to the front
fork and swings under the lower part, and therefore does not interfere
with coasters, brake, lamp bracket or cyclometer. It is operated by
pulling a cord which is attached to the handlebar and connected to the
bell and which throws a rotating disk in operation on the tire.
The Lord Bicycle Bell is attached to the right side of the front
fork directly above the tire. The bell has an aluminum rim or flange
underneath the gong, and has a thumb piece or lever attached in a
convenient position near the grip; a string is fastened to the lever
of the bell proper, which is passed through a sheave on the handle
bar stem and fastened to the thumb lever, making the string taut. The
sheave or pulley can be dispensed with entirely and a thumb piece
substituted for same if desired. It is operated by either pushing down
the thumb lever or pulling the string which forces the aluminum rim on
the tire, causing the bell to ring.
[Illustration: WIRE TOE CLIP.]
The making of this class of bells, i.e. to be rung by a rotating wheel
on the tire or rim, brings to mind the old type made by Hill & Tollman
of Worcester, Mass. and which was so long in use on the old ordinary,
so that this construction is really another instance of what has been
so often noted in this series—a reversion to old types and forms.
The Music Cycle Bell Co., furnish a set of bells for club use, the set
consisting of twelve bells accurately tuned. Only two bells are placed
on each wheel so that when six persons are riding together, or four
with eight bells are used, the riders can play the popular tunes as
they ride. While this, however, might not be appreciated on everyday
occasions, in a bicycle parade it would create a sensation.
The Columbia Cycle Bell is a continuous ringing bell, and the makers
say that “you just push the button and the bell does the rest.”
THE “BELL-BRAKE.”
A combination bell and brake called the “Bell-Brake” is made by the
Universal Trading Co. The Bell-Brake gives a continuous silvery ring
by the slight pressure of the thumb on the lever situated directly in
front of the rider where it can be used without either hand leaving
its hold on the handlebar. A slight pressure of the thumb pushes a
small aluminum wheel in contact with the tire, and the bell rings
continuously. The bell hammer is attached to the wheel by a steel rod,
and by pushing the lever down a little with the thumb, or very hard
with both thumbs the brake is applied. The sides of the brake-shoe
clasp the sides of the tire, where there is no wear, and the bell still
ringing is thereby pushed up with the aluminum friction wheel and the
steel rod and frame. The bell can be thrown out of action whenever
it is not needed by slightly pulling up the ring on chain-lift and
placing it over the hook. The bell remains silent until wanted again.
A strong steel lamp bracket near the head of the steering post where a
lamp can be carried, is provided by the bell-brake, the fulcrum of the
operating thumb-lever being extended for this purpose. A puncture guard
is also supplied with this bell and brake, forming the rear end of the
brake-shoe, about one-eighth of an inch from the tread of the tire, and
ready to scoop off any pieces of glass, tacks, nails, etc., that have
been picked up by it before they can be driven through the tire by the
pounding of many revolutions. The whole arrangement of bell, brake,
lamp bracket and puncture guard weighs but a trifle over a pound, and
can be attached to any ordinary bicycle.
TOE-CLIPS.
Toe-clips are more largely used than ever. Originally they were used
only by our racing men, and one of the most popular clips ever used was
one named after Zimmerman. It was simply a narrow band of spring steel
about one-quarter inch wide, bent to the required shape and bolted to
the pedal. The type is now somewhat extinct, the demand appearing to be
more for toe-clips that cover more of the surface of the foot.
A new design is one called the Roller. It has a small corrugated roller
fastened on the end of the clip, where it touches the shoe. This roller
permits the foot to be slid in and out readily.
One of the best of the new clips is called the “Pedal Balance
Toe-Clip.” When not in use the weight of the clip itself, without any
counterweight whatever, holds the pedal right side up and horizontally
ready to receive the foot, which when placed upon it presses down the
plunger, thereby raising the clip over the toe. The clip releases
itself and drops to position the moment the rider starts to remove his
feet. Another peculiarity about this clip is that they do not hang as
close to the ground as clips attached in the ordinary way. They can be
attached to any make of pedal.
Another type is called the “Can’t Slip.” This is of the broad style
of clip, but it has side extension extending down over the sides of
the upper and sole and prevents side-slipping off the pedal. The shoe,
however, is readily withdrawn backward on a dismount.
[Illustration: HOWARD TOE CLAMP.]
The Howard Adjustable Safety Toe-Clip fits all pedals, and as the cut
shows, it does not touch the upper of the shoe, as it only grasps
the sole of the shoe. To give the best satisfaction a pair should be
placed on each side of the pedal, so that they will balance each other
and catch the sole whichever side of the pedal is up. The advantages
claimed for this style of clip are that there is no pressure on the
toes or any other part of the foot, and that they will fit any size of
shoe, and hence can be used by women as well as by men.
Wire toe-clips are largely used, made of plain wire or spirally twisted
wire; the most popular wire clip is known as Thiem’s, of which a cut is
shown.
A new toe-clip shown is made in the form of a stirrup. The frame is
made of steel, the upper part being made of leather in the shape of a
stirrup, and is laced for adjustability.
The Quick Swivel Clip is one that is mechanically automatic, clearing
the way for the foot, and provides for a strong upward pull. In its
operation it makes no difference where the foot strikes the swivel as
either end fits the toe and will follow into position the instant the
foot is placed upon the pedal. The lifting strain is distributed along
the top of the foot and centres on the swivel pin.
LUGGAGE CARRIERS.
[Illustration: KALAMAZOO CARRIER.]
[Illustration: LAMSON CARRIER.]
The bicycle touring season will shortly open, when luggage, coats and
packages will have to be fastened in some way to the frame of the
bicycle. The luggage carriers made by C. H. Lamson of Portland, Me.,
have long been favorably known and largely used by wheelmen all over
the country. He still continues to make his detachable luggage carrier
of wire and leather straps, to be used on the handlebars, and which
are made in various sizes, not only to carry clothing, but to carry
cameras and books as well. The cuts give an excellent idea of their
construction. A demand, however, has existed for rear luggage carriers
for bicycles, and to meet this demand Lamson shows a new carrier. It is
made of leather and is so formed as to make the mud guard protect the
package, and also to save the frame of the bicycle from being chafed.
The straps are stout, thick and of good length, and the patent buckle
allows the quick removal of bundle or camera. He makes another form of
this style of wire and straps. This carrier makes a springy shelf which
makes an easy rest for the package. Two wire hooks spring against the
inner sides of the back stays just above the brace which is usually
placed above the wheel, and these wire hooks are held securely in place
by turning down a snap. Another form of rear luggage carrier is called
the Adams L. A. W. This is also made of leather and straps, and will
carry a good size package, and when not in use is scarcely noticeable.
Weber’s New Departure Luggage Carrier is a combination luggage carrier
and lamp bracket made of cold rolled steel, fitted with leather straps.
This carrier also affords a suitable grip for carrying a parcel in when
detached from the bicycle. It weighs, complete, about three ounces, and
can be rolled up and carried in the pocket or attached to the top bar
of the bicycle. The luggage is placed in the carrier and attached to
the bicycle by slipping it over the lamp bracket. The carrier may also
be attached to the seat post.
A wicker basket carrier is also shown, which will fit any handlebar,
being fastened thereto with straps, and this certainly ought to become
a popular one for carrying luncheons on small picnic runs.
For touring purposes a linenoid touring case, made by Crane Bros.,
of Westfield, Mass., is to be commended. It is made similar to an
extension case of tough waterproof material, and is seamless. It can be
removed from the frame in a moment, owing to patent buckles being used.
Their ordinary size will fit the frames of nearly all the well-known
bicycles in the market, but special sizes and finish are furnished as
desired. Linenoid, of which these cases are made, consists of pure
linen threads reduced to a pulp, chemically treated and moulded on
iron forms subjected to heat from great pressure, and then finished.
They also make a megaphone of this material, and which will carry the
voice from a half to two miles, the distance depending upon the size of
the instrument. They have a new idea in megaphones, one that is called
a double megaphone, which allows the person using the megaphone to hear
also without changing the position of the instrument. A supplementary
tube runs from the mouthpiece to the ear of the user, so that with this
double megaphone a conversation can be carried on with as much ease and
satisfaction as if the users were near together.
AUXILIARY SEATS.
[Illustration: FAIRY CHILD’S SEAT.]
The “Fairy” child’s seat is among the most widely used in this line
of attachments. The supporting frame is made from a single piece of
5/16 inch wire doubled and bent to hook over the handlebar, the lower
portion running down on either side of the head of the bicycle, and
secured to the head by means of a short strap and buckle, the lower
ends of the wires turning out to make foot rests for the child. The
upper part of the wire frame is bent in a manner to form a support for
a veneered seat board, and the seat board is provided with a light
wire rail running around the side and back, while a wood handle is run
through loops formed in the wire rail to secure the child in place, as
well as to provide handles for the child to take hold of.
This seat is extremely simple and neat, and will fit either a lady’s or
a gentleman’s bicycle. It is perfectly safe for babies or a child seven
years old. The seat being in the position it is over the handlebar, is
entirely out of the way of the rider, and the child sits so nearly over
the centre of the head that steering is scarcely affected at all.
PARCEL CARRIERS.
The Kalamazoo Parcel Carrier is made from 3/16 inch steel spring wire,
and has a linen net in the form of a bag for a receptacle to hold
parcels of all kinds. The size of the opening is 6×13 inches. It fits
nearly all handlebars. It is simply hooked around the bar and held down
by means of a light cord, which goes down under the upper tube of the
bicycle. This carrier weighs about 8 ounces, and will carry up to 15
pounds.
OTHER ACCESSORIES.
There are two frame protectors on the market which are very useful
when a drop bar is used to protect the frame from being marred by the
grips. The Straus protector consists of three separate rings of hard
rubber, which are split so as to allow them to be placed over the
frame, and they are usually used in a combination of colors, the rings
being furnished in red, white and blue. The Goodrich frame protector
is of one-piece construction, and has diamond-shape corrugations over
its surface; a steel spring imbedded in the rubber clamps the protector
tightly to the frame.
[Illustration: THE “IDEAL” PUMP.]
Young’s Rim Sprocket can be used in connection with any ordinary
sprocket to increase the gear without removing the sprocket from the
crank shaft. The rim fits snugly over the sprocket, being held in place
by four bolts and nuts, and the change can be made very readily. These
rims can be obtained to add from three to four teeth to any sprocket
having fourteen teeth and upward.
LUBRICANTS.
Chain and gear lubricants are perhaps not applied as frequently in
all instances as they should be, a fact due largely, no doubt, to the
disagreeableness of the task. Wheelmen have long wondered why makers of
chain lubricants have not hit upon some form of package less unpleasant
to handle than the old style stick-graphite package. The “Pacemaker”
is the latest improvement in this direction. It is a simple tube of
semi-liquid graphite, with a small but serviceable brush fitted into
the cap. Thus the lubricant, which is an excellent one, can be applied
in the most convenient possible form, without the necessity of smearing
one’s hands and clothing.
[Illustration: THE “PACEMAKER”—“THREE-IN-ONE.”]
“Pacemaker” is manufactured by G. W. Cole & Co., of New York, makers of
the well known “3 in 1” compound, which all cyclists in all countries
are familiar with.
A novelty in guard lacing for ladies’ bicycles shown is Shirley’s
patent guard lacing. They are made of knotted silk cord and are ready
to apply to any bicycle, and a sufficient quantity of extra lacing is
furnished to lace the chain guard. A nickel-plated eye is furnished to
attach to the rear axle and black enamelled wire hooks fasten the ends
to the wire guard. This style of guard is very much superior to the
ordinary lacing used, and is of the type used so largely during the
past season by the makers of the Wolff-American cycles.
The Columbia Retro-Opticon shows cyclists what may be coming behind
them. It is used on the handlebar just in front of the left hand
grip. They can be set in any position. A glance at the surface of the
instrument shows a complete picture in miniature of everything behind
the rider.
FOOT PUMPS.
The old style hand pump is now but little used excepting in cases of
emergency, the more powerful foot pump having been substituted in the
bicycle rooms of most cyclists. These are largely of the type shown in
the accompanying illustration of the “Ideal” pump, manufactured by the
Manhattan Brass Company. The cylinder is large, with a double washer
attached to the plunger. There is practically nothing to get out of
order, and it requires but a few discharges from the pump to fill a
tire solidly.
AN AUTOMATIC PUMP.
A device that promises to save wheelmen much time and trouble is an
automatic pump, operated upon the penny-in-the-slot principle. It is
intended by the company controlling the patents and manufacturing the
pump to place them at convenient points along the city and suburban
routes for cyclists, for use by any wheelman who has the price of
service—one cent. The machine is of sturdy construction, built to stand
rough usage and rough weather. The dropping of a penny in the receiving
slot releases a lever, one complete swing of which pumps the tire hard
if the rider wishes it so, or a partial swing will give such pressure
as is desired.
[Illustration]