CHAPTER XIV.

CYCLOMETERS AND OTHER SUNDRIES.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.