The Modern Bicycle and Its Accessories

By Alex. Schwalbach and Julius Wilcox189817 chapters232 images

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Contents

• Evolution of the Bicycle, 1816 to 1899 (opens in a new tab)

  Surveys bicycle development from the 1816 draisine through the safety bicycle's 1898 refinements in quality and chainless designs.
• The Chainless Wheel (opens in a new tab)

  Describes the various bevel-gear and shaft-drive chainless bicycles introduced by American and European makers for 1898.
• Chainless vs. Chain (opens in a new tab)

  Compares the mechanical advantages and commercial prospects of chainless drive against the established chain-driven safety.
• Frame and Fork Construction (opens in a new tab)

  Examines diamond and drop frame designs, flush joints, fork crowns, and the adoption of sheet-steel stamped parts.
• Chain Protection (opens in a new tab)

  Reviews the gear case as an English-origin device improved by American makers to protect chains from dirt and wear.
• The Chain and Its Functions (opens in a new tab)

  Explains chain evolution, roller designs, friction causes, and the practical care needed to maintain reliable chain drive.
• Hubs, Spokes and Rims (opens in a new tab)

  Describes suspension wheel construction, hub designs, spoke types, and the competition between wood and steel rims.
• Evolution of the Tire (opens in a new tab)

  Traces tire development from solid to cushion to inner-tube pneumatics, with repair methods and practical rider hints.
• The Bearings (opens in a new tab)

  Analyses bearing designs, ball manufacture, cup-and-cone adjustment, lubrication, and dust exclusion methods of 1898.
• Cranks, Pedals and Axles (opens in a new tab)

  Reviews crank geometry, gear ratios, pedal evolution from rat-trap to swinging designs, and divided-axle construction.
• The Saddle (opens in a new tab)

  Surveys saddle designs from rigid leather to spring-mounted models, assessing comfort, spring use, and seat posts.
• Handlebars, Grips and Brakes (opens in a new tab)

  Compares handlebar shapes, rubber and cork grip materials, and front versus rear brake mechanisms in use for 1898.
• Lamps and Lamp Brackets (opens in a new tab)

  Reviews kerosene oil lamps, electric lamps, and the new acetylene carbide lamps, with bracket mounting methods.
• Cyclometers and Other Sundries (opens in a new tab)

  Catalogues cyclometer dial and barrel types, contact bells, toe clips, luggage carriers, pumps, and rider accessories.
• Freaks and Useless Devices (opens in a new tab)

  Mocks perpetual-motion schemes, drop-frame crazes, and various futile patented inventions cluttering the cycle trade.
• Tandems and Multicycles (opens in a new tab)

  Describes the growing tandem market, multiple-rider multicycles, tricycles, and juvenile tandem designs.
• Motor Vehicles (opens in a new tab)

  Surveys motorised bicycles, tricycles, electric vehicles, and gas-motor carriages as emerging competitors to the pedal cycle.