The Modern Bicycle and Its Accessories

Surveys bicycle development from the 1816 draisine through the safety bicycle's 1898 refinements in quality and chainless designs.

Describes the various bevel-gear and shaft-drive chainless bicycles introduced by American and European makers for 1898.

Compares the mechanical advantages and commercial prospects of chainless drive against the established chain-driven safety.

Examines diamond and drop frame designs, flush joints, fork crowns, and the adoption of sheet-steel stamped parts.

Reviews the gear case as an English-origin device improved by American makers to protect chains from dirt and wear.

Explains chain evolution, roller designs, friction causes, and the practical care needed to maintain reliable chain drive.

Describes suspension wheel construction, hub designs, spoke types, and the competition between wood and steel rims.

Traces tire development from solid to cushion to inner-tube pneumatics, with repair methods and practical rider hints.

Analyses bearing designs, ball manufacture, cup-and-cone adjustment, lubrication, and dust exclusion methods of 1898.

Reviews crank geometry, gear ratios, pedal evolution from rat-trap to swinging designs, and divided-axle construction.

Surveys saddle designs from rigid leather to spring-mounted models, assessing comfort, spring use, and seat posts.

Compares handlebar shapes, rubber and cork grip materials, and front versus rear brake mechanisms in use for 1898.

Reviews kerosene oil lamps, electric lamps, and the new acetylene carbide lamps, with bracket mounting methods.

Catalogues cyclometer dial and barrel types, contact bells, toe clips, luggage carriers, pumps, and rider accessories.

Mocks perpetual-motion schemes, drop-frame crazes, and various futile patented inventions cluttering the cycle trade.

Describes the growing tandem market, multiple-rider multicycles, tricycles, and juvenile tandem designs.

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