The Bicycling World, Vol 12, No 4
Articles in this issue
- Overman Wheel Company opens the new volume with a statement that the Victor is an easier hill climber, faster coaster, stronger for its weight, and costlier to build than any other machine, and is most ridden by experienced riders.
- Short classified listings from Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and New York covering saddle accessories, tire heaters, polo goods, and Facile enamel products.
- J.A.R. Underwood lists the Quadrant tricycle's achievements including climbing Corey Hill faster than any rival machine and setting the fifty-mile road record in four hours twenty-seven minutes.
- Llewellyn H. Johnson promotes the Humber Tandem at 98 pounds and Automatic Steerer at 62 pounds as the finest machines available for winter and early spring use.
- H.B. Smith Machine Co. promotes the American Star as a safe practical roadster free from headers and dangerous falls, with a reformed crank rider's testimonial praising its strength and economy.
- Gormully and Jeffery publish the American Challenge, Safety, and Ideal bicycle price lists for the new season, covering 38 to 60 inch sizes.
- The Bicycling World office lists cycling books available for purchase including Club Songs, tricycle health guide, training manual, and Bicycling News, many by mail for under fifty cents.
- W.W. Stall at Odd Fellows' Hall on Tremont Street advertises new and second-hand machines of all kinds for sale, exchange, or hire, with riding tuition and specialised repair services.
- The lead editorial examines Percy Furnivall's amateur status and the broader English debate over makers' amateurs, arguing that the distinction between manufacturer-subsidised riders and genuine amateurs is practically unenforceable, and that the NCU's proposed reforms are unlikely to succeed.
- Reader letters on the merits of different wheel sizes, the class racing system versus scratch racing, handicapping methods, and the Connecticut Bicycle Club's views on cycling law, contributed by L.W. Seely, Kennedy Child, and others.
- A commentary on Reuben Chambers, the English amateur racer who visited America for the fall tournaments, examining his record performances and the speculation surrounding his amateur standing under English cycling rules.
- The editor's miscellany column covering J.S. Dean's correspondence, notes on the cycling season, and brief items of news and commentary from the American and English cycling press.
- Daisie's column reflects on winter cycling possibilities, the pleasures of outdoor riding in cold weather compared to indoor diversions, and encouragement for women riders to continue through the colder months.
- Reports from New Jersey cyclists on road conditions, local club activities in various towns, and notes from Minneapolis on regional cycling developments during the late autumn season.
- President Bates predicts that a bicycle mile will be ridden in two minutes within the next few years, reviewing the recent record reductions by Rowe and Howell and the mechanical improvements that make such speed plausible.
- A listing of recently issued U.S. patents relating to bicycles and tricycles, covering improvements to steering heads, saddle attachments, propulsion mechanisms, and wheel construction.
- Results and reports from bicycle races held across the United States in late November 1885, including club events, handicap races, and road riding competitions.
- Reports from bicycle clubs across America on their meetings, elections, social events, and winter riding plans, with notes on club membership and league affairs.