Vol 9, No 25
Cite this issue
Citation
The Bicycling World 9, no. 25 (1884). cyclearchive.com, https://cyclearchive.com/magazines/the-bicycling-world/vol9-25/
Page numbers are pages of the PDF, which can differ from the numbers printed on the page.
Articles in this issue
- Wide-ranging editorial covering George Hendee's new American quarter-mile record, the reappearance of an old two-wheeled velocipede on Boston streets, the Facile's new 24-hour distance record of 266.5 miles, the growing normalcy of ladies on tricycles, the Jenkins controversy, and English riders' misidentification of tandem tricycle races at Springfield.
- H.B. Smith Machine Co. of Smithville, New Jersey, writes to confirm they have complete plans and full-size experimental models of a Star bicycle driven by elliptical rotary foot motion (adjustable in size and angle) instead of the standard lever system, and that the inventor will bring it to market at a propitious time.
- President Bates of Detroit describes how his wife's dress was twice caught in the pedal-shaft chain gear of their tricycle, tearing fabric and distorting the wire guard; he replaced it with a home-made sheet-brass shield extended below the gear wheel and enamelled black, entirely preventing further entanglement at a cost of about $1.00.
- W.V. Gilman raises eight pointed questions for the ex-corresponding secretary of the L.A.W. about unexplained discrepancies in office expenses, postage charges, and the Wheel newspaper contract during the previous League year, inviting public scrutiny of the accounts.
- Fre. Swain of Indianapolis confirms the practice of cutting two inches from the front of a Victor saddle and lacing it to remove slack, which he has used for nearly a year, and adds a tip on jerking the front wheel over narrow stone gutters to avoid the double thud.
- 'Eph' of the St. Louis Ramblers responds to a Peoria correspondent's jibes by issuing an open challenge: any cyclist from any city who can follow a squad of Ramblers up 'Corey Hill' (1,100 feet, a fair sample of St. Louis grades) will have railroad fare, hotel bills, and a medal paid for by the club.
- George D. Gideon explains why he sent a race-board notification telegram to Jenkins rather than directly to contestant Badeau, Jenkins was the most likely person to be on the grounds, and warns the new N.A.A.A.A. chairman that League business should not be subordinated to the interests of the N.A.
- 'Royal Mail' of Boston humorously suggests that the proof reader should have toned down Jenkins's abusive language in his published letter to H.S. Kidder, offering gentler substitute phrases, then adds a practical note opposing the campaign to force the Boston and Albany Railroad to carry tricycles in baggage cars.
- Guidance for cyclists completing their first road season, covering correct wheel size selection relative to leg length, seat position and posture, the progression from one-handed riding to hands-off balance, coasting technique, back-pedal braking, and basic machine care, concluding that six months of careful practice should give full control.
- Mr. Adams on a Facile bicycle covered 266.5 miles in 24 hours on 3 October, setting a new long-distance record for the bicycle; Mr. Oxborrow started with him and covered 234 miles before retiring.
- An English correspondent reports that a couple arrived at a Lincolnshire seaside church on a tandem tricycle in cycling dress, were married, and rode away; the story prompts a suggestion that bridesmaids and groomsmen might attend in the same style, reprinted from the Sheffield Independent.
- Six members of the Cambridge Bicycle Club completed a 101–102 mile century on Sunday, riding to Salem and back twice plus a leg to Wellesley, in 9h 55m of actual riding time, with Fred W. Haarty first home at 6.30 p.m.
- The Buffalo Bicycle Club's history from its founding on Washington's Birthday 1879 with three charter members to its current eighty members: four annual tournaments, a winter entertainment with Canary and Pressey, a drill corps, and a notably active touring year in 1884 with riders at Springfield, Toronto, Washington, and the Kennebec tour.
- Miscellaneous notes including the Ixion Club's election-day road race to Yonkers, a Chelsea tricycle run with three lady riders and two clergymen, the Bangor tournament and Pine Tree Wheel Club room dedication, E.H. Corson's solo ascent of Corey Hill, and a fatal bicycle-pedestrian accident on Dorchester Avenue.
- Technical discussion of hollow-rim and spoke construction in high-wheel bicycles, examining how hollow rims distribute spoke tension, the advantages of tangent spokes crossing twice, and the trade-offs between weight saving and structural rigidity on road machines.
- Race results from the week of 24 October 1884, including results from the Franklin Park meeting in Lynn and other late-season events across New England.
- Club news including the Boston Ramblers' absence from Reservoir gatherings since their disbandment, the Boston Club's 'Alleged Minstrels' reunion, and plans for a ladies' night and Thanksgiving closing run.
- Cyclists' Touring Club American Division news, including the danger-sign fund (reached $12) and a note that none of the League's past financial rescuers appear among the contributors.
- Brief editorial responses to letter writers, explaining why certain correspondence has been held or declined and noting the editor's policy on contested topics.