The Wheel: Journal of Bicycling, Vol 3, No 13
Articles in this issue
- Short editorial notes covering the illness of S. S. McClure (managing editor of the Wheelman), a Chicago race between Brown and Conkling on 60-inch wheels, an anticipated Columbia tricycle, and praise for League Treasurer Gilman of Nashua's active promotion of the L.A.W.
- A biographical profile of Dr. N. M. Beckwith of the Citizens' Bicycle Club, New York, tracing his Seventh Regiment tug-of-war background, his late start in cycling on a 60-inch Columbia (awaiting a 63), and his role co-founding the Citizens' Club with Elliott Mason and others in June 1882.
- Two letters: a Rutland, Vt. reader ("Nick L.") discusses nickel-plating chemistry, porous copper undercoats, and proposes adjustable cone bearings to equalise wear; a Washington, D.C. correspondent ("C.") recounts visiting the Capital Bicycle Club and riding the city's paved streets on a borrowed 48-inch Expert.
- A witty column of rhetorical questions on New York cycling society, touching on rivalries between the Citizens', Lenox, Ixions, and Pequonnock clubs, racing personalities such as Pitman, and a proposed delegation to petition the Park Commissioners to open park roads to cyclists.
- The Christmas editorial reviews the six leading American bicycles alphabetically—American Club, Expert Columbia, Harvard, Sanspareil, American Star, and Yale—noting improvements planned for 1883, before saluting The Wheel's own growth to 52 weekly issues.
- A brief note commends the Archery and Tennis News as it enters its second volume under editors James W. Auten Jr. and A. B. Starey, noting it has adopted The Wheel's size and format.
- A column of racing and club intelligence reporting that Prince beat Frye by a yard in their match race, and noting the Aeolus Club of Worcester's 179-mile 24-hour record, the ten clubs that covered over 100 miles in 24 hours in autumn 1882, and the New Hampshire L.A.W. division doubling its membership.
- Reprinted from the Bicycling World, a review of W. D. Wilmot's trick-riding exhibition at the Olympian Skating Club rooms in the Mechanic Association Building, where his one-pedal riding, standstills and three-machine finale earned a $25 gold medal.
- A reader signed "Buckeye" narrates progressing from failing on a 30-inch Bone Shaker in 1876 to riding a 56-inch wheel with ease, arguing that most beginners choose wheels too small and that leg reach grows with experience.
- Official B.T.C. notices listing new members A. D. Wheeler (New York), F. C. Stokes (Moorestown, N.J.) and J. C. Speirs (Worcester, Mass.), with a reminder that applications from this date cover membership for the 1883 season.
- Official League notices giving the Board of Officers and standing committees and a long roll of membership applications from the Citizens', Chicago, New Haven, Pequonnock and other clubs, plus unattached members.