A NEW BICYCLE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2046, 14 September 1880, Page 3

A NEW BICYCLE.

The days of giants and pigmies, considered phyeically, are past (says the ''European Mail.") Height is no longer measured by inches and feet. Regarded from an intellectual standpoint, '• the mind is tho Btature of the man ; " but this, alas, is by no means the gauge that the world appließ in its broad and sweeping estimate of mankind. Not long since a man of low stature said to a friend of his in our hearing, " Were I to stand upon my money I should be bb tall as you," and he was right, for society would judge him a veritable giant if the pile were only big enough. The legend of the Seven-Leagued Boots should be re-clothed in modern dress; its ancient suit is no longer an habiliment —it is a disguise. Entitle the Btory " Tho Whirligigs of Coventry," and everyone will understand. Though, like many another improvement of the present over the past, the magio power of locomotion is no longer the gift or possession of an individual, but is, speaking within bounds, the common heritage of the race ; tho right to possess knowing no other law than tho ability to buy. Given the possession of a certain Bum, and the holder is in a position to acquire a docile yet powerful slave, in the shape of a bicycle, whose powers of locomotion may vie with those of Hassan's carpet. Fortunately for the travelling public, the number of pedometer maohino makers is by no means few—fortunately because competition means not only a reduction in prices, but also the introduction of improvements such aa experience and the anxiety to catch the public demands may suggest. A striking illustration of this fact is shown in the new form of bicycle reoantly brought into the market by the well-known firm of SiDger and Co. In the " Xtraordinary Challenge " bicycle the makers have suocesded in accomplishing what had hitherto been considered impossible, namely, the construction of a machine having a great " rake " of fork, yet capable of being steered as usual. The difficulties that the patentees have had to contend against in the accomplishment of the task they set themselves—to seoure greator Bafety to the rider—have arisen chiefly in connection with the fact that the more upright the fork of a bicycle- was made the better it could be steorod, while the power requirod to drive it was consequently less, especially up-hill; and that if a " rake" of 3in. or more were used in order to increase its safety, the steering was very much harder and the bicycle became heavy to drive. By means, however, of a long Berios of experiments it was discovered that by sotting the fork so that if a line were produced through the steering centres it would pass not through the bearing but to the poiat at which the wheel touched the ground, the bicycle could be steered as usual, even though a "rake" of 12in. or more were given to the fork. The advantages accruing from thia arrangement are both numerous and important. In the first place, the safety of the rider is very greatly increased, ease in mounting and dismounting, as well aa ease iu propulsion being accompanying merits. Further, it may be noted that great brake power is secured by the alteration of design, inasmuch as a front-wheel brake can be used with impunity. Perhaps, however, the chief recommendation of the " 'Xtraordinary Challenge " is the ease with which the machine will go over obstacles of considerable size on a rough road. The weight of the rider not coming vertically over the part of the wheel touching tho ground, tho wheel gradually surmounts any impediments that may be in the way before tho weight of the rider has como fairly upon them. Those of our readers who have gone through the experiences of a spill, through no fault of their own or the machine, will greatly appreciate the movement attained in this direction. Messrs Singer and Co. are also the makers of a large varioty of roadsters and racers, machines for youths, tricycles, and every variety of fitting connected with this branch of industry. Among the better known of their specialties the "Royal Challenge," the "Special Challenge," and "D.H.F. Challenge" occupy a prominent position. The London depot of Messrs Singer and Co. is at 21, Holborn Viaduct, while the provinces are served by branches at 57, Bold street, Liverpool, and 15, Park row, Leeds.