Attempts are often made to avoid injury to the tire by covering the brake-shoe with rubber, or by using a roller instead, the intent being that the tire shall turn the roller without any sliding friction, while the operative resistance shall be in the roller itself. In a good degree these modes of saving the tire are or may be effective; yet wear on the tire cannot be wholly avoided.
AUTOMATIC REAR HUB BRAKES.
The old hand brake, common on the tricycle, was even used on the rear-driving bicycle, the [Columbia] and New Mail having once been made with it. The latest type, however, is the “automatic,” placed on the hub of the driving wheel, and put into action by back-pedalling. Of this type are the Doolittle, the [New Departure], the [Willits], and others. In back-pedalling, the sprockets and chain never actually run backward, but the forward movement is resisted, and thus there is a “tendency” for them to move a little more slowly than the wheel. This tendency is employed in this type of brake, and the principle is that the rear sprocket, being so mounted as to allow a very slight backward slip with relation to its axle (which is what occurs as soon as attempt is made to stop the sprocket by backing on the pedal) slips just enough to put the brake “on,” the friction being between either a cam disk or a split ring and a brake shoe which is held immovable by the frame. The first attempt to back-pedal sets the brake, its pressure depending on the force applied to the pedal. The brake remains set of itself until pressure forward comes on the pedal again, when it automatically releases. Under proper operation, as intended, the rider is hardly aware of this brake, noticing only that his back-pedalling is very effective.
THE SPENCER BRAKES.
The Spencer Brake Co. has two brakes on the market, the Spencer Concealed “Plunger” Brake and the Spencer “Coil” Brake. Both of these are worked from the handlebar by twisting the right grip; this draws on a small chain, which in the “Plunger” connects with mechanism acting on the front tire by means of a spoon, which forms a special feature of the brake, and in the “Coil” acts directly on the crank axle. The “Plunger” has been more in demand, and to meet the popular taste is the one now chiefly manufactured. It is practically invisible, the only noticeable features being a small button protruding slightly from the right grip and the spoon appearing under the fork crown. All the brake mechanism is contained in the handlebar and head post. The brake can be put on lightly or hard, as desired, and will remain exactly as put, so that the claim made for it—“the control of the wheel”—is well sustained. This brake is ingenious, really mechanical and excellent in every way. The brake spoon, which is also covered by patents, deserves special mention. Its contact with the tire is made with rubber blocks, one on each side of the under surface of the spoon. These blocks bear on the tire at the side of the tread, and not on the centre of it, so that not only is there no danger of a puncture from the brake itself, but if the tire should be otherwise punctured the brake is still efficient. Wear on the tire also is thus reduced to a minimum. The rubber blocks can be readily detached with the fingers and renewed. On the whole, this brake is steadily gaining in popular favor, and has made for itself many friends.
CHAPTER XIII.
LAMPS AND LAMP BRACKETS.
“Mehr Licht,” Goethe’s last words, seem to express the unfilled want of the touring wheelmen at night, but this want bids fair to be fulfilled at last. Some differences of opinion have existed as to the advisability of the wheelman carrying a light at night, and the necessity for local ordinances in regard thereto, but undoubtedly it is well that such a noiseless vehicle as the bicycle should carry a light, not only so that it can be seen, but that the bicyclist can see what he is approaching. The time, we hope, is soon coming when the cry of “universal lights” will come into favor and all classes of vehicles will be compelled to carry a light from sunset to sunrise, when in use.