The most interesting collection of cyclometers that was ever gathered together was shown at the last cycle show in Chicago. Models were shown of all the old types that have ever been used, showing the evolution of cyclometer construction up to that time. This unique collection was in charge of Mr. Bernard Schultz, the mechanical expert of Bearings of Chicago.
BELLS.
Custom and local ordinances have made the use of a bell a necessity, and therefore bells have always been used by wheelmen since the early days of the sport. All the well-known and popular makes of bells are still largely used, and there are a number of new things on the market this season, one of the most taking being a bell made by the Bristol Bell Company, makers of the “Corbin” bells. This bell has a raised emblem of the L. A. W. cast in the top part of the gong, which was an extremely difficult thing to do in order to get an even thickness of metal all through the surface of the gong. The bell has a beautiful clear tone and is handsomely finished.
L. A. W. BELL.
The Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company make a bell they call the “Tie Bell,” which has either a single ring or a continuous ring at pleasure. It is fitted with a band clamp adjustable to any size fork aid is operated by pressing a spring lever attached to the handlebar, which in turn pulls up a cord, which throws a small hard rubber disk against the tread of the tire and places the bell in operation. They also make a double stroke tandem bell, which they call the “Clear the Road Alarm.” It has a large gong of from four to six inches in diameter, which is attached to the rear forks, a string passing from there up and along the main upper tube to the head, an arrangement being rigged on the end of the seat post to carry the cord to the bell.
The Hardware Specialty Company of Newark make both a double stroke and a rotary hammer bell, which are operated by pushing a button instead of being operated in the usual way.
The B. & R. bell is also of the same type, using a push-button instead of a lever. The advantages claimed for this type of bell are that the rider is enabled to use the bell on either side of the handlebar without reversing.
The Ericson Automatic Bicycle bell is attached to the front forks by a clamp-bracket and operated by a friction pulley thrown in contact with the tire of the front wheel and connected by a small lever on the left side of the handlebar, which can be pressed by the forefinger without moving the hand out of position. The lever is connected with the bell by a short piece of cord.