Author: Bernhart Paul Holst

Publisher: Rarebooksclub.com

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 512

ISBN-13: 9781230089867

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 edition. Excerpt: ...position. In 1869 a bicycle was manufactured in Europe known as the bone-shaker, which consisted of a wood and iron frame, and later rubber tires and steel frames were added. The bicycles made in 1880 weighed about fifty pounds and were highwheeled machines with rubber tires. The manufacture of high-grade bicycles dates from about 189-5, when machines having a weight of twenty pounds were introduced. This pattem is now in general use. It is provided with pneumatic tires, tubular steel frames, ball bearings, and endless chains, and some patterns have chainless appliances. The pneumatic tire is made of several thicknesses of canvas enforced by vulcanized rubber, and contains an endless air-tight rubber tube. It is held to a steel or wooden rim. By means of ball bearings friction is greatly reduced, and tubular frames aid in the reduction of weight. The modern safely biryrle is a popular invention and serves a variety of useful purposes. The most recent improvement is the addition of an electric storage battery, or a gas engine, by which the rider is aided in the use of the machine. The dithculty of riding against a strong current of wind or up grades is thus overcome, and facilities are provided to enable making greater speed at less exertion of the body. This machine in its various forms is popular and has displaced the use of the horse to a certain extent as a business conveyance. It is called a motor bicycle BIDDEFORD (bid'de-ferd), a city of York County, Maine, on the Saco River, fifteen miles southwest of Portland. It is on the Bostoi. BIDDLE and Maine Railroad. The city has excellent street railway service, fine schools, gas and electric lighting, and other modern conveniences. Its public high school is one of the finest in...