CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12546, 13 April 1904, Page 7

CYCLING.

A five speed hub is amongst the latest inventions in tho variable gear lino. _It ia entirely self-contained, and the hub is not any wider than usual, and less than Sin in diameter. On the normal gear all the extra working parts are entirely out of action. Approximately the ratios are as follows; — First or lower speed to second, 25 per cent.; second to third (the normal gear), 20 per cent.; third to fourth, 20 per cent.: fourth to fifth, 20 per cent. This means that with a normal gear of 81 in tho variable gears are 54, 67|, 81, 97, and 121 in. An ordinary freewheel can be screwed on to the huh jiwt the sama us for the usual single speed hub. The invention is not as yet on tho market (says " Fortis" in the Australasian), but is in its experimental stages. Many hundreds of miles have been traversed by the testers, and, with the exception of a replacement of non-essential parts, so far as the patent itself is concerned the device is behaving very satisfactorily. ,

FREE-WHEELING AND ITS EFFECTS. A short time ago there was considerable discussion in the English cycle papers in regard to tho effects of frfte-wheeling upon those who practised it, when it was stated that it induced laziness and rendered tie progress of tho rider slower (says "Fortis"). This was combated strenuously by many, who stated that there was no difference in their speed excepting an improvement, and instead of becoming indolent tho added variety which coasting afforded had given the exorcise another pleasurable feature, which is fully appreciated by those who cycle consistently. It was said that a rider on adopting tho freewheel allowed himself to coast down ovary slope, however gentle, and which certainly reduced the average pace. It may be granted that for the first few weeks the novelty of the free-wheel induced the user to make u display of it on every occasion. This was but natural, and it was probably the sight of new hands coasting on hills which barely followed the machine to run of fits own accord that led many to think the device had a slowing effect, as well as an influence on the user, which deterred him from riding as much as ho otherwise would. Time* out of number I have noticed that after the first month, or six weeks at the outside, the dovclty had worn off. and free-wheeling was not indulged in unduly. It was a part and parcel of the machine, and used when occasion demanded it, much in tho same way as a brake or bell. Personally, I have found the free wheel advantageous in every way. Thorn is no question but that the variety it affords is fully appreciated. In hofc weather it allows the rider to maintain a more comfortable temperature, yet, again, it the air 13 chilly, one may continue pedalling, and generate the necessary warmth to combat it. The best eifeet of the coaster device on cycling is that it has rendered tho wheel infinitely safer, since the user of this adjunct must of a necessity have reliable brake power. The introduction of tho free-wheel caused an immense amount of attention to be paid to brakes of every description. In Hits connection I have found tho coaster to bo helpful. With a knowledge that the machine was tinder full control, and could be brought to a standstill in a comparatively short distance, I have, and do as a rule, take hills at a much faster pace than before. In long journeys the roaster is distinctly restful; it enables one to tackle the upgrades in a better condition, and if coupled with a two-speed geara freewheel at, high gear and a fixed wheel at lowthe rider has a splendid variety, which makes for greater pleasure with less exertion.