Cycling Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 13, Issue 19, 5 August 1905, Page 11

Cycling Notes.

The Dunlop Road Race from Timaru to Christchurch is so arranged that the competitor who establishes the fastest time and who will go to Australia as the New Zealand representative, will have the opportunity of competing in the Goulburn-Sydney Race, for which prizes to the value of £125 are offered, the 25 Mile Road Championship of Victoria, and Warr-nambool-Melbourne Road Race, the prize-list of which amounts to £165. -JZ. M* ’ ww w An important decision was recently given by a French judge in a motoring case. A dog owner brought an action against a motorist who had run over his dog and killed it. In dismissing the case, the judge laid it down that owners of dogs are responsible for their behaviour while on the public highway, and that the animal should be prevented from straying. If a dog is allowed to wander away from bis owner, continued the learned judge, he must take the consequences of an accident. & # A feeling of dissatisfaction and distrust has taken place in English cycling circles againsgt the supply of abnormally cheap machines, the buying public having turned from the seven and eight guinea machines to good grade cycles selling from twelve guineas upwards. As predicted when the great price-catting crusade took place amongst the English cycle manufacturers last sesson, the public has had enough of the cheap price and cheap grade cycle. The main body of cyclists know, or should know, that a cheap grade cycle does not run so well or last as long as a reasonable priced article. Again, the cyclist is perfectly aware that he stakes his life on the stability of his machine. It is therefore pleasing to learn that the tendency in England—the hub of the world’s cycle industry —is to manufacture and cater for the public with higher grade cycles than were made last season. Already one of the leading cycle firms in England has announced a rise in prices, with a corresponding improvement in quality and workmanship, and the probability is that other leading firms will follow suit. It is indeed significant that cyclists are at last becoming seized of the fact that two or three pounds extra spent on a cycle means all the difference between comfort and discomfort, safety and danger, good tyres and bad tyres. Colonial cyclists should take note, for whilst a poor grade machine may give fair service on perfect English roads, there is tar less chance of their giving satisfaction in the colonies. Like everything else, a good article at a fair price gives the best result.