Pioneer Bicycle Works.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7208, 6 July 1891, Page 4

Pioneer Bicycle Works.

MESSRS KENT AND CO.'S ESTABLISHMENT. Messrs Kent and Co. have now entered into possession of their new premises in Bedford row, which are excellently suited for carrying on an extensive manufacturing trade. The buildings are those till recently occupied by Messrs Sawtell and Co., and are close to the offices of tbe Union Steamship Company. Having a large floor space, there is ample room for the various appliances used in making bicycles, such as drilling and enamelling machines, lathes, gas engine and other necessary machinery, and there is also ample room for a display of the many sorts of bicycles that are made. There are also a large storeroom and office. Of the numerous kinds of bicycle that have been offered to tbe public, those made by Messrs Kent and Co. appear to have special claims to attention, and the "Whippet Rover" is now quite as popular in Canterbury as any machine of local manufacture. All cyclists know that the greatest inconvenience, and that which interferes most with the pleasure of bicycle riding, in the vibration of the machine. The Whippet spring-frame machine is free from this defect. It has a rigid frame which connects the wheels, but the portion of the frame which carries the saddle, handle ba.r a.nd crank a*le is separate from the main frame. The frame which entries the fidof is supported by a stout, helical spring, and is free to travel vertically, thus allowing the wheels to rise and fall over the inequalities of the road without imparting any vibration to the seat occupied by 'the rider. Nothing of utility is sacrificed in this gain of comfort ; there is no Ibss of power, and, therefore, no loss of speed. On the contrary, it is claimed that while the Whippet will go as fast along Bmooth reads aa other inakes of bicycles, on rough ones it will go much faster, and there is no necessity for tbe rider to pick and choose his road. -The« machines turned out by Messrs Kent and Co. appear to be in every way superior to those imported, the only portions they get from the Old Country being the rougher part9, just forged to the required sizes, besides, of course, the handles, lamps, &c. All the other parts are made here, and the finish of the machines is perfect. There i3 an enamelling oven at one corner of the building, in which all the polished parts are placed, and thiß oven is capable of being heated by gas up to 400deg. The lathes, polishing machines, &c, are all workedbyafourhorsepowergasengine.and the most delicate work is thus done easily. Among Messrs Kent and Co.'s latest novelties is a "Whippet bicycle, made expreesly for ladies' use. By having a detached saddle bar, so that a lady can, when seated, command the use of the pednla without inconvenience, the rider has full control of the motive power, and can sit gracefully between the two wheels. A shield over part of the hind wheel protects any portion of her dress from contact with it, and she can propel the bicycle quite as rapidly as a gentleman can. Added to this, the rider's seat is so near the ground that mounting and dismounting is performed with the greatest ease. These machines promise to afford a pleasant and healthy exercise for ladies, and will supply a want that has long been felt. Messrs Kent and Co.'s establishment •will well repay a visit, and, as it affords employment for a number of skilled workmen, it is to be commended to those who ! have tho interests of local industries at heart. j