198 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



CHOICE OF A MACHINE. And first, as to the choice of a machine. In 

 this case it is imperative to have the very best you can get, as it is utter 

 folly to risk life and limb by using one of inferior make. 



In choosing a bicycle, of course the first thing to be considered is the 

 height of wheel, which greatly depends on the length of limb of the rider ; 

 as, of course, though two men may be of equal height one may have a 

 longer leg than the other. A good guide is to sit on the machine and let 

 the toe touch the lower treadle without quite straightening the leg, as of 

 course, command must never be lost. For a rider of average height, say 

 5 feet 8 inches, a machine of 52 to 54 inches we should consider suitable. 

 But, of course, any well-known and reliable maker will furnish you with 

 a machine to suit you. 



Having selected your " Modern Bicycle," the first thing you want to 

 accomplish is to be able to mount and dismount. Of course, the saddle 

 being nearly as high as your shoulder, it is impossible to vault on as with 

 the old " practicer." It is therefore necessary to provide a " step," which, 

 in all the modern machines, is fitted on the backbone, or connecting-iron, 

 just above the hinder fork on the left side, at a convenient height. It 

 consists of a small round plate, jagged, to afford a firm grip for the toe 

 when placed upon it. 



There are two ways of mounting. One is to start the machine and to 

 run by the left side, and put the left toe upon the step while in motion, 

 throwing the right leg over on to the seat ; the other is to stand at the 

 back of the machine, standing on the right leg, with the left toe on the 

 step, and, gently starting, hop with the right leg until you have gained a 

 sufficient impetus to raise yourself on the step, and throw your right leg 

 across the seat. 



The first is the best plan as you can run with greater speed, and mount ; 

 in fact, the quicker you go the easier to get on. In many cases it is the 

 only practicable plan, as, for instance, on remounting on a slight ascent, 

 where it would be most difficult to get up sufficient speed by the hopping 

 plan, which, moreover, does not present a very graceful appearance. 



Now, in the second way of getting on by the step, you- hold the handle 

 with the left hand to guide the machine, placing the other on the seat. 

 You can now run it along easily. Your object in having one hand on 

 the seat is, that if both hands are on the handles, you are over-reached, 

 and it is difficult to keep your balance. Now take a few running steps, 

 and when the right foot is on the ground give a hop with that foot, and 

 at the same time place the left foot on the step, throwing your right leg 

 over on to the seat. Now, the hop is the principal thing to be done, as if, 



