400 
THE MECHANISM OF BICYCLES. 
posed of strings of different degrees of tension and which is 
suspended between two supporting points about two feet from each 
other. He states that “ all cyclists and especially ladies after once 
trying this seat will refuse to ride on any other ! ! '' 
Finding that the ordinary frame was not adapted for this form 
of saddle, the inventor decided upon constructing a new style of frame 
the outcome of which decision is now presented. It will be seen to consist 
of some twenty-one triangles and is constructed in such a way that every 
tube is either in a state of direct compression or tension. The weight 
is very small, the lady's roadster weighing only 16 lb., the gentleman's 
being 181b., but it must be admitted that this saving of weight is at 
the expense of having no adjustable saddle or handle bar, no 
mud guards and very small wheels. I may remark that Mr. 
Pedersen has invented a suitable costume for ladies desiring to ride 
this form of machine, and I must say the lady I saw attired in it 
presented a very neat appearance. The first machine of this kind 
that was made was constructed of poplar wood tied at the joints with 
wire and string. I saw it myself after it had been ridden over 3000 
miles. 
Among the numerous devices advertised for the saving of power is 
what is termed the f 1898' crank which the maker tells us saves 20°/ 0 
in power. Its peculiarity is seen by the diagram 1 but I hope it re¬ 
quires no word from me to explain that the length of crank to be 
taken into consideration when calculating the relations between the 
power and the weight is the distance between the centre of the 
sprocket wheel and the centre of the pedal and all the “ inventor " 
has done has been to hang a useless and dangerous piece of steel on 
to the end of the crank arm. 
1 Diagram drawn on the black board. 
