Читать книгу The Modern Bicycle and Its Accessories - Julius Wilcox - Страница 31

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E. C. Stearns & Co. have been entirely successful in securing an ideal construction in their bevel-gear cycles. The accompanying illustrations, while giving but hints of the complete machine, indicate that the graceful lines which have always been characteristic of the “Yellow Fellow” have been retained, and that the bevel gears and the shaft in their dust-proof cases are exceedingly neat and attractive.

STEARNS CHAINLESS.

The bearings are of an improved type. The balls are so laid between the cones that they roll without sliding or side motion, and are practically frictionless. By turning a cap nut and sliding back the nickeled caps at either end of the shaft case, the bearings are brought into full view, and, with the bevel-gears, may be adjusted with perfect ease. The running gear is absolutely noiseless, and is so exactly assembled that the rear wheel will balance for several minutes under the weight of the rim alone. In as much as there is no lost motion, the maximum of speed is assured for the minimum of power applied.

The gears on the Stearns Chainless are cut by the most modern machinery and by the most expert workmen. They are as correct in pitch and face as the wheels of an expensive watch, and are made of the best quality of steel obtainable. Unlike other well-known types, both a vertical and lateral adjustment of the gears is possible. So far as wearing qualities go, the bevel gears in the Stearns Chainless are almost as free from friction as are the bearings. The cases that cover the gears are entirely dust proof; the lower fork tube which incloses the shaft is enamelled either orange or black to match the frame.

One of the strongest features of this model is the ease with which the rear wheel can be removed and the driving mechanism taken apart. The crank-hanger gears are of 10 pitch, with 42 teeth, and 10 pitch with 16 teeth; the rear hub gears are 10 pitch, with 21 teeth, the resulting gear ratio being 73½. The connecting shaft is of ⅝ diameter, 16 inches long, and made of 10-gauge special tubing; its bearings are self-oiling. Front and back gears are detachable; the crank-hanger drop is 2½ inches; wheel base is 43½ inches; weight is twenty-six pounds. The tubing in the frame is 1⅜ in the head, 1⅛ in upper and lower main tubes, ¾ in back stays, ⅞ in rear forks. The fork crown is two-piece, flat; the cranks are flat, 7 inches long; options are offered on length of cranks and gear ratio.

The Stearns chainless for ladies is similar in general construction to the man’s model, the only variations being in the shape of the frame and a lower gear of 66½ inches. The crank-hanger is dropped 2½ inches below the wheel centres, which makes it a very convenient wheel to mount and dismount from. The absence of the usual chain guard gives it a very neat appearance. It has a straight lower main tube and slightly curved upper tube.