BICYCLE (ante), a machine for human locomotion, consisting of two wheels con nected by a single bar; the forward wheel having a diameter of 30 to 60 in., the rear wheel, directly behind the other, being about one third as high. At first these machines were made with wheels of the same size, or nearly so; but no satisfactory speed was obtained until Parisian builders hit upon the device of a small hind wheel. That which was little better than a child's velocipede was by this improvement raised to the respecta bility of an important ineaus of locomotion, and the speed already attained is wonderful. On fairly level roads that are in good repair, an expert rider can outdo a fast horse within an hour or so. In England some remarkable performances are recorded. A hun dred miles a day for several successive (lays have been traversed; the space between Tunbridge and Liverpool, 234 in., in 18 h. 33 min. ; the journey from London to John o' Groats, more than 800 in., over hilly and often had roads, in 14 days. The bicycle for fast travel has a large forward or driving wheel, which the rider can fit his legs to. The larger the wheel, the greater the speed to be obtained. The rider's feet, that give the motive power, rest on stout cranks placed at right angles, so that in working the machine his legs nearly imitate the net of rapid walking or running. He is seated on a
little saddle just behind the large wheel, and guides his course by a bar with double handles. By this crank he swerves the forward wheel at will, and the expert can make sharp curves. and, perform many surprising feats of gyration. The first thing to be learned is balancing, and that is best achieved by trying short trips down a slight incline. When balancing is accomplished and steering mastered.. practice will soon make a. rapid rider. In the bicycle for service there is or should be a rest for the feet, since in going down hill there is little work for the cranks or treadles. The 11. is not only a pleasant and cheap means of travel, but it adds the zest of good exercise, and is there fore growing iu favor in this country. A good bicycle ought to have india rubber tires, to prevent jolting, to be made of the strongest material, and to weigh only abou t 50 lbs. For speed, the forward wheel, made as large as the rider can manage, is usually from 48 60 in. in height. Of this machine there are two general styles: the "racer," built very light for speed, and the " roadster," heavier for steady service.