The Crystal Palace Motor Show was held from 30th January to the 7th of February, 1902.
The Ariel Co., Ltd. Made on exactly the same lines as the well known Ariel quad, it nevertheless displays many important points, not so much in the engine as in several important items. The back driver is not attached to the spokes of the wheel, but is slung from the rim, so that it can be sure of being absolutely true...
Continued: Ariel 1902-04
Dan Albone is showing a new type of machine suitable for ladies and elderly gentlemen, strong and of the usual good finish, fitted with a 1¼ h.p. Minerva engine...
Continued: Ivel by Arbone
Farman Automobile Agency.–In this cycle the engine is fitted nearly at the top of the bottom diagonal and rather to the offside, with the fly-wheel counterbalancing it on the near side. The engine is 1¼ h.p. and has been made so as to fit into any good roadster machine. The drive is by a hide rope over a jockey pulley which can be adjusted if necessary, spray carburetter y and a waterproof induction coil so preventing the likelihood of trouble from rain. The lubrication is automatic and the complete machines is listed at £45. They also show a fine assortment of lamps and motor accessories.
Continued: Farman Automobile Agency
Haycraft & Sons Ltd.–Although not makers they show the latest form of steam car, with air-cooled condenser for the exhaust-steam and with pump to return the water to the boiler, thus very much increasing the length of run without having to stop for water. They are also showing a Triumph bicycle fitted with a Minerva motor, and a good assortment of motor accessories.
The East Riding Cycle and Motor Co. show a novel departure in fitting the engine inside a loop formed in the bottom diagonal, the engine being vertically placed. The drive is by belting. Spray carburetter. Tanks for storage of petrol equal to 130-140 miles, together with two accumulators, induction coil and lubricating oil being contained in one case. A sight feed lubricator is fitted for the case and an extra supply to the bearings. The silencer is of the triple type, so that little noise can be heard from the exhaust. Two levers perform the whole of the movements for regulation of speed; that on the right is the advance sparking and exhaust lifter, whilst that on the left is the mixer. Two brakes are fitted.
We illustrate the latest development in connection with the Quadrant motor bicycle, and judging by the interest that has been taken in the innovation, the firm is likely to receive a great amount of publicity and most probably increased trade in consequence...
Continued: Quadrant 1902-1904
The Wellington sparking plug is a specimen of what can be devised by careful thought and complete knowledge of the requirements. It sells at 4s. 6d., but its efficiency renders it well worth the price asked.
Steiner & Co., of 142, Houndsditch, make an attractive exhibit of cycle and motor horns in a multitudinous variety of patterns. The quality of these goods, as well as of the pumps,- lamps, and other motor sundries is unsurpassed, whilst all tastes and pockets are being catered for.
New Hudson.–Harry Jones,. 148, Gray's Inn Road, the sole London agent, is showing the New Hudson motor bicycle, fitted with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 h.p. engine ; surface carburetter, accumulator, petrol and lubricating oil being kept in one case. The driving is by a hide rope. Two brakes, back Bowden and front brake made by the New Hudson Co., and named after them being fitted to the front rim. The lubrication is by a pump. The machine has a very neat appearance, with the supply tank painted aluminium colour.
Werners.–The new 1902 pattern sold in this country by Messrs Werner Motors, of Woodstock Street, Oxford Street, W., are shown in the bay. The English built Werner is a new introduction, selling at £50, having two brakes, and the workmanship being of the highest quality. The French made machines are now fitted with the Morrow hub and a substantial front rim brake. The coil is of a new pattern with no visible terminals and lubrication of the engine from the saddle is now provided for. The method is absolutely reliable and it is not possible to miss the charge of oil. The contact breaker is new, the cam having no notches and no projections, but having instead a flat on it; the trembler blade is also minus projections. The result is an excellent trembling contact. The Werner with its vertical engine, large comfortable tyres, wide flat band and its many details that make for simplicity and efficiency, is a machine that will prove immensely popular during the coming season.
Phoenix motor bicycles make an exceptionally interesting display because J. Van Hooydonk has made a careful study, not only of the requirements of the motorcyclist, but of the possibilities of the motor itself and has adapted the latter to the former. We have already given many details of the Phoenix, notably the spare petrol tank, the efficient system of lubrication, the exhaust valve lifter, and a clearance from the handlebar and frame of all wires. The contact breaker is now .and extension of the-lever which lifts the exhaust valve rod and is operated by the lever on the handlebar. Recent improvements consist of the adoption of long levers to the gas and mixture taps to secure fine adjustment, a simple clamp for the trembler blade so that dais latter can now Tic easily adjusted and readily renewed, and a simple device for preventing the oil from splashing out of the crank chamber though the pressure vent. The spring head and spring seat pillar have largely added to the comfort of the machine. It may be said of the Phoenix that good points can be found on every inch of it.
The Holden is the only motor made with four cylinders entirely water cooled. It is a slow speed engine of 3 h.p., and reliability has been consistently aimed at. The carburetter is of the surface type and lubrication is automatically performed when engine is running, ceasing as the latter stops. The engine drives on to a wheel, 16 inches in diameter, but despite the small size, no discomfort is caused to the rider sitting midway between the wheels. Complete control is obtained without the need for moving the hands from the handlebar, and other troubles such as overheating, faultiness at plug and so forth have been entirely prevented. The engine develops ample power to carry the rider to the top of any hill without any demand for assistance from him. A careful study of the Holden soon convinces one that worry and petty annoyance in the management of it have been almost abolished.
The F.N. Bicycle is also shown by this company. This engine is made by the Fabrique Nationale, Herstal, Liege. We can state that the turn-out of this engine is worthy of the name of that celebrated engineering works. The engine is of the outside fly-wheel type, the latter being on one side of a large central bearing balanced by the cylinder and single disc crank on the other. This insures, perhaps, the lightest construction possible for small engines. It is securely attached to down seat tube. Transmission is by belt. The carburetter is neatly arranged under the top horizontal tube. This motor should appeal to the lover of the neat and compact ; it is of 1 3/4 reputed horse power;
E. M. Bowden's Patents. –The exhibit made by this company is bound to have an immense influence on the controlling fittings of motor bicycles, in much the same manner that the Bowden wire for brakes has made its mark for simplicity. The Minerva pattern motor exhibited has all its ignition, carburetter, exhaust valve lifter, and last, but not least, the friction clutch by which the chain drive is conveyed from motor to driving wheel worked by levers and wires on the Bowden principle. The Bowden friction clutch enables a ^ in. pitch chain to be used as a form of transmission instead of the belt and yet provides a means whereby a certain amount of slip can take place when the jerks are apt to occur. The clutch is fitted upon the back wheel axle, and when thrown out of gear–for descending hills, &c.–the chain is at rest.
D. Citroen & Co. – The well-known "Minerva" motor, fitted to various frames for riders of both sexes. All the latest improvements dealt with already in part, when describing other stands where Minerva motors are fitted, are found. Those who wish to become thoroughly au fait with the engine and its parts should spend some time in examining the sections shown
We illustrate the new Minerva tandem attachment. This device can be fitted on to any motor bicycle in a few minutes, the uprights springing on to the rear axle and being locked by the nuts, whilst the saddle bolt holds the forward end. The attachment should prove very popular.
THE "PRINCEPS" MOTOR BICYCLE.
Princeps Autocar Co., besides showing a smart 4 h.p. voiturette, are also exhibiting a chain driven motor bicycle, with diagonal engine fitted within the frame, sight feed lubricator, cither spray or surface carburetter can be fitted. The front brake on first being applied breaks the electric circuit, and with further application the brake acts on the front rim. The engine is 1¾ h.p. and is free running, the engagement being by a gradual clutch. The accumulators are for 20 amperes hours and the petrol capacity for 120 miles. The price listed is £45 net.
Alfred Dunhill is making a most effective display of garments for owners of cars.
W. King & Co., Cambridge, exhibits one of the highest-powered motor bicycles in the show, viz., a 2 3/4 genuine De Dion motor, which is thoroughly well attached behind the bottom bracket; the bottom of crank case rests on lower back fork stays. A large central case contains surface carburetter, coil, batteries and lubricant. The finish of these machines is admirable and they should appeal strongly to "speed merchants."
S. Smith & Son, Ltd., make a most attractive exhibit of their justly celebrated watches and chronometers. So far, the needs of those owning cars have been catered for in the direction of suitable timepieces and speed indicators, but now attention is also to be paid to motor cyclists and their requirements. A new chronograph with a large flying second hand to facilitate the calculation of speed between milestones and so forth is already on the market, whilst a special speed indicator at a moderate price will be ready for the cyclist in the course of a few weeks.
Excelsior Motor Bicycles, amongst the very earliest of the popular pattern to be put on the market, arc now enjoying a well-deserved popularity. The samples on view exhibit many improvements, such as the new anti-vibrating spring head, an exhaust valve lift and other requirements. The lady's bicycle is well designed to give ample dress clearance, and the rider and her costume are well guarded against mishaps. The Excelsior 2 3/4 h.p. motor bicycle is a speedy vehicle out of which forty miles an hour has been obtained. The engine is aircooled and entirely English made. It is fitted with exhaust valve lifter, substantial contact breaker, large exhaust pipes and an excellent system of gravity feed lubrication. The engine also has bearings of an ample size. The frame of the cycle is extended so as to give room for the larger engine ; a larger wheel base is thus given. The machine has-been put to its paces on the track, and has proved fast and satisfactory For hauling a trailer ample power is provided. Excelsiors are running in the grounds, and create a good impression.
C. R. Base has laid himself out specially to cater for cyclists, motor cyclists, and owners of cars in the matter of tailoring and outfitting. His premises at 309. High Holborn are very central, and he is equipped for rapid execution of orders.
Davis, Allen & Co.–The Mitchell.–This machine is perhaps already familiar to our readers through the numerous illustrations that have appeared of it The engine is of very large size, 75m.m. bore by 90 m m. stroke, equal to over 2 actual horse power. It is attached to the upper portion of down tube. The cylinder head is in close proximity to lower part of steering head, perhaps the best possible position for cooling. A very ingenious spray carburetter, on the valve and needle principle, is fitted, and it has automatic lubrication, and adjustable jockey for belt. This machine has much to commend it. It has been reported to do a mile in 1 min. 62-3 sec., and is fitted with Goodyear tyres, of which we have everything good to report.
The Rex.–This company shows three bicycles and two light cars. Of the bicycles, two are of the older pattern with the motor inclined. The 1 3/4 h.p. engine appears to be a thoroughly well designed and manufactured piece of work. The carburetter of the surface type is of large capacity and easy manipulation. Only one handle controls the speed, starting, &c. The cooling rings are square in shape, and of large surface –a strong point–and the plug paced in the best possible position for same, viz., centre of cylinder is used. A combined current interrupter and exhaust valve lift is fitted and the frame is of excellent finish and the motor attachment of the most thorough description.
The new pattern will create widespread interest; The engine and fitments are of similar pattern to the foregoing. A special point is the strengthening of the front fork which is of that double variety known as the cow-catcher pattern ; a large lubricating pump is attached in convenient position, and a Bowden brake to back wheel provides efficient stopping power. An extremely efficient silencer or exhaust box compares favourably with the "pepper caster" pattern of recent fashions.
The interested reader should make a point of studying this machine most carefully, as it marks a strong step in the gradual perfection which we are attaining in the motor engine. And every item is of entirely English manufacture.
An illustration of the new "Rex" has to be left over until next week.
Humber, Ltd.–Broadly speaking, two types are shown. The "Humber" Minerva appears in two grades at £45 and £55. Believers in the belt drive are catered for in this machine, and a special point is that the brake power is exceptionally strong, a back pedalling pattern being provided in addition to the usual front rim type. The fittings follow the usual Minerva lines. The valve lifter, timing, and mixture all being manipulated from the handle bar in Beeston pattern, which is also fitted with spring head front, forks.
The Vipen
The Humber chain driven motor bicycle is certainly one of the features of the show. Four T stays form the down tube from head to bracket ; the cylinder is arranged centrally in the same plane with these, the four stays acting and occupying similar positions and functions to the four stays securing engine in air cooled De Dion engine. We illustrated this machine last week.
The United Motor Industries, Ltd., besides exhibiting a very large stock of all classes of motor accessories and fittings, show the Chapelle motor bicycle which has the excellent recommendation of being a two speed one. The engine is also a free one, and in descending long hills, with engine thrown out, the economy of petrol must be large. The changing is neatly arranged and can be done whilst riding. Another advantage claimed by this gear is that being able to throw the engine out, the machine can be pedalled at once without having to take the belt off. It is well made, with vertical engine. The special carburetter gives a constant level for petrol and is automatic in its action.
The ignition is by either dry batteries or accumulators, which are fitted in a leather case and attached to the frame, The belt is tightened by a lever at the side of machine and is adjustable at the will of the rider.
THE LATEST DERBY BICYCLE.
Derby Motor Bicycles are now shown in three or four different types. As an alternative to the friction transmission, where the driving power is applied to the back wheel by means of a roller running on the tyre, a new pattern is shown where belt driving is utilised. In place of the roller a grooved pulley is used, and this pulley which carries the belt can be moved nearer to or further from the rear wheel by means of the lever which has always been a feature of the Derby.
The Motor Cycle Feb 1902
