A Dream of the Show

A Dream of the Show. AS I drove my little four-year-old Century tandem up to Islington for the Stanley, I thought it had never run better in its life—it fairly skipped along. When I got inside the mystery was explained: it was anxious to meet all its new little red and blue and green sisters for the first time. I had just realised this, when there was a fearful commotion at the entrance. J. Van Hooydonk, who, in evening dress, was driving his new Trimo-hansom, had just time to let in his clutch and get out of the way, when one of the old Bollées, its engine blushing a fiery purple, dashed into the Hall, scattering the reporters in every direction. It appeared to be making for Stand 143, but, unluckily, just at that instant I awoke.

A Red Letter Day.

For a long time the Stanley Show has been a red-letter day in my year, but it will never be quite so pleasant as in one's bachelor days. When Mrs. Ixion wanted a new push-roadster it was a comparatively inexpensive matter; but last year she nearly pledged my credit for an Eagle runabout, and this year she imagines an Arielette would be just the thing for carting about several olive branches in. At the same time the eldest Master Ixion is within a few months of the legal age of indiscretion, and is casting longing eyes at the 6 h.p. Chase bicycle. I hereby warn all my London acquaintances that any invite to town for the Stanley week of 1905 must be limited to my noble self; otherwise it will be refused.

Bollee Redivivus.

Whatever else people may think of that startling little three-wheeler the Arielette, all must acknowledge it contains three features which every tricar in the show ought to have embodied : first, a horizontal engine, which renders the design of thermo-syphon cooling so simple and unobtrusive; then, the extension of the frame behind the rear wheel, allowing a very valuable extra cross-stay to be fitted; and lastly, an outside flywheel. The clutch is so fashionable nowadays that 1 am doubtful how the public will take to the flat belt and jockey pulley; but. mechanically, it is entirely practicable in careful bands.

Belt Drives with Two Speeds.

A striking feature of the show is the ingenuity displayed in the designing of variable gears for belt drive. They are simple and reliable, and well worth the attention of those apostles of simplicity who shudder at a cogwheel and faint at the mention of a clutch. They will improve the pedalless motor bicycle, and riders of these machines should not fail to make enquiries concerning them.

Ixion in The Motor Cycle, 28th November 1904, pp1153-1154.