[CR]Scorcher or Potterer...

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 23:32:45 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <20040325.201433.5808.67.richardsachs@juno.com>
Subject: [CR]Scorcher or Potterer...

====================================================================================== A.W. Romney, "A Cyclist's Diary" published in the late 19th century: "...At the present time the scorcher class of rider is almost weekly increasing his gear, whilst his neighbor, the potterer (backed in this instance by the experts), keeps to the neighbourhood of 65. I think the day is not far distant when we will all be riding with both a high and a low gear, i.e., a two-speed gear. When we are fresh, and things are favourable, we will use our 80 or 90, but as we tire or the wind rises, the rain falls or the uphills become more plentiful, we shall fall back on the less toilsome 60, or even less. Not only so, but I fancy a time will come when we shall arrive at a compromise between the other two camps of belligerents, the coasters and the non-coasters, and that we will find happiness in the free pedal, which gives rest and yet allows of instant repossession of command of the driving mechanism. Of course, for this purpose, as back-pedaling in the ordinary sense of the word is impossible, one of the new fangled but effective brakes is an absolute necessity..." ======================================================================================

Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California