Page:The Cycle Industry (1921).djvu/114

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100
THE CYCLE INDUSTRY

held in reserve, goes to the lamp or lamps. (This last is a miniature generating set as used on motor-cars.) Electric lighting for cycles usually entails greater weight than oil or gas lighting, and is a less powerful illuminant ; but it is cleaner and handier. Acetylene gas is, at present, the most powerful illuminant for its weight.

No. 1. The battery type has a dry cell or wet battery carried in a case on the frame, from which the wires go to the lamps.

No. 2. The direct-type generator comprises a tiny dynamo driven by friction from the rim or tyre of one of the wheels (usually the front wheel), the wire passing direct to the lamp or bulb holder. The tiniest bulbs are used, seldom exceeding 4 volts and more often less.

No. 3. This consists of a fairly heavy dynamo or generator ; an accumulator battery weighing up to 15-20 lbs. ; and the connections, switch, etc., which may total 30-35 lbs. They are becoming increasingly popular on motor cycles, and provide an illuminating power that exceeds the average size of gas lamp used on a motor cycle. Their advantages are cleanliness, and the fact that if the battery is attended to and the machine is in fairly constant use, the generator maintains a supply of current in the battery which is always available, without the mess connected with the cleaning and recharging of acetylene generators.

Such items as tool-bags, luggage panniers, and cases, and similar accessories, made of leather, fibre, etc., are generally made by the saddle firms.

Specialists in celluloid and leather look after the manufacture of tyre inflators, handles, gear cases of leather, and celluloid and similar goods.

There are specialists in many other small accessories, too numerous to mention ; in fact, the accessory trade