An article from the June 1896 edition of 'The Austral Wheel.'

The first Cycle Show held in the colony was a greater success than the most sanguine supporter of the idea anticipated when it was first mooted. The pity was that so much trouble and expense should have had only the two days exhibit as a recompense, especially under the advantageous offers of the authorities to allow it to remain open for the week. A want of unanimity amongst the exhibitors, however, prevailed, and the original time was adhered to.

Singer and Swift. The name "Singer" was associated in the days of the ordinary with one of the best and most popular of cycles, the "British Challenge." Good, true, and hard bearings is the order of this firm, evidently having no desire to endanger the stability of their driving wheel and bracket bearings by indulging in fantastic extremes in narrow treads, etc. Sound construction is their motto. Swifts, coming from and old firm, are noted for the thoughtful care in design, and are perfect in mechanical theory. The convertible tandem was a good and roomy machine. The stand itself was a picture, the green plants and foliage showing strikingly with the red and white.

The Dunlop Tyre Co. Had no special stand, but virtually exhibited all over the show. Out of 349 machines shown, no less than 304 had "Dunlops," whilst various vehicle wheels were also enveloped in them. We noted one very racy-looking vehicle ready for the road with "Dunlops."

Cricketing & Sports Depot. This fine exhibit ought to have occupied more prominent position, from the display made. The single-bearing pedal looked handsome on the machines, and must save a lot of friction. The American "Dayton" is a beautiful machine, and is said to be a favourite at home, being built like English machines, and being only the weight of a road racer. The tourist's "Quadrant" (with single bearing) has been built with an eye to heavy men, and is very strongly constructed. The speedy "Flying Wheel" is evidently built for short men, and has a racy look about it.

Rudge Whitworth Co. Messrs. Lascelles & Co. had a good show of Rudge-Whitworths and Naumans. The "Rudge" being one of the oldest cycle manufacturers in England ought to know something about them, and the machines shown testify to the practical and theoretical knowledge brought to bear in their construction. The light roadster shown was a beauty, and the lady's machine was an exceptionally easy one for a skirt rider to mount and dismount from. All have Pugh's double-hollow jointless rims. The "Nauman," made by Siedel & Nauman, of Dresden, is winning favour in the colonies as in other parts of the world. A "Humber" with a Boudard gear was shown, but we confess that we do not see any advantage in this gearing, whilst additional friction is created.

Psycho Cycles. Mr. C. S. Boyle exhibited "Psychos," and his new "Fleetwing." The former machine is now well known in the colony, and we had hoped to have seen the latest novelty from the same makers (Starley Bros.) exhibited, but it has not yet arrived. It is known as a "Torpedo" bicycle. The "Psycho," coming from the city of spires, Coventry, the centre of cycle construction, is a fitting introduction for the machine, which contains a few departures, viz., oval rear forks and back stay, which allow of a narrow tread (4 in. and 3 7/8 in. in racers), with graceful curve to front forks, sound crown barrel hubs, well strung tangent spokes, and comfortable position. The "Fleetwing" is built by the Buffalo Cycle Co. of New York, and is a handsome lady's mount. The gent's "Envoy" is the mate to it. The new mud-guards shown are a handy contrivance, rolling up like a spring blind when not required.

Triumphs. Mr. S. G. Barrett made a fine show of these sterling machines, and is already reaping the benefit of the show. Although these machines have won big races in Europe, they place reliance more on roadsters for their reputation. As an example of durability, a Milan student last year rode a "Triumph" round Europe, from Milan to Moscow, 6000 miles, without any mishap. The lady's "Triumph " is a light machine, whilst being rigid and strong. A significant fact, that the Spanish military authorities chose the "Triumph" from English, French, and German competitors for their military work, speaks volumes. All the latest improvements, detachable mudguards, flat cranks, narrow tread, D tubing, interchangeable parts, etc., are to be found in the " Triumphs."

Sutton & Co. Had a big show. A noticeable exhibit was a centre-geared tricycle, with a good racy and fast frame position, that should show some speed on the road, and dispel the colonial idea that the "tri." is a slow machine. In some machines a want of finish was manifest. Two strong mounts for ladies, in pale-blue and chocolate enamel, were predominant.

Melbourne Sports Depot. A good. sound, well-built machine is the "Sterling, for its weight. The name of I. K. Starley is sufficient guarantee for the faithful construction of the "Rover." The samples shown were up to date, without faddy workmanship.

Austral Cycle Agency. The "Beeston-Humber" generally needs no comment, the firm having laid themselves out from first to last for good work, it being a pattern to other makers in many points, but not in all, noticeably the construction and adjustment of bottom brackets, which we feel sure Humber's people will alter and improve ere long. The sample shown of detachable sprocket on crank shaft, being strong but rather bulky, shows a want of neatness, though in point of faithful construction and finish they may be relied upon as being as mathematically correct as possible. New "Rapids" may be fairly placed in the front rank; their driving wheel being perfect, and the bottom bracket being of the sensible class, the bearing can always be adjusted true, the cups being a fixture on the bracket, and hardened cones on soft axle gives practical soundness. All adjustments being made on the axle the hearing must necessarily remain true, and their ease of taking to pieces for cleaning results in longer life to the vital parts.

W. E. Canning. Had an extensive exhibit of all parts & and accessories for building a cycle, making an attractive display. Saddles, handles, pedals, chains, chain wheels, spokes, nipples, balls, G. & J. tyres, inflators, and lamps were in abundant variety. A dynamo for nickel-plating was also shown. The collection was very complete, and included specimens from all the best English makers.

Lister Henry & Co. An attractive exhibit was the "Swiftsure" and "Manchester" bicycles shown by these agents. Some 26 machines were exhibited, and to make the well-decorated stand more attractive, Mr. Kiel had a number of mechanical birds and animals working. A very natural-looking peacock strutted up and down, raising and lowering its tail, and was immensely admired. The "Manchester" is as fine looking a machine as we have seen, the frame being very high, large tubing, with D tubing in back and bottom stays. Big sales have resulted already. The "Swiftsure" is now well known in this market, and the large sales show that the public appreciate a cheap, yet good machine.

MacRobertson. A stand arranged differently to the majority, and more as a room, allowed the "Sociable Tricycle" to exhibit its running, and this, combined with the chewing gum, was a great attraction to the ladies. This new idea of sitting side by side ought to catch on, in preference to the Chinaman fashion of proceeding behind each other as on a tandem. A good display was made of "Monarch" bicycles. Cyclists' confections were also exhibited.

Buckley & Nunn. Showed their particular "Victoria" make of bicycles. Nice-looking machines, carrying a guarantee, at a very low figure, ought to make business. They also showed costumes, shoes, etc.

Hicks, Atkinson & Sons. Exhibited cycling costumes in variety, and made a special display of their Mr. Kings patent skirt, that has been so successful amongst cyclistes. Cyclists’ pants, gloves, capes, boots, etc., were also shown.

Foy & Gibson. 'The "Townend," "New Hudson," and, "Eolens" cycles were to the front, and the prices ought to sell them. Special attention had been given to a display of cycling apparel of all descriptions.

The Dux Cycle Co. Made a good show of machines built from English parts (B.S.A. and Perry's), and some good specimens of colonial building were shown. We noticed that the cross stay between bracket and driving wheel was omitted in some instances. Being a great source of strength to the tubes on the chain side, in forks that have a bend in them, we should think it wiser to always insert the bracket. We should also prefer to see tangent spokes whipped and sweated where they cross in last position from hub. They show a mount for Martin which, with such a rider, should gain laurels in the coming season.

Wallis & Sampson. Although a quiet display, this exhibit was well represented by their own manufactured parts, such as axles, cranks, hubs, etc., and showed that the firm could hold its own in making parts with home firms. The machines were well framed and fitted and are known as the "National."

The Austin Hill-Climber. In this prettily draped stand the "Hill-Climber" stood well out to view, and was subject to plenty of scrutiny. The different style of riding allows a very high gear to be used without distress up hill - virtually, the rider walks on the pedals on a stiff incline.

Lincoln, Stuart &. Co. The colonial "Carbine" cycle shown in this well arranged stand is made from the best English parts, such as Eady’s, B.S.A., and Perrys. The work carried out here appears to be quite the equal of English work, as regards the brazing, wheel-building, frames, etc. They are very "taking" mounts, and have already proved themselves in road racing. Messrs. L. S. & Co.'s factory is equipped in a very complete manner, and the firm evidently means to do the thing well.

The Osmond Cycle Co. The agents, Gray & Charleston, made a very effective display of this grand machine. Those capable of judging, who have examined them, say they are unbeaten, taking them in toto. To lift the driving wheel and send the pedals flying round, one is surprised at the noiseless running and perfect rigidity of the "greyhound"-built machine. The extraordinary number of teeth in the sprocket wheels equalises the tension of the apparently slender chain, which latter is a speciality of the Osmond Co. The reputation attained in England has already followed them here, and the demand has absorbed all arrivals. Their great speciality is the ½ inch pitch roller chain.

R. W. Raby. A special display of all that a cyclist's tailor could produce was shown. One of Mr. Raby's points is lining all suits with Dr. Jaeger's sanitary pure wool material—a most essential point. Sweaters, gaiters, knickerbockers, stockings, capes, shoes, also ladies' knitted jackets and bloomers, occupied the space.

Columbia Cycle Depot. Messrs. Bown & Raphael showed the high-grade American "Columbia." As a lady’s machine they are very light, being only 25 lbs., gents. full roadster being the same. They are beautifully finished. The "Hartford" was also to be found on their stand.

E. Beauchamp. Now the Australian Bicycle Co., showed what can be done in the colony in cycle building in their "Brassey," and others. The triple-crown triplet (imported) was light and well made, the triple crown adding strength in a vital part. The two machines in light-blue enamel were very tasty, and the coppered rims were a decided departure.

J. W. Small & Co. Showed a sample of their "Meteor" bicycle and a good range of photographic cameras, etc., fit for cyclists.

Frank Roche. Was represented chiefly by the "Sparkbrook," which, as a road racer, has made its reputation here. They are built by a firm of good standing and repute, brackets stamped out of sheet steel, and bearings of the fixed cup class, cone adjustable on axle, allowing easy cleaning and putting together, adjustments being true and of first-class quality. Weldless steel tubing and diamond steel are the foundation of a durable machine, and evidently much thought and care have been exercised in putting them together. A good show of colonial-made wood rims was also made.

R. Anderson & Co. The "Melba" bicycle made a modest show, but was good work, and built of the best parts. The colonial part of the work had decidedly good points.

Hall & Warden. Had on view some nice machines, known as "Coronet" and "Liberty Cyclone," the latter being another American production. They also exhibited an "Armstrong" machine, built by themselves from parts supplied by the Birmingham firm, Armstrong Cycle Manufacturing Co.

Turner & Turner. "Marriott & Cooper Humbers" on this stand differ from the "Beeston-Humber" somewhat in style. Their "Olympia'' tandem tricycle is a convenient and comfortable machine, the riders being placed "fore and aft" as on an ordinary tandem, and being convertible to a single machine, practically gives the purchaser two machines in one.

T. Robinson & Co. "Southern Cross" machines made a good display, and were in some cases colonial made as well as colonial built, the firm now making hubs, brackets, etc., on their premises. As wheels were well strung, bearings well fitted, and frames well set, a little more to finish ought to place it in a good position. The light buggy shown with pneumatic tyres was envied by many a spectator, and doubtless showed the carrriage wheel of the future.

Royal Enfield. Messrs. Duggin, Shappere & Co., the exhibitors, claim that the "Enfield" is built where the entire machine is made. They bear a worthy reputation at home and being sterling value should find plenty of riders here.

Sir William Olive & Co. Gave a good display of cycling boot wear, in men's, women's, and children's shoes in various leathers.

Chas. Atkins & Co.’s Exhibit of all kinds of oils for lighting and lubricating, and other wares, attracted some attention.

The India Rubber and Gutta-Percha Co. Showed an assortment of tyres, both pneumatic and others, and all component parts of rubber wear in pedals, handles, etc. The Palmer tyres were in great evidence, as we1l as non-slipping and plain tyre bands. These goods are all manufactured at the Silverton works and are guaranteed by the makers.

Lanyon & Bryant. Showed platings in cycle fittings, handlebars in half brass and nickel and half copper and nickel, and coppered rims—all well got up and thickly coated; also tubing manufactured by their firm, truly and well made. A lap or beaded joint might be advantageous.

Electra. Machines were conspicuous by their absence, the firm being in the unfortunate position of having no machines to show, owing to rapidity of sales. Their "Excelsior" tyres were to be seen on one of the arches. The easy method of releasing and putting on these tyres make them favourites with many.

The three arches were made and erected by Mr. Archer, plumber, of Bourke Street, and stood the test well.

Taken in toto the Cycle Show was a credit to the colony.