Cycling (1896)
the definitive work on cycling 111 years ago? Probably, probably not. But no respectable gentlemen, or indeed gentlepersons of the opposite sex, should find the perusal of this volume without reward, be iteducative or otherwise. Find lycra most indecorous? here're some fashion tips:
and attire for ladies:These consist of the cycling costume proper, viz. the coat or jacket, the waistcoat (if worn) the breeches or knicker- bockers, the stockings, and the cap. No cheap material can withstand for any time the hard usage to which a cycling dress is of necessity subjected, and the truest economy is to pay a fair price for some tested material which experience has proved in every way suitable for the purpose.
Mr. Punch awheel : the humours of motoring and cycling
(1) A combination merino or woollen garment to be worn next the body.
(2) A pair of dark grey woollen or merino stockings.
(3) A pair of loose knickerbockers, of the Club cloth, fastened with elastic, or by a cloth strap and buckle, under the knee ; to be suspended from the hips or the shoulders at the option of the wearer ; or
(4) A pair of trousers cut loose to just below the knee, and thence tighter just down to the foot ; to be suspended from the hips or shoulders at the option of the wearer.
(5) A plain skirt, of the Club cloth, without kilting, and of suffi- cient fullness to admit of absolute freedom of movement without undue bulk.
(6) A bodice or jacket, at option of wearer, cut either to fit the figure, or of ' Norfolk ' shape, lined throughout (including sleeves) with the Club flannel, and provided with an adjustable belt if so desired.
(7) A helmet or hat of the Club cloth, or of straw, with a special and registered ribbon, in any of the shapes that may be provided by the Club from time to time.
(8) A pair of soft 'Tilbur^d ' doeskin gloves...
...As to make, Frenchwomen have shown their preference for an entire avoidance of any skirt. They adopt a full blouse, or Eton jacket and shirt, very wide Turkish trousers, and often no leggings. Englishwomen have a style that in most cases adds to the moderately full knickerbockers, either a short kneeskirt, a long tunic, or an open coat with full skirt to it. Leggings almost invariably complete the costume, and should be of the same material as the knickerbockers. When riding, the French style looks smart and pretty, but off the machine the English fashion has decidedly the advantage. There is another point in favour of ' Rational ' dress, that it requires far less material than the long skirt, and is therefore considerably less expensive.
Typical British wit published by THE Punch. Most are of course at the expense of the cyclist (called bikist in some of the entries, a term no longer in currency I guess?) and many are terrible but some are gems, and still pertinent today! e.g.:
over which, the privilege of perambulation, The King's English is simply gorgeous..ON THE BRIGHTTON ROAD. - Cyclist (to owner of dog over which he has nearly ridden. Take your beast out of my way! What right has he here?
Owner. Well, he pays seven and sixpence a year for the privilege of perambulation, and you pay nothing!
Hyslop bicycles and accessories : catalogue no. 34, 1922
Some beautiful engravings of old bikes & parts, useful as a reference, too!
Three good tires -- also sundries : [catalogue]. -- (1899?)
Another catalogue, just had to show this set of bells:
Three good tires -- also sundries : [catalogue]. -- (1899?)
Another catalogue, just had to show this set of bells:
Bicycle accessories : 1900 [catalogue (1900)
And another catalogue
Around the world on a bicycle .. (1887-[88?]) Vol. I
Around the world on a bicycle .. (1887-[88?]) Vol. II
Tour de quoi? Never heard of it.. Haven't started to read it yet, but again some nice illustrations of touring on a penny farthing.
