Life — April 15, 1897 — page 34: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

” April rs, 1859 1'DO YOU THINK? Do you know the difference between crucible and open hearth steel? Do you know the difference between a steel forging and a casting? Do you understand how a part of a bicycle made of forged steel is better than a part bent up out of sheet metal? If you know these things, it will be easier for us to sell you a Victor bicycle. You should know that bicycles are not advertisements, not name plates, not noise. Bicycles are First, Material ; Second, Work. You can know all about your bicycle by carefully examining these two things. Remember, most bicycles are made to sell; not to ride. Few bicycle makers invite the rider to examine carefully into all material used before buying. We like this way of selling bicycles. The more you enquire, the better pleased we are. Victor bicycles cost more to build than other bicycles, and they are worth more. If you have a high grade neck, ride a high grade wheel. We prefer to say “ Victor grade,” since it means more. Catalog on application. OVERMAN WHEEL CoO. NEW YORK. BOSTON. CHICAGO. DETROIT. DENVER. SAN FRANCISCO. PORTLAND, ORE. P.S. Did you know that the Overman Wheel Co. built the first bicytle in the world without castings? Castings are one of the curses of bicycles. Castings are cheap for the maker, but dangerous for the rider. RICHARD K. FOX PREOG, NEW YORK.