needed.”[7] * * * * * “[1113].—Your leader in last week’s issue _re_ the side-slipping of rear-driving Safety bicycles is, in my opinion, somewhat calculated to mislead. I cannot for one moment think you are right in stating that the cause of side-slipping in this class of machine is the sloping fork of the steering-wheel. You conclude with the following remark: ‘So far as we can see, a vertical steering-fork should do that which is needed.’ Here again I must say I emphatically disagree with you. _Had you tried one of the old ‘B.S.A.’_ Safeties, you would not say this. These machines were far worse than any sloping-forked machine. _I gave one an extensive trial_, and found that the side-slipping was one of its worst features. Further, you have only to take one of the old ‘Humber’ Safeties, for example, with the perpendicular fork. Was side-slipping impossible on these? “In my humble opinion, sir, you have entirely overlooked the real cause of side-slipping on rear-driving Safeties, which is _the absence of sufficient weight on the driving-wheel_. My argument is still further proved by the fact that the ‘Scout’ Safety (two-chain rear-driver), on which machine the weight of the rider is thrown as near as possible over the centre of the axle, will not slip sideways on the most greasy surface; and again, the American ‘Star,’ I am told by experienced riders of this machine, possesses a like good quality. Here, again, the weight is almost entirely on the driver. “The subject of side-slipping on the most popular machine of the day—viz., the rear-driving Safety—is so serious a one that I am sure you will see your way to open your columns to a discussion on the same. +Sydney Lee.+” * * * * * [“The position of the weight doubtless forms an important factor in the question of side-slipping, and the thanks of the community are due to Mr. Lee for his experiments in that direction. We are bound to say, however, that our experience, so far as the question as to which wheel slips first, and also as to the stability of the tandem Safety on greasy roads, and on the point of safety at high speed, is exactly the reverse of that found by Mr. Lee.—+Ed.+”] * * * * * “[1114].—I have read with great interest your article on side-slipping in Safeties, and, being a Safety rider myself, should be indeed thankful to see this very serious fault overcome. I am very much inclined to your opinion as to the cause,—viz., the canting over of the steering-wheel in turning,—which can only be obviated, as you suggest, by having a vertical steering-post. “+Side-slip.+” * * * * *