Lobell Bicycle rim materials and quality
LOBDELL BICYCLE WOOD RIMS
Just what constitutes a good, serviceable rim?
In the first place, a rim must be made of correct material and by proper methods to stand up under hard
work it is subjected to. Lobdell Rims had a reputation as the best rims made. In the old days they were made from second-growth hickory, but when this material was exhausted, something else had to be used. Straight-grained maple was the best material known to the lumber industry for making bicycle wood rims. It was the most expensive maple cut. We do not believe any other rim manufacturer in this country used as good as material or as careful and thorough methods in producing rims as The American Wood Rim Company.
MATERIAL USED IN LOBDELL RIMS
Lobdell Rims were made from straight-grain maple and as one of the largest hard-wood manufacturers in the state
of Michigan, the rim strips were selected from a cut of over 20,000,000 feet of maple lumber each year, these being
from 12 to 15 percent of straight-grain stock suitable for our grade of rim strips, out of this large production
of lumber. The rim material was cured out of doors, and today we have in our yard $150,000 worth of this selected
straight-grain material, which was air-dried 10 months or more before using, ready to make up into rims to the
customers' requirements. This material had advanced in price $8.50 per thousand, which added just so much extra cost to each rim. Regardless of this advance, Lobdell Rims continued to be made of this material and at the same price as heretofore. This selected straight-grain maple lumber steadily advanced in price from year to year, however, the extensive production enables them to use this selected stock exclusively in Lobdell Rims.
PROCESS OF MANUFACTURE
After the strips were thoroughly air-dried, they were cut to proper length, placed in a steel drum, closed airtight,
and then hot steam was turned into it to soften the strips ready for bending. The strips were then bent and in the bending process the grain of the strip was compressed by end pressure, which does not stretch the outside grain of the strip, thereby toughening the fiber of the wood very materially and this also eliminates any liability to split. This process was adopted and used by the most skillful and scientific wood benders in the United States, and was the only correct process at the time for bending wood so it retains its full strength, resiliency and lasting qualities.
Rim Colors
Rim Joint Patent April 24 1917 Pat no. 1,223,990
The two ends are then clamped together in a low-degree heat dry house, thereby taking all the moisture from
the wood. After a thorough drying the ends are cut off to make the correct size rim wanted, dovetailed and
put together with the best glue we can buy. Steel clamps hold the joint in place until the glue is firmly set.
The rim is then carried to the turning room and fastened securely in a jig on a machine, which forms the outside
of tire seat. The rim is revolved at high speed against cutting tools set to gauge. The next operation is turning
the inside of the rim to form, and is accomplished in the same manner as described above, only the cutting tool is
on the inside of the rim circle. They are next carried to the inspection room, and if the slightest knot or burl is
discovered, the rim is at once discarded and used for crating purposes.
The rims are next sanded. This is done by holding emery paper of fine quality against the rim, revolving at high
speed. The valve hole is then drilled and rims are sent to the finishing department.
The rim is first given a coat of lead mixed with the best grade of linseed oil we can buy. After thoroughly
drying, they are hand rubbed. Then four coats of enamel are applied with a hand rubbing between each, then a final
coat of high-luster varnish. This finish is lasting and withstands the weather perfectly. Next the spoke holes are
drilled by special automatic machines set to the drilling desired. Each hole is correctly spaced, staggered and
countersunk. The machines are absolutely accurate, drilling every hole uniformly. This insures a true-running
wheel, for every spoke is in line, the pull evenly distributed and any possible side strain avoided.
After another careful inspection rims are carried to the shipping department where they are carefully and
securely crated, insuring delivery in a No. 1 condition.
Lobdell Rims are made to fit the various types of tires and in a variety of finishes that take care of the most
exacting requirements.
Specify Lobdell Rims on your bicycles and satisfy your customers.
Lack of space forbids a more detailed description of Lobdell Rims and their production. A careful perusal of this
leaflet will, however, convince you the Lobdell Rims are made of the right material, by proper methods and are the rims
for you to use on your bicycle beyond the vast superiority of Lobdell Rims over all others.
Our branch factory, near Paris, France, produced many thousand wood rims the past season and the demand for wood
rims in Europe is increasing each year. More evidence of Lobdell Rims superiority.
SUPERIORITY OF WOOD RIMS OVER STEEL
Steel rims have no life, spring or resiliency and, when the tire receives a blow in use, ti must stand the entire shock,
which shortens its life very materially.
The wood rim, if air-dried properly, retains its life and resiliency and, when the tire receives a shock, it springs
back, easing the blow, which lengthens the life of the tire. Actual tests made under the following conditions proved our
claim conclusively: Two wheels were employed, one built-up with a wood rim and the other with steel, both fitted with
tires. These wheels were caused to run against a wooden pulley 2-feet wide, having three-quarter-inch round moldings
placed squarely across and at angles on the face of the pulley.
Both pulleys and wheels were run at a high rate of speed with the tire pressure against pulley at about the same
pressure a rider's weight would be on the road. The tire mounted on the wood rim lasted one-third longer than on the
steel.
This is conclusive evidence of the wood rims' merit over steel, in addition to which the rider enjoys ease and
comfort that he cannot secure on any other type of rim.
A bicycle fitted with wood rims last longer, rides easier, has a better appearance and is far superior in every
way.
The above applies to the solid heavy steel rim, which is brazed together. There is, however, great merit in a very light steel lining
(not brazed), mounted on a wood rim. This produces a rim with a light-steel lining, having the same resiliency as the
all-wood. This yupe of rim also has a perfect watershed, is very stiff and remains true under the severest usage.
This wood steel-lined rim has met with a large sale, and is becoming more popular each year. It is made for cement,
Dunlop and clincher tires.
This steel-lined clincher rim made the single-clinch tire possible, and you have Mr. E.J. Lobdell to thank, for he
alone is responsible for this rim, which enables you to sell a bicycle fitted with clincher tires at a reasonable
price.