Bicycle Mechanics - Bike flag mounting

Hi,

Stupid question really but I want to make sure I do it right.

Does the little bracket that hold a bike flag go between the rear axle nut and the grooved washer then the frame, or is it (from outside to inside) nut, washer, bracket, frame?
I thought maybe I had read somewhere that the bracket goes on the inside of the dropout...?
And, is there a way to prevent the flag from moving forward or backwards when riding?
Thanks for helping out,
Brian

I don't really have experience with bike flags, but I'd suggest putting the bracket outside of the frame, not between the dropouts.

Put the mount under the washer, (between the washer and the outside surface of the dropout), If you get it tight It'll hold

Thanks.
I put the flag on and went for a test ride of a few miles...yikes, every time I get on or off the bike I knock the flag around. I don't know if that will work.
I'll have to think of something else I guess.....I just worry a little bit about crazy drivers, though I have lights and reflectors.
Brian

If you're worried about crazy drivers, the flag may not help. If they don't see you (wearing brightly colored clothes?) or your lights, they probably won't see the flag.

Most commuters and road riders don't bother with flags for the very reason you pointed out. The flag is in the way when getting on and off the bike.

I live in Atlanta and only have reflective tape on my panniers and two blinkies on the back of my bike. I haven't had any problems yet.
But these are just my thoughts about it.

Good riding.

Ron

The above thread is right, especially about flashers. The human eye has specialized receptors for movement, the flashers activate these receptors as do the bright colors for the color receptors. As for the flag getting in the way when mounting/dismounting try putting you leg over the bars rather than over the seat.

This is one of the craziest threads I have seen about bike mechanics in a long time.

I think that is why the thread is so compelling.

It is surprising nobody has suggested duct tape or zip-ties yet - Ope! There, I just did.

I was having the same problem, and (thanks mike) zip ties did the trick--attached it to the supports for my rack. The reason I got one is that at a couple of intersections I pass a car will be stopped for the light in the inside lane blocking the view of a car coming in the outside lane and genuflecting before making a right turn on red. They were on sale for $4 at my lbs and I have caught my leg on it a couple of times but will give it a little longer to see if I get used to it.

Do people still actually sell those things? I remember in the late 70's EVERYBODY had them, but since then, I only see them on little kid's sidewalk bikes. I ripped the one on my old 3-speed off when I was 12.