"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Where can I find tire covers?

I've only seen them once on twice in photos and in person. These are the tire covers that cover the tires and part of the wheel while the wheels are still on the bike. They have "Shimano" all around them.

Sorry for the lame description. Here's the best photo I could find of something similar:

http://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/images/product/large/134.jpg

I have some somewhat delicate tires on my track race wheels that shouldn't be on the ground during transport through parking lots and such.

Anyone know what these are called? Any idea where I can find them?

Thanks

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=bike+tire+covers

or if you have a good LBS with an interest in vintage and/or racing...

Thanks. But those green ones only work when the wheels are off the bike, not snap/Velcro on.

So I take it that this isn't a modern Shimano product?

Why not buy the ones that you posted a picture of?

How about these (http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_223&products_id=219&zenid=8e519a120c42ed26c9371721b69c5d68)?

Here's a place where you can purchase the pictured product
http://www.wekeepyoucycling.com/en/p-134-sci-con-wheel-tire-cover.aspx

Guys, are you reading?

Those in the photo also do not come apart for installation and removal while the wheels are attached to the bike.

The Shimano ones have "break away" fastening.

If you happen to live around Boulder, CO
http://www.vecchios.com/
I don't know if they carry tire covers per se, but they really respect the vintage over there. I'm sure they could help, even if you just call.

Guys, are you reading?

Those in the photo also do not come apart for installation and removal while the wheels are attached to the bike.

The Shimano ones have "break away" fastening.

I know lots of women* who could sew up a set of those with Velcro fasteners in no time flat. Won't have fancy decals and may be made out of old jeans but they would work just fine. Just an idea, and nothing beats free.

* I'm not sexist, I just don't know any guys who sew.

I found a photo of the exact product for which I'm looking:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=198842&d=1303443240

198842

I searched for "Keirin Tire Covers" and found out about the SunTour PE-1500 Wheel Covers which were made in the 80s:

http://velobase.com/CompImages/SmallParts/A2876D53-267F-4FF9-98BF-5B0F792EED40.jpeg

Note the area at the 8:00 position where the cover separates from itself. It looks like with these, you tie a string to the spokes to hold the cover down from each end when they meet.

So, there is nothing like this available today?

Getting closer. I found a modern product. Continental part number TAC99080. Around $20/pair.

http://www.petracycles.co.uk/images_large/continental/tac99080.jpg

I may have to buy these and have a tailor cut it and make the connection mechanism.

You could just contact a local seamstress that could make them in 10 minutes. GL

You could just contact a local seamstress that could make them in 10 minutes. GL

Seriously? 10 minutes. Like I can go in at 2:00 and at 2:10 I can walk out with a pair made from scratch? Sweet :lol:

I love oversimplification.

Seriously? 10 minutes. Like I can go in at 2:00 and at 2:10 I can walk out with a pair made from scratch? Sweet :lol:

I love oversimplification.

I've got some old ones in the basement somewhere. They always seemed like more trouble than they were worth.

I've got some old ones in the basement somewhere. They always seemed like more trouble than they were worth.

If you'd consider selling them, I'm interested. Please PM me with details.

It's worth the trouble for me. I'm trying to put off replacing $125 Conti Sonderklasses as long as possible.

Getting closer. I found a modern product. Continental part number TAC99080. Around $20/pair.

http://www.petracycles.co.uk/images_large/continental/tac99080.jpg

I may have to buy these and have a tailor cut it and make the connection mechanism.

I have a set of these.

I was actually looking to make my own branded version in the near future but hadn't gotten around to it.

I also thought that a velcro fastener would be preferable but I hadn't gotten down to the real design work yet. I already have a factory that I've talked to and a quote for my first design.

Maybe I should look at this again?

Seriously? 10 minutes. Like I can go in at 2:00 and at 2:10 I can walk out with a pair made from scratch? Sweet :lol:

I love oversimplification.

Absolutely. They're good. GL

I have a set of these.

I was actually looking to make my own branded version in the near future but hadn't gotten around to it.

I also thought that a velcro fastener would be preferable but I hadn't gotten down to the real design work yet. I already have a factory that I've talked to and a quote for my first design.

Maybe I should look at this again?

There might not be mass appeal for them, but I'm sure that some trackies would be interested.

For example, my training wheels use Conti Steher tires, which are basically Sonderklasse with one thin extra layer. Definitely not for road debris. But, we all roll our bikes through parking lots and whatnot getting to and from the velodromes. It's not feasible to carry the bike all the time, especially with a gear bag and double wheel bag in tow as well.

Maybe you can design the exterior of the cover to be rolled on the ground.

It may be one of those simple products that is very useful.

Maybe you can design the exterior of the cover to be rolled on the ground.

That's an interesting thought. It adds to the complexity (and price) but would differentiate it from anything else out there.

I need to go for a ride and give this a think.

If you'd consider selling them, I'm interested. Please PM me with details.

It's worth the trouble for me. I'm trying to put off replacing $125 Conti Sonderklasses as long as possible.

Correction... I think they're in my mother-in-law's basement. Not sure the next time I'll be there.

The regular tire covers usually don't allow the bike to be rolled very easily - the fabric catches on the brakes, frame, fork. Also, when you handle covered wheels, they snag on stuff, esp if you have more than a wheel or two with the covers on them. Ultimately I think that's why the full wheel covers became more popular.

Some folks would make wheel covers from old tubulars - cut the seam, split the tire open, and use it as a cover. With a light bit of modification it would work well (elastic on the inner part of the tire, to hold in place). In fact it'd be a "roller" if the fabric was tucked in a bit or split with the split area elasticized. There's already a tread on the outside since it's a tire.

I tried to buy a sewing machine for myself, to alter my own kit (vests mainly, but any wind jacket I might buy). I wanted one that does the zig zag stitch but every time I tried to buy a used one it was already sold.

I may have an old tubular in a bin somewhere. If I do, I'll give it a shot and report back.