That old Columbia bike I picked had leather straps on the axles. My dad said his bikes used to have those, and that they were for keeping the axle clean. Are these available anywhere, would a local bike shop have them? I'd like a couple sets. They would look cool/period correct on my '71 Sears and my '02 Sun Retro Classic. The Retro Classic is 50's styled, balloon white walls, chrome rims, handle bars & fenders. Chrome dual mirrors and dice valve caps.