I bought a Toureze Chain Holder at Nashbar back in the 80's. This is one of the handiest gizmos I've ever used, and I usually scoff at cycling "accessories" that seem to be a solution looking for a problem.

This is a small yellow plastic "handle-like" tool that pulls the chain away from the small cog and hooks itself over the rear of the dropout, thus holding the chain out of the way while the rear wheel is removed and later replaced. This tool permits one to perform a normally messy task without ever touching the chain. It's really the cat's ass for rear wheel punctures in the field, or just normal maintenance in the workshop.

As my bike collection grows, I feel the need to add a few more of these to an increasing number of seat packs.

But, alas, it seems they are nowhere to be found. I cannot find them online or in any LBS I've been in lately. Searches turn up nothing. Even Google comes up empty.

So I ask you, my fellow classic and vintage aficionados, can anyone point me in the direction of a well-hidden source?

Or, at least, does anyone even remember these little jewels?

I remember these things. I never used one but sold them at the bike shops I worked at in the 80's. I just carried extra toe straps and hooked it to the chain, and then above up to the rear brake boss.

i don't know of one like that you describe, but try looking around for a 'chain keeper'
i made a double-ended hook out of an old spoke that hooks onto the seatstay bridge..
here are some currently manufactured options:

"lifu"


"var"

I had one, might have it still...if so I'll PM you and you can have it for cost of shipping. Haven't seen one for sale in years.

Thanks for the replies.

The Lifu, Var, and Pedros all fit into the dropout axel slots, which means they must be put in place after the wheel has been pulled and removed before the wheel is replaced, forcing the user to deal with the oily chain. I believe they are intended for a slightly different use.

The Toureze does not contact the axel slot and can be placed before removing the wheel and removed after the wheel is reinstalled. The Toureze would be usless for bike shipping, It simply is meant for temporary use while the bike stays (lays) in one place.

I am amazed that something this ingenious has apparently fallen out of favor with cyclists.

Great, let me know. Thanks.

Haven't seen one in years either...one of my bikes had a sweet little hook on the inside of the rear stay to hook the chain on when the rear wheel was out. I think it was on my Bob Jackson but can't recall.

Aaron

Yup, those work okay, most of my bikes have little buttons brazed on the seatstay. I have a steel framed Trek with a little hook which is part of the dropout. But still one gets dirty fingers which inevitably migrate to jerseys, gloves, and bar tape.

I also own a yellow Toureze and wouldn't go on a ride without it! It is 8 years since the original post and I would like to purchase another. If anyone has found them, please let me know!