rootboy 

Thank you Dawes-man. In our communications, both Jan are are are quite surprised they're selling so well on his site. We both figured it would reach a "saturation" point, where everyone who wanted them, a small niche to be sure, would get them and sales would drop precipitously. So far, knock on wood, that hasn't happened. Yet.

rootboy 

Ah. I see, thanks. The other member wrote me to ask if they could be mounted between the star washer and the fork crown, or, between the star washer and the bolt boss. But I figured, though it might work, one would likely lose the function of the star washer by doing that. It's clear I need to experiment with some method of using these on recess nut brakes. Not having a bike which uses recess nuts is problematic. I was thinking that a small washer placed on the flange of the recess nut between the flange on the nut and the fork crown might work. But then, of course, one loses the sleek appearance and function of the recess nut. And the brake pivot bolt used on recess brakes may not be long enough for that approach anyway. Hmmm....

jr59

Maybe you should send him some of your hand made bags too!

Good job!

rootboy 

BTW Skip, I'm going to experiment more with flattening the loop. It definitely makes them more user friendly. It helps with them not turning when the nut is tightened also. On my wrap-around fender version I hit the loop with a 3/8 Stanley flat nosed punch, on an anvil. Then I have to take them over to the Scotchbrite deburring wheel to smooth out the tool and anvil marks and make them look nice. It adds a few steps, and some time, but might be worth it. Thanks.

rootboy 

HA! Thanks JR but, you and Aaron have almost all of my hand-made bags.

Jan did admire them but, I think he's locked in to the Berthoud bags he sells. Which are very nice indeed.

jr59

I'm very sure I can speak for Aaron as well as myself in saying; "We STRONGLY recommend your hand made bags!"

lol...as if that would make any difference at all!

SJX426 

I am with you on the mounting anywhere between the last caliper and the mounting surface. I just don't like adding yet another element in the stack. Simplicity rules here.

I don't see an elegant solution mounting on the recessed nut side either. I believe the clamping surface of the nut is in the recess anyway, so there isn't room for the loop to fit, just a complete washer. If a recessed nut were redesigned to inlcude a threaded stud where the hex hole is then it would mimic a nutted brake configuration.

Bolt lenght is an issue on both sides. Flatening the loop allows for slightly more thread engagement of the acorn or locking nut. This is the primary reason in flattened the loop to begin with! Did I fail to mention that!

Now that I think about it, what is esthetically appealing is the tire saver placed such that it is under the brake bridge in the back and under the fork in the front. With either type of brake mounting one of the two configurations exists but not both. I don't remember and I can't check right now, if the front recessed nut goes through the fork crown and clamps on the front side of the steering hole or not. If so, mounting the tire saver there would work as long as the distance from the loop to the bend was long enough. If someone reading this detail knows, we would appreciate it, otherwise, I will check when I get home and let you know. I suspect that it does not. The recess in the fork crown is probably like the rear bridge, a counter bored hole. If not, the steerer tube would have to be milled to be flat for the recessed nut.

SJX426 

I don't have a set of your tire savers as I am supplied from 1973 bulk purchase. The material mine are made of are like bailing wire, that is quite soft without much spring. If your material is much the same, then you might be able to flatten the loops in a press and use washers with the desired thickness as stops on either side instead of using a punch and hammer. It would reduce time and provide uniformity between parts.

rootboy 

It would be interesting to know what brand your are/were. I tried bending a set of my old Bicycle Research wires and they're harder than the back of your head. Seems almost like piano wire, which is similar to spring steel. Actually, my material for the top portion is just brass. I tried using stainless for it but couldn't bend that stuff for s**t. Until, that is, the great Frank the Welder (what happened to that guy?) sent me some pieces of 1/16th stainless welding rod. It was just enough softer than the stock I had tried using that I could bend it for the tire rubbing pieces. But no way I can bend it into mounting loops, let alone my little keeper ring I bend for the "neck". That's how I ended up with two-toned tire savers.

So, it doesn't take too much to flatten the brass, but it ends up destroying the finish so I have to refinish them. A "press" ? Ha. that's a good one. ：） You mean, like a hydraulic or pneumatic press? I do have a 5 ton Jet bearing press but that doesn't have enough oomph to flatten brass, as small as it is. Would need a punch press. Way over my pay grade, I'm afraid.

Thanks for all your input on this. I'm still brain storming. But now I'm going to make sure I ask customers if they have nutted brakes or recess mount.

ColonelJLloyd 

Installed a set of Scott's Tire Savers on a recent build. These are super cool, handmade accessories.

Untitled by ColonelJLloyd, on Flickr


Untitled by ColonelJLloyd, on Flickr

rootboy 

Thanks Colonel. Those look pretty nifty on that build. As you know, you can shorten up that front one if you like.
BTW, I like that little machined light bracket.

SJX426 

How about pics of the complete bike! Why isnt the fender mounted to the chain stay bridge?

auchencrow

Very spiffy looking. These little appointments are what distinguishes a superb build.

ColonelJLloyd 

Yeah, I think I will do that.

Most of the pics didn't turn out well; I'll have to take some more. When I do I'll post them in the VO Pass Hunter thread. The rear fender is mounted to the dropouts with stays and directly to the seat stay bridge and chain stay bridge.

16Victor

3a) Change tires!

fender1

What light mount is that? MAP? Where did you find it?

rootboy 

I knew you'd get asked that question, Colonel. Neat little unit.

ColonelJLloyd 

Yes, it is. You can order it directly from Mitch Pryor ($30 shipped) or your LBS can order it from Merry Sales.