Recently bought the Fantom Cross Uno from bikesdirect. I was putting it together and noticed the front hub has these little tabbed parts with screws that look like they are supposed to attach to the fender eyelets on the front fork. I guess this would hold the wheel onto the front fork in case you suck at tightening the bolts. Should I attach them to the fender eyelets? What are they for? Or should I just take them off?

Post a picture. I have no idea what you're talking about.

We commonly refer to them as "idiot washers" at the shop.

Thanks Scrod
It's kinda like this but instead of the tab that fits into the hole, the tab has a screw that would screw right into the fender eyelet.


Is there any reason/benefit to use them, or take them off? If I use them will I be subject to endless ridicule from the cool people?

I don't know what you're talking about and probably aren't one of the "cool people" to which you refer but I'm happy to help with the endless ridicule if that's what you really want.

I think that your initial feelings are right--"I guess this would hold the wheel onto the front fork in case you suck at tightening the bolts."

Of course, I assume no legal responsibilities and leaving them off are at your own risk.

I do wonder...............are these related to the part referred to as "lawyer lips"???

If you decide to to leave them off, you might consider replacing them with a regular washer.

common on department store bikes, serve no purpose other than your original thoughts

id take it off just because it would make attaching/detaching the front wheel that much more annoying

I'd take them off, they serve no purpose other then to attempt to keep the wheel from falling off if you didn't tighten the nuts down all the way. They're like lawyer lips, except they're washers.