What ever happened to ......

[Sharky]

Flint Catchers?

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/components/flint-catchers-comp.html

There was a time when everybody used to use these and with the state of the current roads and the increase in visits from the puncture fairy, could have a place on today's bikes?

Also with all the retro builds being reported on Chat, has anybody fitted them?

Keith

 

[martint235]

Doesn't it rub on the tyre? Would drive me nuts.

 

[biggs682]

keep thinking about them but not yet , maybe soon

 

[MikeG]

I use the back of my gloves, occasionally......... Not so easy with the back wheel!

 

[sidevalve]

A very similar device was used in the 20s and 30s on m/cycles [only bigger of course] but they were mainly designed to remove horseshoe and boot nails. They were normally fitted with a tiny gap between the tyre and the saver the idea being that the nail [or whatever] would be flicked out before it was driven further in by the next wheel rotation. As the article says I suspect the effect was more imaginary than real.

 

[raindog]

I threw mine away about 40 years ago and never looked back.

 

[sittingbull]

I had never heard of them until recently when @rbreid used them on his Hercules Kestrel build.

 

[John the Canuck]

fortuitous timing thread..!!

as i just ordered a pair from BikeForum USA.... US$18........

i know - dont ask why - but in my era they were the de rigueur accessory

here
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage-sales/943651-time-tire-savers-again.html#post16678975

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Never heard of them. Any good really, or just a fad?

 

[raindog]

Never heard of them.

You have to be getting on a bit to know about this kind of thing. Anyone who used flint catchers is showing their age - like me.

 

[Sharky]

As the OP, I must admit to being in the autumn of my cycling years. I joined my first club in the Summer of '66 and flint catchers seemed to be quite popular. I never got round to using them myself, I was just a school boy living off pocket money and had to wait for Christmas for bits for my bike.

I also remember a few riders who just used tape and wrapped it round the forks, so it just skimmed the tyres - anybody try this method?

I'm now more than ever tempted to try them on my winter bike - If you are using them, please report in on the success and puncture rates.

Thanks all
Keith

 

[MikeG]

......I'm now more than ever tempted to try them on my winter bike - .........

.........where they'll soon accumulate a huge ball of gooey clay, acting a bit like a permanent brake.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

For those old enough to remember.... they look like something Blue Peter would do with an old coat hanger and tape

"Today children we are going to show you how to make a flint catcher for fathers day, you can even decorate it with some fantastic colours to match his bike"

 

[John the Canuck]

Never heard of them. Any good really, or just a fad?

.................. - If you are using them, please report in on the success and puncture rates.
Keith

FWIW see post 18 in the above link

mine are due next week - i'll let you know..

 

[John the Canuck]

quick post from the US

well made and packaged - would make a nice wee gift actually

and the rear


john