Hi Jack ,
I wish there were more for this list of long-term , very-traditional , items which are still being made today !!
Here's what I know ( or at least what I think I know , somebody tell me how many I got wrong ) :
Brooks Saddles - I have nothing to add , except congratulations all around !
Velox Bar Plugs - Aren't these unchanged from like maybe the 1960's ? This was discussed fairly recently ( few months ago ) . Did we come up with a firm answer ? My personal guess , based on when I thought they might have first appeared , would be maybe almost 1970 . But then , I was not too worldly wise back then . Maybe they were around in the 1960's ?
Velox Cloth Handlebar Tape & Rim Tape - I don't know . But I would love to know when the brand names , Tressostar & Tressoplast , first appeared . Cotton cloth handlebar tape was certainly around , long ago . How far back was it commonly used ?? How similar was it to the cotton cloth tape available today ??????
Christophe Toe-Clips and Straps - Gone , sadly gone , I'm afraid . They quit fairly recently . Was it 2002 ?? And since I occasionally see references to "old style Christophe toe clips" , I have to ask , how far back did that name go ?? And , when was that final design first made ?? Did that final design last from like about 1965 , until like about 2002 ??
TA Cyclotouriste Cranks - the Pro 5 Vis - I hear they are teetering on the edge !! They may not be made for too much longer ??????
Carradice Bags - Just given a new lease on life ?? More styles , and more inventory , than in the past few years ??
Silca Frame Fit Pumps - Very sadly NOT what they used to be , and obviously on their way out . They do not make them in the same way as they way they used to make them .
VAR Tools - Company is still in business !! They are trying to keep up with the changes . They do come out with new styles , for working on new equipment . Many of our old favorite tools are long gone . But a few still remain . VAR tool # 2 is still available !! That's the "3rd hand brake tool" . It's the one with the set-screw to keep the setting , no springs .
Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas
> From Brooks B17 article
> http://www.cyclingnews.com/
>
> "Can you name another bike part or cycling-related accessory that has
> been in continuous production using the same methods and materials for
> over 80 years?"
>
> No, but maybe close would be: Velox bar plugs, Velox cloth bar tape and
> rim tape, Christophe toeclips and straps, TA Cyclotouriste cranks,
> Carradice bags, Silca frame fit pumps, many VAR tools...
>
> What else?
>
> Jack Bissell
> tucson, az
>
>
> On Tuesday, February 10, 2004, at 11:55 AM, Craig Fenstermaker wrote:
>
> > Grin :-)
> >
> > Check out
> >
> > http://www.cyclingnews.com/
> >
> > for a modern spin on this venerable piece.
> >
> > Craig Fenstermaker
> > Minnetonka mn