I remember having a leather hub cleaner on my three-speed bicycle some years ago, before it eventually rotted and fell off along some country lane. I’ve never seen them for sale anywhere – even the ugly, modern, toilet brush alternative is difficult to track down. So I made some…
I was so pleased with the results that I drew up a pattern (PDF) for public dissemination…
Simply find an old leather belt, cut some straps, lube them lightly with machine oil and affix them to your hubs. Job done…
r:B
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February 1, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Thom
Nice! Any photos “in action”? Also, any ideas for a DIY spring clip/dust clip for a front hub (besides a piece of tape)?
February 2, 2009 at 5:07 pm
R::B
Once the weather improves perhaps. These are the little jobs for occupying my time while it’s below zero outside!
You could just use a small Terry clip or even a large tie wrap (zip tie) tightened up and snipped off – it should slide out of the way when you need to lube your hub.
February 2, 2009 at 6:55 pm
placid casual
if you look closely, you can see that i used to use livestrong bands for the same thing.
this was after my daughters complained about me using their hair ‘bobbles’
February 2, 2009 at 6:56 pm
placid casual
sorry – forgot the link…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/placid_casual/3070568061/in/set-72157594465396846
February 3, 2009 at 12:26 am
Thom
Ah right, how quickly I forget that other parts of the world experience winter! I think a zip tie might be my best bet, thanks for the idea. I’ll browse a bit at the hardware store next time I’m there and see if anything else strikes me.
February 6, 2009 at 7:03 pm
R::B
@placid casual
Nice pair of wheels – and I mean that metaphorically as well as literally!
Did you pop the band on the hub before building the wheel – if so, neat hack! – or did you cut the band and splice it together as I did?
April 4, 2011 at 12:11 am
64schwinn
You can find these for sale at this place…
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71413889/bicycle-hub-cleaners