Clydesdale Scot wrote:a few theories
here
That's quite an interesting discussion. I have been told the 'failsafe' story more often than not by old Frenchmen and Dutchmen in the bars over a drink when asking why this is so. I was told that main reason for the idea was that it was an insurance against breakages when descending long rough hill roads at speed. Hearsay, obviously but that is what they said.
Jobst Brandt's comment is unusual...It is no urban legend, it happened a lot, and European backroads were crap in the 50's. Look at old racing photos. I removed an example of these wooden rods from the steerer of my RIH in Noordwijk, (just to see what the hell it was as I hadn't seen one before). It was a light interference fit and the wood had been greased before it had been tapped in, also had a hole through the wood to take the brake bolt. It was made of a good quality hardwood like oak, elm or the like. Wasn't going to soak up water or let water into the wood/steel interface! After being told what it was I put it back. Didn't seem to make any difference to the ride tho'.
I have a suspicion it was more of a fashion thing for most people really, like only taping the bottom half of drop handlebars, soldering spokes or other affectations of the racing crowd at the time.
Cheers
Richard
This seemed to be mainly done by the Audax/Hard Tourist crowd but I was told it was also common for 'racers' to do this back in the 50's.
