brady.gross

Does anyone recognize what these line/wire type things are and what they might be for? They are on my right chain stay only and are two parallel lines connected to the actual frame but look like they could be popped off if needed for some use?

I double checked and they are not connected to any brake or gear shifting lines.

I've included some photos and markups to point out exactly what I'm referring to.

nickw

I can't really see the pics clearly since they are so small...I imagine they are probably spoke holders.

Edit: on second look, that is what they are. They are typically on the non-drive side, but looks like Novara did this due to the hydro line on the non-drive chainstay.

brady.gross

Sorry, I thought those photos would upload bigger. I'll try again.

I guess I'm too much of a newbie to just post direct image links in posts still. Gotta get to 10 posts first! : /

FBinNY 

They're chainstay protectors, intended to keep the bouncing chain from beating the paint off the chainstay.

Touring bikes position the supports the right distance apart to work with the right length spoke, so your spares do this job until you need them for your wheel.

brady.gross

Alright i give up on the bigger images. It hates me!

But thanks, you two answered my questions anyway with the small photos regardless!

I had never seen or heard of chainstay protectors before! Thanks so much @FBinNY and @nickw!!!

mstateglfr 

It looks like 2 spokes are in there right now.

FBinNY 

For those who care but can't see it in the photos, here's a clear photo showing the concept on another bike.

brady.gross

Yes thank you @FBinNY

Finally figured out photos:

edit_6 by Brady Gross, on Flickr

brady.gross

edit_5 by Brady Gross, on Flickr

brady.gross

edit_4 by Brady Gross, on Flickr

edit_3 by Brady Gross, on Flickr

bigbenaugust 

Spare spokes for the tour you mayor may not take.

My '03 Randonee also had them on the drive side as I recall.

Tourist in MSN

If you are lucky, you will never need the spare spoke(s). But, they are there if you need them.

When I had a LHT, I recall suggesting to Surly that they put the spoke holder on the right side like REI did. Then you could use a greenfield kickstand that clamps on in back. (This was several years before they came out with an anti-kickstand policy.) And that way the spokes would be your chainstay protector for chain slap. They gave me a response that told me that they clearly did not even finish reading my suggestion before they said something stupid.

tspoon

Agree. Some people like to get pretty technical about wheels and spokes, but the only proven method of preventing broken spokes is to carry spares, similar to the way you can stop rain by putting on your raincoat.

brady.gross

I would have never guessed spare spokes, but now taking a closer look (again).. that is definitely what they are. Spare spokes. Who would have thought.

Also great to double up like you mentioned as a chainstay protector.. which I also didn't particularly realize was a thing either.

Now I'll have to look up and learn the procedure to actually use those sparesif something crazy does go down.

indyfabz

Crickey!


Kickstands On Long Haul Truckers | Spews | The Information Hole | Surly Bikes

brady.gross

Looks like the rebranding of the Novara line on REI.com also more clearly shows those extra spokes...

2017-02-02_0942 by Brady Gross, on Flickr

edthesped

You mean an answer like this? (Taken straight from the Surly Blog, Foreign Relations: Vol. 1 | Blog | Surly Bikes) The more I look at Surly the more I get what my daughter says about them. OTOH, I'm glad to see that REI hasn't really changed the Randonee as I think it's every bit as good as or better, gasp, than the much venerated LHT.

mstateglfr 

which is...

FBinNY 

You shouldn't ask.

This is one of those things where the reader gets to apply his own opinion and assume the unsaid is supportive of that.

Love em or not, his daughter agrees.

tyrion

They do make good chainstay protectors, as well as those thingies that go between the hub and the rim.

edthesped

I'll say it, Hipster. And no, she doesn't agree she planted the seed in my head and I agree, but I guess I was a little unclear there as well. I said it in another thread and didn't repeat it here, maybe a little of what you said or typing between meetings without fully proofing my post. Either way I started looking at their site after reading a comment about hipsters, typewriters and Surly in another thread and will say that yeah, my 20 y/o called it, hipster and I agree with her.

Furthermore, if memory serves me correct mstateglfr is likely somewhat aware of what I was talking about as he replied to me directly in the thread I referenced above... https://www.bikeforums.net/19314230-post54.html

In any event I'm happy the Randonee lives on as it really is a great bargain for a full on touring bike.

mstateglfr 

Im like a goldfish. My memory starts over every 30 seconds.

Didnt at all put 2 and 2 together.


As for the Randonee, it for sure is an awesome deal. When i built up my current touring bike, if I hadn't gone the route i went, i would have tried to snag a Randonee during a discount/end of year sale for even more savings.

edthesped

No worries, my memory is probably worse and I should give it a break anyway. I know I had to fight the urge to purchase another Randonee when REI was clearing them out for $600'ish last year, but why would I need two of the same bike. OTOH, I may be a bit of a hypocrite as my primary ride is a Salsa. I do have to say that as an old guy the whole marketing image Surly and now Spec with their adventure line is trying to convey is a big turn off for me. I keep waiting to see the most interesting man in the world show up on one of their blogs but I'm told hipsters drink Pabst Blue Ribbon and craft beer.

Squeezebox

I'm okay with adventure bicycles. Kind of a Cinderella spot. Compared to a road bicycle, more relaxed geometry, wider tires, lower gearing, for pavement and hard trails. But not too much as would going to touring bicycle specs would be going too far. And also the weight of the bicycle issue, inc wheels.
They fit a niche.

edthesped

For me the "Adventure Bike" is the perfect setup, it's the whole marketing schtick that is irksome to me, i.e. surly's blog, the we are going awol tumblr etc... On the other hand backpacking with the boy has put my gear in the somewhat ultralight category so I don't feel the need or desire to carry full on touring loads. However, next ride will have a means to make good coffee as I find good coffee to be critical to my psychological well being.