On some vintage bikes I see these plastic or rubberized plastic cable ends that slip over the cable ends(instead of the crimp on aluminum ones). It is a friction fit, no crimping needed, and the real advantage is that they are reusable after you adjust or lube your cable.They prevent fraying and seem to also protect the frame.I have never seen them on new bikes. I am not talking about the donuts sold solely protect the frame . These are similar in shape to the aluminum crimp ons, superior in function,IMHO, and even come in many colors, maybe to color coordinate with you frame.Some are a solid color;others translucent. Three great friendly LBS's never heard of these. This surprised me because I see them frequently. I suspect maybe they are an adaptation; designed for something else, like the plumbing washers some substitute for the rubber thumb adjusting rings on Campagnolo brake calipers.Can someone out there tell me what these are, what they are called and where to get them?
Mark Cutrufelli Laurel,MD
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