Peter, Et Al: Too many dustcaps became stuck and stripped out in the removal process when team mechanics were in a hurry, and had to be chiseled out. So, they were left out by the most active racers for practical reasons. Naturally the amateurs and enthusiasts saw this and wanted to emulate their heroes. Not only were the dustcaps removed but so were the QR springs. Totally useless. In a hurry they could get jammed in the dropout slot and and the roadside commentary during a delayed wheel change made the raunchiest muleskinner blanche. I left these parts off the guys bikes when I got back from Europe, and the riders were quick studies and enjoyed the European touch. The Allen key removal and subsequent cartridge systems took care of the dustcap situation. The newer riders seem to have a problem changing some of the factory stuff . It seems the older guys still used real leather chamois in their riding shorts, and were closer to nature and reality, and could think better out of the box. Today's breed has to see it in black and white and if it requires thought and any deviation from the list, they get confused and suspicious. But that's what happens when we have people who need the cash register tell them how many coins of which denomination they need to make the correct change. I haven't used QR springs for over 45 years, and haven't missed or needed them, ever. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, Ca
> Did real racing men use crank dustcaps? Or is it uncool and just sissy? I
> ask because after perusing "The TI Raleigh Story" not one of the team
> bikes
> had them. Maybe they were already stripping them to sell on eBay if they
> were clarvoyant. But if they didn't use them, any practical reason?
>
> Peter Kohler, who chalked up about 75 miles on his Team Pro this gorgeous
> weekend
> Washington DC USA