Tire Wiper for friction drive

[steverg]

I've been riding friction drive bikes for a while now and I've noticed that a lot of road grit sticks to my tires.

I've wondered if that is causing extra wear on the tire and drive spindle.

I'm considering placing a sponge, rag, brush or some kind of wiper that will sit on the tire and wipe it just before the tire meets the drive spindle.

Has anyone else heard of this or tried it or had any experience or thoughts on this? I searched and couldn't find any posts on it.

Thanks!

[Happy Valley]

Yeah, if you search some more you'll find mention of it buried in a thread somewhere where I once brought it up.

I thought of attaching a bristle brush or something to one of these

which by the way, support rack mounted bikes very well.

I've yet to do it however but if I did I wouldn't call it a "tire wiper".

just kidding

[steverg]

Hi, HV
Thanks!
Yes, I suspected part of my 'search' problem was that I had not hit on the right term.
Tire Brush? Tire Bristle?
How about:
Tire Tender
Wheel Wiper (my favorite)
Spindle Sponge
Bridgestone Bristle
Kenda Kleaner

I'll take a closer look at it today and make a run at it and post something.
My main concern is the the "brush" might get hung up in the spindle or engine or spokes or God knows what.

[srdavo]

I've been riding friction drive bikes for a while now and I've noticed that a lot of road grit sticks to my tires.

I've wondered if that is causing extra wear on the tire and drive spindle.

that's exactly how a rubber tire wears down a steel roller.
this might even dry the tire some, during wet conditions.

why not call it "wheel whiskers" ?
or....
"The Scrubber Scrubber" ?

[Happy Valley]

that's exactly how a rubber tire wears down a steel roller.
this might even dry the tire some, during wet conditions.

why not call it "wheel whiskers" ?
or....
"The Scrubber Scrubber" ?

Wait.......how about.......Rubber Scrubber!

On drying the tire davo, do they make 12V blow dryers?

[steverg]

I was thinking of routing the engine's exhaust onto the tire...

[Nuttsy]

A side benefit might well be that such a device may dislodge a thorn or other random BEFORE the roller pressed it all the way into the tube to Flat City.

[loquin]

Sheldon Brown (RIP) talked about a wiper (on his tires discussion, I believe.) He mentioned that they're often made from broken spokes that are curved to fit the tire profile.

edit: He called them "Tire Savers" & said that they were of 'dubious value'

[Zev0]

Sheldon Brown (RIP) talked about a wiper (on his tires discussion, I believe.) He mentioned that they're often made from broken spokes that are curved to fit the tire profile.

Sheldon also does not think highly of them.

[loquin]

I found a place that sells 'em! loose screws ...