Grime, dirt, and water can all be enemies of a cyclist. There are many ways to play defense, however reader Rob came up with a solution that is truly unique . . . and stylish. You may have seen beer can mudflaps, but a shoe mudflap? I highly doubt it. Take it away Rob . . .
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I needed a mudflap for my fender, but I didn't want to make an ugly one out of black rubber for my beautiful old Raleigh. Brooks sells a leather one for $40, but I am not spending $40 for a tiny piece of leftover leather.
Then I remembered I have a pair of thrift store wing tips that I don't wear anymore. First I tried cutting out the tongues, but they were too narrow. Then I tried cutting out the toes. Presto!
Rather than drill holes, I attached them with two tiny document clips and slid out the shiny metal handles when they were on. Now I have a wing tip mudflap. I rode through some water today and it worked just fine. Best yet, when I took apart the shoes I realized they were actually pleather. Even better. For mudflaps, not feet.
Have you found a creative way to fight grime? Feel free to let us know so that we can post for the benefit of all.
It would be have been even more stylish if he'd used a two-toned shoe!
Posted by: Leo Horishny | 05/16/2011 at 02:43 PM
I really like this hack. I, too, like cutting up old things and finding new uses for the remains! That shoe flap looks downright classy.
Posted by: swine flu | 05/16/2011 at 05:36 PM