But here at VO we never stop thinking about how to convey our favorite beverages, hence the beer fender. Okay, it's not really just for beer, but we wanted to continue the theme. Flat topped mini-rack fenders were made in France during the 1950s and 60s. They were not for heavy loads, but rather for a rolled up jacket, baguette, or bottle of wine or beer. Flat top fenders might be a useful addition to a handlebar bag, providing extra carrying capacity without the weight of a rack. And they do look cool.
This is the first rough prototype and it obviously still needs refinement. I'm not sure if we'll pursue this project, the appeal might be too limited.
This is vastly better than those 6-pack hanging from the top tube carriers that keep popping up.
ReplyDeleteI want one.
#1. This is pretty cool. If it can work with 650ml and 1L bottles for beer, I'd be happy with it.
ReplyDelete#2. What's with the worn out 911s in the background of those pictures?
80, It would probably be fine with any size bottle. There is a Porsche shop down the street with a whole row of rusted-out 911s; makes an interesting background.
ReplyDeleteI would buy a flat top Zeppelin fender in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteRyan
@Ryan
ReplyDeleteStep 1: Buy Zeppelin Fenders
Step 2: Bend to flat shape using a hammer and a anvil
Step 3: Attach velcro straps
Step 4: Enjoy the ride
Shame it's such a beer-specific application. It would be really cool if you could use that area in conjunction with or in place of a small rear rack.
ReplyDeleteI would be in to those as extra special fender mounts but, anything limiting tire clearance is not a winner with me.
ReplyDeleteSincerly,
Bert
PS. love the post-apocalyptic cars back ground.
What I don't understand about this and the six-pack rack is, don't the bottles get shaken to heck and primed to explode when you arrive at your destination?
ReplyDeleteThese past few posts have felt like an April Fools joke. I can carry beer in a pannier or basket, be it a six pack or growler or jug of Manischewitz.
ReplyDeleteSorry--I liked the six-pack, but to me, regardless of historical precedent, this crosses the line into dumb.
ReplyDeleteKeep making prototypes. I don't think this fender idea is going to work though...
ReplyDeleteWork on putting a wool VO jersey into production. Who would be in to that??? You can put a beer in the back pocket? yeah?no? yeah?
You have offered the best carrying options. Now give us clothes so we can tell everyone we support an awesome company. T shirts are a good start.
It looks cool and kind of retro but who is going to drink a warm, shaken bottle of beer (ok, beside me when I was in the Navy)? I love the idea of a retro bike that I can use to stop at the store and pick up a few things, including beer, wine, cheese, etc. Or take a picnic some place. How about a cooler trunk bag with matching front rack and panniers made for picnic stuff?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't carry a beer with it, but I would really like something like this on the front wheel to stabilize a light handlebar bag and provide a good light mounting point.
ReplyDeleteI would like something like this on the back for extra clothing on cold days, but I'd be worried about fabric getting sucked into the rear wheel since it's out of sight. A fence or some other built-in retention system in the back might help easy my mind.
Anyway, I think it's a good idea - I can't see any reason why not get this over a "normal" fender.
Loosen the bail before a breakaway to keep the peloton at bay!
ReplyDeleteThe flat top is an interesting idea. If you can mitigate the risk of creating weak spots at the bends, such a platform offers a nice spot for stowing, say, a rain jacket, without having to mount a bag to the bike (or one's back).
Meh. I like the 6 pack rack, but this one doesn't appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes!!! You can get this feature only in vintage fenders on eBay, and it's very appealing so long as tire clearance is accounted for. Desirable for vintage restorations as well. Prototype on, please!
ReplyDeleteI deny all the naysayers posting here, and I say that with a smile. I think it's great, and I would certainly consider buying it, if I don't make it for myself already. Hurry!
ReplyDeletePlease be aware that the Bicycle Quarterly 2014 Calendar for August highlights a Faure, a jewel of a bike built by a monsieur Faure, c. 1948, with a very beautiful rear "beer fender" (C'mom, the name's got to change to "wine fender" or something. No beer fits, unless it's a Colt 45 or a Bud Tallboy).
Might be some good design cues for you.
cool! not as cool as the 6 pack, but still cool.
ReplyDeleteRe: "No beer fits unless it's a Colt 45 or a Bud Tallboy"
ReplyDelete.
David Pearce I invite you to explore the rewarding world of craft beer in 22 oz bottles. Your current frame of reference is unfortunate.
@David Pearce - I assume that's the Faure featured on p66-9 of The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles - my favourite of the many beautiful bikes in that (mistitled) book. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw this. The Faure looks like it has rails along the side of the platform to mount small panniers maybe, or for tie-downs - this would be a useful feature to have. I'd definitely consider one of these despite giving up on alu guards in favour of Berthoud stainless after my Honjo zeppelins vibrated themselves apart. Much better than the 6-pack rack!
ReplyDelete