Attic What IZIT #16
by Bikeman • September 20, 2023
We had a lot of fun with the Attic What IZIT back in the day. We'd dig up some of the more obscure parts hiding here and put it out to our loyal visitors to come up with what it is. Bikeman would always know of course but it was entertaining to see how long it would take for someone else to come up with the correct answer. We would post the answer so the winner could take a victory lap. In the event of multiple correct answers we would post the most complete or creative one. We'll try to dust one of these off each week and keep the excitement going of what will pop up next.
Originally Published early in this century
What in the world could this be? It is a cool product that could be used with any bike, mtn, road, tandem...... Bikeman has never personally used one so any personal experience with the product will give you bonus points on your answer. We are looking for Manufacturer, Model Name, and a good description of how the product was used.
Based on the answers given this proved to be a fair edition of the What IZIT. We did however have a slight mixup as a great answer was given early on.... Then the Attic computer crashed and all early emails have been lost. If you where the early answer and can forward me your original message I will give you the winning prize as well. Here are the rest of the responses.
The Winner is Steve Bodayla
"This is a Sidetrack Brake Power Booster, used to adapt the cable pull of a road brake lever for use with linear-pull brakes. It is designed to be installed in-line, preferably close to the brake lever. From the manufacturer, who apparently still sells this for $30: "Increase your brake power by boosting up the cable travel of your brake levers. Power up your side pull brakes, canti-lever brakes, or V-brakes. The BPB requires no cable stop and fits anywhere in between the brake and the lever, and looks trick. The BPB is an ideal product for performance riders on tandem, road-racing bike or mountain bike. Made of 6061 aluminum, and weighs only 30 grams. The BPB comes in anodized black or silver. No Mounting required." Note the comment "No mounting required." Apparently you can just put it in your pocket, and it increases your cable pull. Magic! This is from the same company that sells the "Butt Buddy." ....Ahh.. you can't beat the Butt Buddy..
Runner Up #1: Robert from Astoria OR
Sidetrack Thingy.... #16 whatzit does the same thing as the travel agent, increase cable pulled at a different rate than the cable pulled at the lever end. Started to look for those and discovered they were discontinued, purpose: to put between old road levers and sturmy archer drum hub brakes, mustache bars on the wet weather bike. got a couple of them." ....Sorry we are fresh out.