What is this head tube attachment for???

[paredown]

Been watching this Bilenky touring bike on the 'Bay.

Bit of a frankenbike (eyelets added it looks like), but I have no idea what this headtube attachment is--and could it be removed?

[icepick_trotsky]

Clamp for a light or some kind of custom bag?

[djdj]

Aero position for riders with tiny hands.

[veggieburger]

Allows you to put your feet up, so you can go "wheeeeeee!" down steep hills.

[bigreen505]

It's where you mount your aggressive driver defense system (small missiles).

[ultraman6970]

Thats to put your pet bird in there.

[seanile]

it's a cigar tube.

edit: ^my 1000th post :rolleyes:

[Doug Fattic]

I'm guessing it is a mount for a light or computer or some other accessory where there isn't room or the owner does not want it attached to his handlebar. On a take apart bike those accessories are not disturbed when the handlebars are removed for packing.

[AngryScientist]

that bike sure looks like it may have a story or two to tell. i like it.

[junkfood]

I would definitely nail my knee on that at some point.

Jake

[Mark McM]

I'm guessing it is a mount for a light or computer or some other accessory where there isn't room or the owner does not want it attached to his handlebar. On a take apart bike those accessories are not disturbed when the handlebars are removed for packing.

That was my first thought, but then I looked at the cable routing. The position of the head tube attachment and the derailleur and brake cables guarantees interference with anything mounted onto them, especially as the handlebars are turned side to side. If they were meant for mounting lights or a bag, it is a very poor solution.

[AngryScientist]

i wonder if it's some solution to protect the frame in the case? like moto sliders??

http://articles.dashzracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2000-2003-Suzuki-GSXR-600-Frame-Sliders-dashzracing-600x451.jpg

[djdj]

Built-in handlebar alignment guide.

[echelon_john]

Travel bike. (Couplers)

So maybe a standoff for the case?

[bmeryman]

Hammerhead touring bike. How wide is it?

[Plum Hill]

Email Bilenky and ask.

[chairmandave]

Rohloff shifter mount?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MN2nbZoZUeM/Umm-1RWGeII/AAAAAAAAA1M/c4AAQ-fOsTs/s1600/Rodriguez+Makeshift+Tandem+Rohloff_handlebars.jpg

[nighthawk]

Stabalizing rod and attachment point for sidecar.

[Louis]

Extra-high highway pegs.

[jasonification]

clamp for a light or some kind of custom bag?

+1

[schwa86]

Re removal -- the head tube must be intact and it must be mitered to fit there, so you'd think they could take it off. The Bilenky folks are pretty responsive if you want to ask questions (at least they were when I had my couplers installed a few years ago)

[adampaiva]

I asked in a previous auction. He replied:

Isn t it great! I have never seen another like it. I guess you could put accessories on it? When I took the bike too work I could lean the bike against a pole resting on it rather than the frame

So don't think they know. Unless it really is just for leaning. Very odd, thats for sure.