I thought it was some kind of oiler but it looks like it might add spring tension to the cable for faster shifting?
This came on a 1994(?) Raleigh John Tomac Design Series MTI 1000
by no_place_like_gnome
I thought it was some kind of oiler but it looks like it might add spring tension to the cable for faster shifting?
This came on a 1994(?) Raleigh John Tomac Design Series MTI 1000
by no_place_like_gnome
5 Comments
Bass worm adds spring tension.
I think they were called “dirt worms” or something like that. They were to keep dirt and muck outa your cable housing. The rubber probably isn’t very elastic any more but they would also add a little bit more tension on the cable so the derailer springs don’t have to work so hard shifting up to a lower gear.
Man I haven’t seen one of those in forever and a day. That’s exactly what it is, a spring tension device to augment the rear derailleur spring.
Grip Shift Bassworm
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ba-n.html#bassworm
It should be flexible and “springy” when pulled. It is probably dead by now. Gripshift of that era was very susceptible to excessive friction in the shift handle, so they added this accessory to enhance return force on the cable.