Okay ... so I am stupid. Yes, I do cherish my bikes ... yes I know them intimately ... Of course I do!!!!
This afternoon I showed the very helpful Jason up at Halter's Cycles and it turns out these are wear indicators; ie: they show how much the tread is worn. Clever, huh?
So thanks Jason. I will buy something worthwhile from your really rather good bike shop some time soon.
* see my Bike Index here