gavtatu

hi all, any top tips for running internal brake and derailleur cables?
thanks

Wordbiker

Yes: Don't.

I know it looks "clean", but it does make servicing the bike more difficult and generally reduces the efficiency of the cables.

If you absolutely must add internal cable routing to a frame not designed for them, keep in mind you'll be voiding any warranties and perhaps even compromising the strength of the frame. All disclaimers said, I'd look at either adding a full internal tube and some brazed on reinforcements...or just take the frame to a builder that's had some experience with it.

If I'm way off base and your frame is made to accept them, a good trick is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck a thread through the frame, then use the thread to pull the cables through.

andr0id

Your response makes no sense. I've had a bike with an internally routed rear brake cable for 10 years now. You poke the housing through and it pops out the other end. No vacuum cleaner or thread required. No corrosion on cable stops or ferrules and no bare cable to sweat on along the top tube. Overall, a big improvement over the standard 7 o'clock external stop method.

Six jours

Some builders did the internal brake cable with a full length tube inside the top tube. To my knowledge, this is always done before the top tube is brazed into the bike, as having both ends of the top tube open makes installing the internal tube quite a bit easier. I can imagine a method of doing it after the frame is already built, but I honestly don't know if it would work.

The "standard" way does not include a full length internal tube. Two holes are drilled and after the bit breaks through the drill motor is progressively angled to make a smooth ovalized entrance for the housing. Then short lengths of brass or copper tube are silver brazed into place and the bit that sticks out is then carefully filed flush. This is much easier to do than the full length tubing, and is normally done after the frame is completed, but does make getting the housing through the frame more difficult. Either way, the appropriate tubing is available from Nova Cycle Supply.

Doing the derailleur cables is pretty simple, as they are just drilled and ovalized/angled holes in the appropriate spots. The only trick is ensuring that the holes are in exactly the right place so as to avoid adding extra friction to the cable run. The problem is installing the cables after you are finished: in my experience this is a time-sucking nightmare.

gavtatu

cheers guys, gonna try it, if i`m not happy, will braze on cable stops and fill in holes!
i usually ride about for a month before stripping and paint.