I'm in the process of building up an old Trek with 531c tubing; one of the issues it had was rusted out cable guides. I ended up cutting them off and am in the process of replacing them. I was first wondering if I hurt anything structurally (I don't see how it would, but never hurts to ask)? Secondly anybody know of a source for cable guides; they're dirt cheap online (ie, Nova Cycle supply), but shipping costs really kills it. I'm just looking for 3 steel double loop guides.

Thank you all!

Cutting guides and filing the remnants off of the toptube isn't going to harm the tube, as long as you don't file/grind too deep, if that's what you're asking.
If cost is a big consideration, you thought about using bolt-on cable guides, like a vintage bike?

Nova is not my favoritest place, especially for small orders. Henry James will almost certainly be willing to drop a few braze-ons into a bag and charge only a few dollars including shipping.

Nova is not my favoritest place, especially for small orders. Henry James will almost certainly be willing to drop a few braze-ons into a bag and charge only a few dollars including shipping.

http://www.henryjames.com/ Is this the guy?

V

Yep. Just give 'em call; you'll probably end up talking to his wife, who is always pleasant and helpful.