[rcaddy27]

Rookie looking for advice here. Some bikes run all cables (front/rear derrailleur and rear brake) along the top tube and other just the rear brake and derailleur on the top tube and the front derailleur on the down tube.
What is the reasoning on this and does anyone have a preference/opinion?

Thanks
Roger

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[dzinehaus]

some bikes cannot run both cables along the top... because the derailleur wont take top routing, thats if i remember correctly...

[isotopesope]

full top tube cable routing is designed to keep the cables out of the way of mud from the front wheel. unless you're racing and in a muddier climate, it's not neccessary.

sometimes only the front derailleur cable is routed on the downtube to prevent the need of a pulley. the pulley allows for proper direction of cable pull for your typical bottom pull road fd when the cable is run on the top tube.

[Ronsonic]

I don't find any problem from the FD cable running along the downtube. It's simpler than running a pulley or hunting up a top pull front mech. Really just a question of trade offs like everything else. I really do like the rear cable on the TT, much cleaner run overall.

[Elmar Schrauth]

I don't find any problem from the FD cable running along the downtube. It's simpler than running a pulley or hunting up a top pull front mech. Really just a question of trade offs like everything else. I really do like the rear cable on the TT, much cleaner run overall.

i prefer downtuberouting ,too.
its lighter : less cable , no pulleye
shifting power is less.
you can adjust the derrailleur while riding , because most frame have bolts for that .
less work to change cables .
no problem when carrying .
changing intervalls are as long as toptube routing .



if you ride in snow a lot ,it can be a disadvantage because the cables can be fixed through ice.
i only read about that ....

.

v

[the Repeater]

Top tube routing not only prevents sluggish or non-upshifting in mud, but also prevents ghostshifting for stronger riders on big frames.

Me-likey. I don't care either way about the FD cable position, but a clear downtube is nice for portaging.