Cyclocross - Top tube paint scratch off from cables?

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ryandood
10-17-09, 03:32 AM
I recently picked up a Cross Check and so far its my new love<3 BUT, nothing is perfect.

On most cyclocross bikes the brake and maybe RD/FD cables are routed on top of the top tube. Has anyone ever had issues with these cables rubbing the paint/finish off the top tube?

If so, how did you remedy this once you noticed it?

I know this would seem like a non-issue for most people but I've found that I tend to sit/rest on my top tube when I'm just chilling about to hop on the bike or stopped at a light (rest most of my weight on top tube on one leg) or for whatever reason.

Thanks for any productive info you might have!

RonH
10-17-09, 04:10 AM
Add some donuts to that section of cable.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/CA4099.jpg

If the donuts don't work you could try clear tape on the top tube.
---> http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/BKSVGY4K
ryandood
10-17-09, 05:03 AM
Add some donuts to that section of cable.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/CA4099.jpg

If the donuts don't work you could try clear tape on the top tube.
---> http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/BKSVGY4K

Those donuts dont do much for me. They all end up at one end of the cable from using the rear brake and I'd have to use an awful lot of them, haha.

I'd considered some sort of clear protective tape. Possibly some of the stuff they use for "clear bra" on a car?

flargle
10-17-09, 09:55 AM
Run a Gore sealed system.
http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2009/tech/probikes/sven_nys_colnago_c50cross09/sn_co_top_tube.jpg
flargle
10-17-09, 09:57 AM
P.S. I don't run sealed, and yes you scrape paint, but it doesn't bug me too much. If I had a carbon frame I'd be more careful.
rm -rf
10-17-09, 10:10 AM
My Orbea road bike came with a thin plastic tube to cover the exposed cable along the top tube, instead of cable donuts. About 1/4 inch of bare cable shows at the cable stops. The inside diameter is larger than the cable, so the cable slides within the tube as the brakes are applied.
Cynikal
10-17-09, 10:40 AM
Scotch tape along the top tube. Replace every season.