What besides zip-ties to mount cables?
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What besides zip-ties to mount cables?
I've ridden a single/fixed speed, front brake brake only Karate Monkey for a few years now, but I went multi-speed Ogre this year (along with a rear brake), and I'm finding that my Ogre is ripping deep gashes in me with its cut-down zip-ties when I carelessly manipulate the bike, grabbing it one-handed by the frame.
Is there any 'hand-friendlier' way to attach cables to a frame?
I don't quite want to start melting down cut zip-tie ends with a propane torch to prevent them slicing into my hand due to careless manipulation -- although that does sound like an idea...
Is there any 'hand-friendlier' way to attach cables to a frame?
I don't quite want to start melting down cut zip-tie ends with a propane torch to prevent them slicing into my hand due to careless manipulation -- although that does sound like an idea...
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You could use self-fusing silicone tape to strap the cables to the bars. It only sticks to itself so is easy to remove and it won't bleed adhesive like vinyl tape. Also no protruding latch like cable ties. Comes in many colors to match or contrast your paint scheme.
The cable tie tension-and-cut tool like this one Metal Cable Tie Installation Tool doesn't leave the sharp corners like a diagonal cutter does. Highly recommended.
If your frame size will allow, the old-school cable housing clips do a fairly neat job: Dia Compe Cable Housing Clips, or this newer kind may be more to your liking: Amazon.com : Jagwire Alloy Stick-On Guides w/ C-Clips Black; Box/4 : Bike Cables And Cable Housings : Sports & Outdoors
The cable tie tension-and-cut tool like this one Metal Cable Tie Installation Tool doesn't leave the sharp corners like a diagonal cutter does. Highly recommended.
If your frame size will allow, the old-school cable housing clips do a fairly neat job: Dia Compe Cable Housing Clips, or this newer kind may be more to your liking: Amazon.com : Jagwire Alloy Stick-On Guides w/ C-Clips Black; Box/4 : Bike Cables And Cable Housings : Sports & Outdoors
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Butane, not propane: a Bic lighter should do the job without incinerating the bike.
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What besides zip-ties to mount cables?
I cut zip tie cables carefully with a razor knife. I get flush cuts that way. Just be carful not to nick your thumb.
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What size tubing? If it's between 28.6 and 31.8, these clips work really well, and look reasonable too.
Disclaimer, the link is to my ebay ad.
Set of Three Stainless Steel Cable Clips | eBay
Disclaimer, the link is to my ebay ad.
Set of Three Stainless Steel Cable Clips | eBay
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These can be ordered at any good bicycle shop. I only link to Universal Cycles because they're local to me, and they adopt shelter cats. I like cats.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1613
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1613
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This occurs to me as an alternative, easily trimmed to appropriate lengths, though it will not hold the cable as tight as you can get a cable tie ...
https://www.amazon.ca/Velcro-Reusable.../dp/B001E1Y5O6
They sell the same thing/different brand in the local bargain store for something like 2 or 3 bucks for about 20 as I recall.
https://www.amazon.ca/Velcro-Reusable.../dp/B001E1Y5O6
They sell the same thing/different brand in the local bargain store for something like 2 or 3 bucks for about 20 as I recall.
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I recently purchased the "top-tube protector" from VO and kept it relatively long, taking very little off it length-wise. Before sewing the ends together, however, I used an x-acto knife to cut four small lines through the leather. Like two "H" characters but without the horizontal line. Each set of vertical cuts is separated by a couple of inches. Each of the cuts is a few cm. in length. This is very comfortable and holds the cable stiffly (but allows for free wire movement oc)
The clips that Jeff linked to at Universal work fine but can move around until you tighten them snugly and you have to worry about aligning them. They can look very good. After many years, they can do a number on a painted top tube...
John
The clips that Jeff linked to at Universal work fine but can move around until you tighten them snugly and you have to worry about aligning them. They can look very good. After many years, they can do a number on a painted top tube...
John
Last edited by Camplex; 10-15-15 at 11:48 PM. Reason: Detail change
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