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What besides zip-ties to mount cables?

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What besides zip-ties to mount cables?

Old 10-15-15, 01:40 AM
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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...
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Old 10-15-15, 01:59 AM
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What's wrong with using flush cutters?

Or cable tie gun, that will also flush cut?
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Old 10-15-15, 04:09 AM
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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
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Old 10-15-15, 06:11 AM
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Butane, not propane: a Bic lighter should do the job without incinerating the bike.
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Old 10-15-15, 10:58 AM
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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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Old 10-15-15, 11:39 AM
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Duct Tape
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Old 10-15-15, 12:00 PM
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Flexroute Cable Management Solution - Cobra Cable Ties | Cobra Products
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Old 10-15-15, 06:45 PM
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Brilliant!
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Old 10-15-15, 07:48 PM
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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
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Old 10-15-15, 08:55 PM
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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
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Old 10-15-15, 09:09 PM
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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.
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Old 10-15-15, 11:45 PM
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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

Last edited by Camplex; 10-15-15 at 11:48 PM. Reason: Detail change
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Old 10-16-15, 06:23 AM
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Thanks for providing Plimogz with my company's Flexroute product, which I think is the perfect solution to eliminate the problem the OP is dealing with. I'd like to point out that anyone can get this product for free as a sample to try out on their own bikes. It works great for routing anything from brake cables on old bikes to seat dropper post lines, and can fit on any sized frame easily. It's a new product so there's not many in LBS yet but any shop can get it since it's in QBP, J&B Importers, and other distributors. Obviously you can also get them online via Amazon or Jenson too if you don't have a shop nearby/don't want to drive down to one and have them order it.
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