Originally Posted by
Airburst
They did, but let's be honest, the Sturmey-Archer 3-speed hub was originally designed not long after the victorian era, it isn't what you'd call precision-built. The adjustment doesn't require a huge amount of precision...
Don't overestimate the precision in Nexus hubs. 11s systems run fine with exposed cables, and neither frame flex or tghe other issues here factor in.
As I said earlier, there's no technical reason not to have exposed wires, but it's not possible when the cable is made with prefitted ends at both ends. Premeasured full length housing eliminates user error and allows one suize to fit all. SA in England used bare wire, on their prefitted cables by using a slotted cable stop, which allowed the cable to be threaded, and the user made the coarse adjustment by positioning the stop appropriately.