External cable routing without cable guides
 

Hi guys, just wondering if there are any problems mechanically (kinking cables, pinched/jammed cables not responding) to routing cables on a frame with no cable guides.

Would simply zip-tying along the frame with full housing be an issue? Is there a better way?

It's fine they might move around. They make various guides like this http://www.jensonusa.com/!RRXlmiM41G...BoCtogQAvD_BwE

No problems.

The only problem i can think of is if you are using mechanical disc brakes. Housing compression.

full length compressionless brake housing is pretty much standard on mechanic disc setups nowadays.

It is possible to zip tie a brake cable housing so tight that the cable won't glide freely... but you'd have to really ham-fist it.

Running housed cable the full length can work .. Indexed Shifting may function better with low compression housing,
For Cable Disc Brakes there is stuff with a Kevlar braided sleeve in the outer covering..


You can buy self Adhesive stick on Zip tie attachment points...

I run full length housing from my bars to my Rohloff..




...

There are cable guides for different tube sizes.
They look neat.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/search....ry=cable+guide

https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server2...10.210.jpg?c=2

If you zip tie the cable housing to the painted parts of the bike, over time the zip ties will make a mark on the paint.

You could use self-fusing silicone tape to attach the housing to the frame without damaging the paint. It comes in clear as well as many colors to match or contrast your color scheme.

That's one thing that a 4th hand tool is good for.

Quite a selection at Niagara.

Also, if the bike is a vintage steel road bike, then have a look at your local bike co-op for take-offs. These clamps were common in the 1960's and 1970's.

That sounds really nice. Never heard of it.

Thanks, guys, it's helpful and reassuring to know I have so many options. In this case it's a titanium frame, so no paint to worry about!