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External cable routing without cable guides

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Old 08-22-17 | 09:01 AM
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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?
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Old 08-22-17 | 09:14 AM
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It's fine they might move around. They make various guides like this https://www.jensonusa.com/!RRXlmiM41G...BoCtogQAvD_BwE
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Old 08-22-17 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by ADAP7IVE
Would simply zip-tying along the frame with full housing be an issue? Is there a better way?
No problems.

The only problem i can think of is if you are using mechanical disc brakes. Housing compression.
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Old 08-22-17 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by hermanchauw
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.
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Old 08-22-17 | 11:47 AM
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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.
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Old 08-22-17 | 12:01 PM
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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..


Is there a better way?
You can buy self Adhesive stick on Zip tie attachment points...

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




...

Last edited by fietsbob; 08-22-17 at 12:06 PM.
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Old 08-22-17 | 12:36 PM
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There are cable guides for different tube sizes.
They look neat.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/search....ry=cable+guide

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Old 08-22-17 | 12:40 PM
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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.
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Old 08-22-17 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 2manybikes
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.
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Old 08-22-17 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by DiabloScott
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.
That's one thing that a 4th hand tool is good for.
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Old 08-22-17 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Barabaika
There are cable guides for different tube sizes.
They look neat.
https://www.niagaracycle.com/search....ry=cable+guide

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.
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Old 08-22-17 | 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by dsbrantjr
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 sounds really nice. Never heard of it.
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Old 08-22-17 | 10:29 PM
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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!
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