Internal Cable Routing
 

I'm changing out all of the components on my Raleight Frenzy mountain bike (it's a vintage 1989 bike). After overcoming some small obstacles, like getting the correct BB size and headset, I'm almost ready to start routing the cables. My bike has internal cable routing (through the top tube) for the rear brake cable - I was just wondering if anyone has any helpful hints on dealing with internal cable routing, like how to get the new cable housing through without a lot of hassles. Thanks;)

I'm just guessing here because I've never done it myself, but I used to run hundreds of wiring harnesses through vehicles when I worked for Motorola. You might try using electricians tape to tape the old cable to the new and then pull it through. Be sure and wrap the tape 4-5 inches up each cable so it's good and secure.
Someone else who's done this might have a better idea. Good Luck! DG

Thanks Dirtgrinder, I'll give it a try :)

This may not be true of current frames, but on some older ones, there were actually cable tubes (of stainless steel as I recall) running through the frame tubes to add strength to the frame tube. Probably on early aluminum and very thin walled steel frames. In that case, it would be easy.

Cheers...Gary

What I do is pull the inner wire out, install the new inner wire, pull the old housing out, install the new. That way the route is guided through each step.

Sometimes when the seat post is out you can get a little finger in the top tube to help with the brake cable.

Patience is also a virtue.