I'm starting to plan a new Neo-Retro build and will need a set of downtube cable stops.

What model stops are people using? What do you like about the ones you have?

I like crossing my cables in front of and after the cable stop- meaning I run them upside down- also meaning I can't use one with an adjusting lever.

So it looks like the Shimano CS 50 are the ones I've preferred using.

Shimano stops with Shimano groups and Campagnolo stops with Campagnolo groups.

With Campagnolo stops I take the exchange the adjusters on the so that they are all silver and all black.

You run them upside down? So you have the cable adjuster on top and the wires cross over the top tube?



For the OP: I don't think downtube stops matter much. Any you find are likely to be more similar than different and work well. I like the goofy little flip lever on the Dura Ace version.

Some of them are flat and some of them are curved on the inside to match steel downtubes.

Suntour and campy both made a bandclamp cablestops. Here is the campy

They all work the same functionally. But I like to see Shimano cable stops with a Shimano groupset and Campy cable stops on Campy gruppo. Suntour too but those are more rare

Upside down and reversed, left to right.

I suppose there's the other question- which type of cable stop...


the band that anchors on a braze-on under the DT or the kind that mount to shifter bosses...

You don't have the mounts upside down. That's how they are supposed to be installed.

Is the reversing common? I was about to ask why’d you cross them before the stops but then I saw the picture of the front and I’m guessing it’s to make the loop from the stop to the handlebars cleaner?

What about with Huret derailleurs?

Can you share a picture of what you're doing with cables? I don't understand what you're trying to do there.

NM, guess I didn't see the other posts by the time this sent.

Yep. Avoids the cable housing rubbing on the head tube.

I first read of it on Sheldon's site, see the section called '"Criss-Cross" Cables': https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cable-installation.html.

I started doing it while using bar-end shifters, then trying to keep my front bag from interfering with my cables- but in any case, it makes the housing bend less acute and more graceful.

The drawback is you have to cross the cables under the DT. Some people have said the cables will beat up your DT. I've been doing it for around 10 years and don't see any wear. Additionally- it doesn't work so well on older bikes that have the cables going over the BB- whether it's a brazed on or clamp on cables guide.

Generally crossed cables under the DT don't touch the DT at all.

fascinating, will be doing this from now on

I've been crossing cables under the downtube for over 40 years. I may be wrong, but I think my 1983 Trek 720 came that way from the factory (or my dealer installed them that way). There is no downside.

Really? It only took me about five minutes...