I always wondered what these rubber things on the cable where for? Since they slide on the cables, should they be in any particular spot on the cable? Anyone?

They just keep the cable from bouncing on the frame... If they're not there, you'd get little scratch marks on the frame's paint from the cable. So long as they're spread out over the cable, you're fine.

Ah, simple as that. Thanks KevinF.

They suppress more if they are kept in the middle of the spread as with a guitar string, they move through the most space at the middle of the expanse. Highly unlikely that the ends of the cables will ever touch the frame during a ride. I always remove them.

Generally those are simply called 'rubber-donuts.'

As to where they should be placed - they'll tell you that themselves. Gravity seems to have something to do with this phenomena.

What for? To save weight?

i remove them for aesthetic purposes. just one of those things that if its on there itll bug me, even if it doesnt effect how i ride. i do the same with any kind of clear sticker on the frame. i know its there and that irritates me lol

Dude, you're good.

Actually, I remove them because I can. Can I go now?

Oh, come on...fess up.

Is it weight or aerodynamics?

I save them, then on the next bike I buy, I put them on the cables and glue them back together so they don't fall off. Aerodynamics. It makes the cables bulkier, saving on brake pads. Smart, huh?

Great. I'm always glad to pick up new and useful information, thompsonpost.

Not a problem. Anytime I can encourage smugness in others, I feel like I've done my part.

I feel so important now. Thanks.

I appreciate your help with my goals. I hope we can ride together soon.