Long Hydraulic Brake Hoses Shorten or Wrap
 

I cannibalized Magura HS33 hydraulic rim brakes from another bicycle (no longer being used) to install on a used Jamis Coda Comp 2012 that I recently bought from an estate sale (for a super low price.)

I have two options:

1) Shorten the hoses and make them ideally fit the bike - the trade-off being if I ever transfer the brakes to another bike, I’d probably have to buy new hoses. I can try to shorten them myself or pay $100 for a LBS to get that done (I asked a couple of shops.)

2) Come up with a way to wrap and hide the hoses — purely for aesthetics.

The first option is pretty obvious, but the second option I’m not sure what I could wrap or cover the hoses with to make them look nice and tidy.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I would shorten them. No wraps no silly stuff make them work for this bike and then keep in mind they probably could use some new hoses and fluid for that next bike if that happens. Always figure out the bike you are currently using not some future bike which may or may not happen. Keep in mind as you may know but Magura rim brakes are known as rim crushers because of their power so make sure you have some stout wheels. I cannot speak to 2012 Coda Comp wheels but the 2015 ones could potentially be a little less ideal but not so bad. We didn't typically see a lot of wheel issues with Jamis but people also weren't installing HS33s which are fantastic rim brakes but can take their toll.

That’s good advice and I will keep that in mind. The bike shops want about $100 for shortening both brake hoses. Does that sound reasonable?

Shortening and probably a bleed and maybe parts? Not absolutely terrible. A good shop will charge money if they have good mechanics and value their work. Every place is different though but that doesn't seem out of the question. Plus consider not just that you are paying for their expertise and a tools and place in which to go have it done but you are paying to not have to take your time to do it meaning you can go and do other things and enjoy life, go for a ride, do other work, play Parcheesi or Diablo III if you are me : ).

$100 for no headaches and a professional job sounds fine to me.

That’s good sounding logic. I will give them a call!

Wow, that to me is a lot of money when if you have the right tools and parts, is only a 15 minute job at most.

But it depends on your comfort level. For me I find it enjoyable to learn this and do myself.

I have a TRP Brake hose cutter/insert for only $18, which I have used for Shimano and TRP brake sets.
Small bottle of mineral oil can be around $8 for burping air out.
Bleed kits can be bought on Amazon for as little as $15 and comes with mineral oil in many cases.
$10-15 for hose parts.

Watch a youtube video on how to do it and hey you wouldn't have to spend that kind of money again:

Thank you for that. I will watch the video.

OK, just noticed that the video I provided above, has him using a hammer to install the olive. I don't suggest that.

I suggest doing it with this tool Click here for Amazon Tektro or TRP Brake Hose Cutting Tool