Pro tip: Internal cable routing is trickier than it looks

I started out when all cables ran outside the frame, and repairs were quick. Now, with everything hidden inside, a small mistake can mean big trouble. Last month, I almost shredded a brake line trying to force it through a tight carbon tube. Take it slow and use a magnet or fish tape. Trust me, it saves a lot of headache.

5 comments

5 Comments

uma6232d ago

Ugh, felt that brake line scare. Did you end up getting it fixed or have to replace the whole thing?

uma_west762d ago

Hold up, magnets won't help with carbon frames since they're not magnetic. Stick to fish tape for those.

mason.mark2d ago

Yeah that whole 'take it slow' advice is KEY. Reminds me of when I tried to re-cable my old road bike in a rush before a group ride. Got the housing stuck in the downtube so bad I had to cut it all out and start over, missed the ride entirely. @young.beth is right about the guide wire, it's one of those things you only forget once. Sometimes the simple extra step IS the whole job.

young.beth2d ago

A guide wire is a total game changer for running lines through tight spots. It stops the housing from catching on frame edges so you don't wreck anything. Totally worth the extra minute to set it up.

the_michael2d ago

Actually the guide wire protects the inner liner, not the housing. That liner is what gets shredded on sharp edges.