Brakes and Gears Cable Routing - Campagnolo

[ed!]

Hallo,

Probably a bit too late now given that I've done the deed (perhaps I'm just looking for some reassurance, or an outright "it's so wrong")...

I've built my new bike with Campag shifting and am wondering whether or not the cable routing, moreso the amount (possible lack of or too much) cable length I've used is sufficient.

I've taken some pictures and videos, although not sure that's enough for someone to tell. I'd be grateful for any feedback - thanks in advance!

Handlebars straight, left side:


Handlebars straight, right side:


Handlebars at full left turn:


Handlebars at full rotation right:


Head on:


Video:
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=jkyGU6HWQgw

Though I realise now that my book case probably doesn't help with the visualisation!

 

[accountantpete]

Looks ok very good from what I can see.

If they are too short then you won't be able to turn the bars without the cable trying to pull itself away from the tape on the bars.

Too long and you get some play in the cable which affects shifting and braking - so there's only one way to find out.

Did you remember to put the outer cable in the right way? (assuming it is Campag cable).

BTW - you might want to get something to stick on the headtube where the cable rests against it and rubs the clear coat away.

 

[Smokin Joe]

They do look a bit short, the gear cables should ideally overlap in front of the head tube. Re the brake cables, turn the bars to full lock and see if it starts to partially apply the calipers, if so then they are also too short.

Bit of a pain I know, but I would redo them.

 

[raindog]

Yes, they definitely look a bit tight, but if everything works and there's no pull on the cables when on full lock, then maybe it'll be ok. Why not give it a bit of a road test before putting the bar tape on?

 

[gbb]

Yup, as SmokinJoe says, my gear cables overlap each other in front of the headtube.
The brake cables look fine. Looking at mine, the front brake cable exits the bartape at almost 90 degrees. It 'looks' really tight, but thats the way it was fitted by the manufacturer.
The rear brake cable isnt as tight as the front.
TBF, as suggested, test run it without bartape, you're probably ok.

 

[ed!]

I quite liked the first response, and then it all went downhill :-) In response to some of the points / qs:

- Yes, being a complete newbie to bike building, I read and reread the docs, so noted which way round to have the cables
- I've got some 'copter' tape to put on any areas where there's potential rub on the frame
- I'll aim to do a short test ride without bar tape to see how I get on, but will brace myself with the notion that I'll have to recable.

It's been quite difficult (or I'm rubbish at searching) to find pictures or tutorials on this subject...yes, I knew that I had to ensure enough slack etc, but I also know that too much is no good. To be honest, I thought I was borderline generous with some of it. Oh well!

Thanks very much for the input!

 

[Rob3rt]

ed! I cant comment on your cabling since I have never done it myself (bar 1 brake cable on my fixed ). But I am just commenting that maybe your local evans or Edinburgh bike co-op does some free maintenance lessons in which they will cover cabling. Evans certainly cover brake set up and gear indexing on their free courses (may attend the gear indexing one myself!), so maybe they also do cable routing. This may or may not be of interest to you.

Also Sheldon brown's site or park tools website is usually good for maintenance pics, instructions video's etc, worth having a look.

 

[ed!]

Cheers Rob, I was contemplating taking it to a bike shop to get an opinion in person.

I did refer to Sheldon Brown's site, but there were a small number of diagrams, predominantly written explanations, which my mind doesn't work well with :-)
I forgot about Park Tools - I've just checked them out and they've got some useful info too.