Conference noted::bicycle

2015.0. "inner and outer cable housing" by MUNICH::URBAN () Wed Jul 24 1991 09:28

    Hi net.
    
    I recently transferred everything from an old frame to a new one.  In
    the process I went from having brake cables that went all the way from
    brake lever to brake in housing, to cables that inside cable housing to a
    braze-on cable cup, from which the naked cable emerges, goes along the top
    tube and then goes into another braze-on cup, rounds the corner in cable
    housing again, then to a floating cup hanging on the bolt that compresses
    the seat-tube around the seat-post, and then the cable goes to the
    brake.
    
    I have recently seen a very expensive moutain bike (can't remember the
    brand, but ~ DM 5000) that had a similar arrangement, except that it
    had inner-cable-housing (whiched looked like teflon) going all the way
    along, from brake lever (and shifter as well) to the brakes
    (or deraillers), with only the outer-housing stopping at the braze-on cups.
    
    The Question:  Should I do this as well?  Will it lenghten the life of
    my cable (because it reduces the amount of environment (dirt+water)
    than can get into the cable?)?
    
    thanks,
    
    -Rob Urban

    I would not worry about cable life, they cost pennies and are easily
    replaced.
    
    I had always assumed that the more sheathing there is the more 'soggy'
    the brakes will feel, and thus, given the option would try to minimise
    outer cables (and of course cable length)
    
    	rod

    
    Ron,
    
    All the teflon cover does is to prevent scratches on your frame. The
    MFG usually supply a teflon tube longer enought to protect the bare
    portion of the wire. 
    
    If I were to do it on my bike. I would buy the whole brake cable housing 
    from the brake levers to the rear hanger. Then take out the teflon tube
    inside. Cut the outer housing to the 2 short length needed. Then put
    ferrus on the end going to the braze on (Make sure you file down the
    ends of the housing to make sure they are nice and smooth first). Then
    put the teflon back in the housing. This would cover your brake cable
    from front to back with teflon without any openings. It would also
    reduce some fritction since you are not going in and out of cable
    housings. 
    
    Good Luck,
    
    Dave