Brake Cable Full length

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Albula vulpes

New Member
Mar 16, 2010
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FL
Right now my bikes brake cable housing splits and then is connected to the frame. A length of cable runs the length of the top tube for a while and then is reattached back to the frame and continues back to the housing back to the brake itself. Wondering if I can eliminate the break in the cable housing and run a full length cable housing from break lever to canteliver brakes? Will this work? Thanks
 

BarelyAWake

New Member
Jul 21, 2009
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Maine
Sure - it's a mixed blessing scenario tho... the length w/o a housing is done to reduce cable pull drag & it's quite effective, the catch being the extra openings allow more dust & water in... but it does make it easier to lube and reduces that cable drag...

Your call lol ;)
 

KCvale

Well-Known Member
Feb 28, 2010
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Phoenix,AZ
Right now my bikes brake cable housing splits and then is connected to the frame. A length of cable runs the length of the top tube
Yes, it helps to use a sheathed cable under the gas tank so you can get the tank clamps on under the cable so it doesn't bind.

You don't even need to buy a whole brake cable if your cable is good, just buy the sheath length you need and a couple of sheath end caps and thread your existing pull cable through.
 

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
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living the dream in southern california
another reason companies do this is for weight. it started on high end racing bikes where every ounce counts.

i use Jagwire cables. they have kevlar strands in the housing instead of coiled metal and that eliminates compression of the housing giving you a stronger pull with less effort. basically it just makes your brakes work better.