You could have observed that many just lately launched bikes have their cables routed by the higher headset bearing. Let’s simply say that this choice proved to be a bit controversial amongst Pinkbike’s commentators. An apparent draw back is that changing this higher bearing will contain detaching the brake hoses and cables from the dropper put up and shifter.
So I reached out to each bike model I can consider that has gone down this path to ask why it is sensible to them. Most didn’t reply. Listed below are the responses from those that have.
(Photograph: Merida/PaulBox)
Merida
“We’re satisfied of the headphone cable routing for a number of causes:
To start with, cable routing is made simpler as a result of the opening on the pinnacle tube is way bigger than a small opening on the aspect of the pinnacle tube/down tube. The cables in our headset’s cable routing can due to this fact merely be pushed upwards and no picks or magnets are required. Particularly with aluminum frames, the place no liners can be utilized contained in the body, routing and changing cables turns into a lot simpler and sooner. As well as, because of the big opening on the head tube, a foam tube will be pulled over the hoses of the aluminum frames, which minimizes noise.
Because the cable entry could be very near the middle of rotation, the cables do not need to make a big loop. As a substitute, the cables transfer with the motion of the handlebars. This reduces the elongation of the cables and prevents them from rubbing towards the pinnacle tube. Rattling when coming into contact with the assorted cables can also be decreased. The body development may also be optimized by routing the headset cables, because the crucial space across the head tube/down tube will not be weakened by further holes.
In fact, we’re additionally conscious of the disadvantages:
Changing and re-greasing your bearings is a bit trickier than with an ordinary headset, as it’s important to take care of the cables and the fork. When the helmet will not be nicely designed, it may be irritating throughout upkeep work, which we’ve got skilled up to now. That is why we labored with ACROS to develop a brand new helmet based mostly on their ICR system.
Sturdiness was additionally not a difficulty in our endurance exams. Due to our Acros system with small entry holes within the cowl and three further seals, each bearings lasted longer than standard headsets, even with out particular care. Another manufacturers need to get monetary savings on element, particularly on the subject of including the additional waterproofing. However that was not our method.
In fact, our bearings additionally have to be re-greased or changed now and again. Nevertheless, the higher bearing, by which the hoses go, is way much less harassed than the decrease bearing and should due to this fact get replaced much less continuously.
But when it does it must be changed each 2-3 years, we imagine this occurs as a part of a significant winter service and the additional quarter-hour of labor to take away the fork and bleed the brake is suitable.
Lastly, in fact, the clear look can also be necessary to many customers. Significantly given the brakes that could possibly be launched quickly, which can route the cables a lot nearer to the handlebars, we count on headset cable routing to grow to be extra frequent amongst manufacturers.
Scott
“By not routing the cables by the pinnacle tube, we’re in a position to make the body construction lighter and extra environment friendly by not needing to strengthen the cable entry factors on the body. we’re taking a previous-gen Spark, and the one we launched final 12 months, we’re saving practically 60 grams from that – which for an XC World Cup degree bike is substantial. with 60g of excessive modulus carbon fiber.
When you be taught the cable routing course of with this method, we really discover it simpler than with our earlier method. Fewer rubber suggestions and fewer particular person cable routing components all through the body make issues comparatively easy, particularly with our massive shock entry door within the downtube.
The cables may also be tucked in higher, they’re much less uncovered within the occasion of a crash. They’ve much less room to maneuver and assist us have a pleasant, quiet system (this era of bikes is by far the quietest we have ever made). The cables do not have to be as lengthy, which saves extra weight that we are able to then add again to create a greater body. Frankly, it appears fairly good too.
As for the cons, you type of need to relearn one of the best ways to work the bike, so there is a little bit of a studying curve. As soon as you’ve got performed that, nonetheless, you are off and operating.
To pay attention
“Since this subject creates heated discussions on a regular basis, it’s unimaginable for us to make an announcement in 1 or 2 sentences.
At Focus, the choice to go along with built-in cable routing is nothing we determined in a single day. We see the parallels between different segments because the route the place exterior routing is now not an possibility and built-in routing is state-of-the-art.
We do built-in routing due to the clear look, much less cable rub and fewer cable rattle. Market suggestions from our clients and sellers clearly exhibits that the clear look is tremendous necessary and performs an enormous function when the shopper is deciding on a motorbike.
Specifically, e-bikes with further cables look noticeably cleaner in comparison with conventional routing. We have performed intensive testing in actual life in addition to in our take a look at amenities to keep away from any cable chafing and create the identical reliability as common cable routing. We additionally specify further seals to extend bearing life. What we regularly hear as an argument: Body producers are eliminating cable routing to chop prices. That is simply not true, body development mainly prices the identical.
Altering a derailleur or dropper cable is, relying on the answer, the identical effort as inside routing. Altering the higher bearing takes extra effort, nevertheless it’s not one thing you do as soon as a month. For FOCUS, built-in routing is right here to remain. A method or one other. ”
Nope
“We determined to go on this route to tidy up the cockpit space a bit and forestall the cables from presumably rubbing on the chassis. Additionally, no holes within the carbon on this space. In our case, we developed components on measure to verify the cables can enter straight sufficient and keep away from harm to the hoses as would possibly occur with different programs.No harm to the hoses, no want to switch them due to it.
We’re transferring on to full AXS drivetrains for Unno. This implies one much less cable to traverse – one which requires some upkeep to maintain the transmission operating easily and could possibly be affected by just a little further work due to it.
Should you put together the body for mechanics in case somebody desires to improve to mechanics, then it’s important to go away an additional gap within the carbon – not very aesthetic when you do not want it.
Finally, if nothing main occurs like your brake line breaking in an accident and you want to substitute it, we do not see any work wanted that can be affected by further work because of the routing of the helmet (with the AXS drivetrain that is what our bikes include inventory).
Ultimate Ideas
It appears to me that routing the headphone cables is not as dangerous of an concept because it sounds. By transferring the cable port nearer to the steering axis, this minimizes cable motion previous the bars, which may cut back cable rattling, and permits for shorter cables. It could actually additionally enable manufacturers to create a barely lighter body. While you’re constructing a motorbike from scratch, there’s really a bigger port to goal for along with your cables, which could make the preliminary setup simpler. I’ve additionally observed that when swapping a brake hose from the fitting aspect to the left aspect, there isn’t any downside with the hose turning into the incorrect size and kinking awkwardly.
However clearly a significant factor within the choice to route the cables by the headset is that it appears cleaner. It is clearly subjective, but when everybody actually cared about upkeep moderately than aesthetics, we would not have any inside routing. Personally this might be nice with me, but when the hoses undergo the body, I do not see the route by the headset being rather more troublesome to dwell with – the highest headset bearings normally final for years. I’ve seen considerations that the bearing won’t final as lengthy with this design as a result of water ingress, however the bearing is bigger and the traditional ports are eradicated so I am undecided that that is true (Merida claims in any other case).
As for cables going by the struts and stem, that is a step too far in my guide.
