Internal VS External cables for bikes. What's better?

[@kimstrickland65]

Another reason for external cable vs internal cable routing is that is also considerably less expensive to build the bike with external routing. For myself, all of my bikes are relatively old and use external routing (and friction shifting), and I can maintain them completely without spending lots of time on repairs. That is good, since I don't have a team van and mechanic supporting me on rides. In all fairness, since modern road bikes have mostly gone to hydraulic disk brakes and electronic shifting, integrating brake tubing and a little electrical wiring is probably easier than integrating mechanical cables through handlebars, stem and frame. However, it would still be much easier and less expensive to maintain if those were external. However, fashion has dictated that only bikes with internally integrated controls are worthy, and so far people are willing to pay the premium to buy them. It does take away some of the attractions of bicycles, such as that they were relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

[@reginaldscot165]

That’s all very true. 👍🏻🙂

[@robinmacandrew103]

For bikepacking especially… I think visibility is important. You need to be able to check cables before and during the expeditions…

[@reginaldscot165]

I totally agree! 👍🏻

[@nayanpati7310]

For mechanical groupset, definitely external cable as it will have less bends vs in internal cable routing, it will have more bends in handle bar and headset region. For hydraulic also if you have external routing then it will be easy to carry in car or plane as you can easily remove handle bar and tied to frame. You can also do headset servicing without need to re bleed whole system

[@reginaldscot165]

True 🙂

[@uphillfreewheeler]

Thanks for this information. I knew that maintenance was more difficult with internal cabling but easn't aware of the other problems. Two of my bikes have internal cabling, but only in the frame, not the handlebars. I didn't really choose it, that's just how they came when I bought them. One is aero framed and I would suggest in this case that external cabling wouldn't really be appropriate as it would impact significantly on the aero advantages of the frame. One other advantage of internal cabling is that it makes cleaning the downtube easier.

[@reginaldscot165]

uphillfreewheeler Good point, I had not thought of cleaning the bike, yes the internal cables make it much easier. Thank you for pointing that out, it seems obvious now but I missed it. On the Aerodynamics of your bike, how aerodynamic is it? What I mean by that is do you really know if the impact of the aerodynamics is that big for your frame? I came across some interesting information recently that showed a lot of "Aerodynamics" in the cycling industry is more marketing than science and that some "aerodynamic looking" bikes created more drag than expected under independent testing. It's a topic for another video. 😊 Thank you for your comment sir. 👍🏻

[@uphillfreewheeler]

Aerodynamics is a very interesting topic but obviously very complicated and I am certainly no expert! Riding position is probably more important than the frame. However GCN have done some testing using power meters and the results do tend to suggest aero bikes are faster overall even though a bit heavier. Unexpectedly, my aero framed bike is actually slightly lighter than my climbing bike and the bars are a bit lower so it has to be a bit faster. It's impossible to know how effective the aerodynamics are on my particular frame (Neil Pryde Nazare) but I bought it because I liked the look of it and it was a bargain. There is a GCN video where they tested a lot of top aero bikes and the Scott Foil came out best. Interestingly for some bikes a bottle in the cage improved aerodynamics while in others it created more turbulence. Unless you are racing seriously these things aren't very important but if I am struggling to keep up on a club run they tend to factor in my mind.😓

[@uphillfreewheeler]

I've just remembered it was Cycling Weekly which compared aero bikes. (Which pro has the fastest aero bike?)

[@reginaldscot165]

uphillfreewheeler Yes I had many issues with the validity of their testing, funny how the Scott Foil came out the best and they are sponsored by Scott and the Bike the presenter uses is a Scott Foil? But I'm sure that has nothing to do with it 😂 I'm sure if the Scott turned out the slowest they would have still shown the video to the internet and their sponsors... Some of my questions for that testing are. They said they were testing the "frames" of the bikes to see what's faster over a set distance but they did not use the same wheels on each bike? And as we know the 2nd biggest factor in the aerodynamics of the bike after the rider is the wheels. To test the frames only they should have all used the same set of wheels, Aero or non Aero as it is possible to use Aero wheels on any bike, climbing or otherwise and I would be interested to see the results for that. The gap between the times was not that big, using Aero wheels on every bike would definitely close that gap and switching the wheels on the Aero bikes to climbing sets might have flipped the results in the opposite direction! Also bike fit and setup was not looked at in detail, we know one rider definitely fits the Scott, because it's his bike, but was the fit as good with all the bikes? Was the stem hight and angle the same for all bikes? What about the size of the bikes? The weight of the bikes. And so on... Finally they claim that the Aero bikes climb better than a climbing bike because of the Aero advantages? But at what speed, we know most Aero equipment is tested at 40+kph because that's the speed the pros do and we know the pros have both climbing and Aero bikes for different stages so what's the cut off? Was it the case that the gradient of test road they used was optimal for an Aero set up? And that at a slightly different gradient the climbing bike would win? It's not recorded, mentioned or tested? Basically as a test to gain proper scientific information its almost useless as any conclusion drawn from it are invalid until further testing is done under proper controls. Definitely a subject for another video. Ha ha.

[@uphillfreewheeler]

I look forward to the definitive video on the subject😊

[@JanBanJoovi-ol1qv]

You have outlined every that’s in my mind when it comes to internal cable routing. It’s only a fashion trend, nothing more. When I bought my Trek Marlin 2 years ago, I was upset that it came with internal cables already. Im not so comfortable not seeing the cables as I don’t know whether they’re already rusty or what.

[@reginaldscot165]

Very true, I would have the same concern.

[@captaincoyote1792]

Damn! I was so close to pulling the trigger on an internally-run cable ride! I have been researching bicycles for almost a year, as I’m in the market for a gravel bike to use for long-distance off-road touring. At 65, I don’t race....so the aerodynamics played no part in my decision. Aesthetics? Yeah...for me, maybe a little as bicycles look so cool these days!! But looks alone are not a deal breaker. I think, in my case anyway, (an additional advantage maybe?...at least for bike-packers) is that it eases placement of bikepacking pack straps. To be honest, when I first heard about internal cable runs, coincided a few years ago with the increase in bikepacking popularity...and THAT was why I thought internal guided came along in the first place! Regarding your point on the cable entry-exit holes creating weak stress points? Hmmmm....that is most certainly food for thought, particularly for hard core MTB riders. But with all of the threaded holes for bosses on frames these days....wouldn’t they provide “weakened stress points” as well? Also, I’m looking at US-made titanium bikes (but interested in the Vaast Mag-alloy bikes as well). I wonder if their internal wire runs have the same moisture issues....I would guess so, but now I’m wondering about the chemical reaction with the cable that you referred to with carbon (and I know I don’t want a carbon frame). So, in my estimation, the sign of a great video is any video that makes you think ....and yours is most certainly making me “rethink”. And to perhaps inquire of the bicycle manufacturers BEFORE I pull the trigger on opening my wallet!! Bravo-Zulu.....great video, amigo!

[@reginaldscot165]

A Wonderful comment! Glad it helped you think about your options. Whatever you decide I hope you love your new bike and enjoy lots of excellent rides on it. Safe riding!

[@boncattoo]

I have a Scott Addict and it's Internal cable saved me from hooking on the cable tangling the knee. It saved my tendon.

[@reginaldscot165]

RareRubyGamer RRG in a crash?

[@boncattoo]

I fell rolling on the road atleast Im not sliding

[@reginaldscot165]

RRG 25 ok, just out of interest how do prove that not having something on your bike saved you? It's quite hard to prove a negative you see. 🙂 Also I have been riding 20 years and I have crashed many times, some crashes very very serious... but never have I been injured by the cables? I can't currently think of a situation where significant damage to your tendons would be done by the gear cables, that couldn't be much worse from say the Chian rings? But thanks for your comment and information. 👍🏻

[@AT-mu9bv]

Hi Reginald Are the cable guides welded to the frame? No hole there then I assume. Thanks for sharing

[@reginaldscot165]

External cables guides are (for metal bikes) welded to the outside yes.

[@mohammedkhan4088]

You are the man great video.

[@reginaldscot165]

LACTIC ACID KHAN ha ha thanks man, stay safe👍🏻

[@Velofil]

I agree with everything you said, and it was very well said indeed :-)

[@reginaldscot165]

Velofil Thank you kind sir.

[@tourisman]

Well said. External FTW

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

You’re too young to think like me - The Retro Grouch 😂 well done mate! Better shifting is on point!

[@reginaldscot165]

I have always had a much older attitude than my age. But I take that as a compliment. 🙏🏻😁

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

@@reginaldscot165 some people call that having an old soul 😊

[@patrickcarbonell627]

I was thinking of of upgrading my frame. Now I am convinced that I should stay with my current frame

[@reginaldscot165]

If it’s a titanium or steel frame no need at all!

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

Here’s another downside to fully or semi integrated and internal cables - they don’t travel well as in hard to pack in a bike box

[@reginaldscot165]

True 👍🏻😁

[@JoseJimenez-il5vs]

That's why I don't have a mechanical groupset :)

[@reginaldscot165]

José Jiménez ha ha I would gladly take internal cables over electronic any day. 😂

[@danyAlva11]

Hey, hope you can reply since video is old, do you know what is the point of having exposed external cable? I’m looking at the vitus sentier 27 vrx and it has it, isn’t that bad for the cable? Sorry for the noob question, thx

[@reginaldscot165]

Hi 👋🏻 well that's an MTB and I guess this is more about road bike. However I would think it matters even less on an MTB as you guys aren't worried about Aero? And my Gravel bike has exposed cables and I get that very muddy but so far I haven't had any problems and I haven't changed a cable on that bike in 2 years. Just wash it after a dirty ride like normal and use lubricant like normal and everything should be fine 👍🏻

[@xosece]

does this apply to alloy frames too?

[@reginaldscot165]

Most of it.

[@theprogamer9599]

Where are you

[@reginaldscot165]

the pro gamer Brunei 🇧🇳

[@theprogamer9599]

Im from brunei to

[@mikeandrews7551]

Internal routing pain in the arse bollocks - give me external any day

[@aqylluhh7654]

Hey are u still in Brunei?

[@reginaldscot165]

Aqylluhh Yes, I live here. I'm very happy to be here.🙂👍🏻

[@aqylluhh7654]

@@reginaldscot165 I'm glad to hear that you're happy here in Brunei. I wish that one day we could meet . Have a good night ☺

[@reginaldscot165]

Aqylluhh If you cycle then it's likely 👍🏻

[@theprogamer9599]

Im cycle to and i hope i see you

[@reginaldscot165]

the pro gamer Hi, if you follow my IG and Facebook I will let you know when I'm organising a ride. 👍🏻

[@ShermanSitter]

Welcome back to KZbin!!! ...I really hope that internal routing goes away. It's really absurd in my opinion. I think its just one of those fads that has more hype than value.

[@reginaldscot165]

That would be nice. 🙂

[@sylvainbernaers]

internal saves 2 watts max.what a stupid idea for 99 percent of riders