SamSpade1941 

So I have been considering a frame bag for my Ridley but with the traditional top tube cable routing I am slightly concerned the bag would interfere with braking and shifting. Has anyone used a frame bag with the more traditional or older style cable routing and what were your experiences?

shoota 

Are the cables exposed or does your bike use full length housing? I'm guessing they are exposed. If that's the case you can find bags with straps that will run underneath the cables. Generally speaking that won't have much affect on braking/shifting as long as the straps aren't creating too much friction. Obviously you can't install the straps over the cables, but I think that goes without saying.

SamSpade1941 

They're exposed cable , and I appreciate the input. I just was concerned they may cause issue running the straps over the cables . Ill buy a frame bag and give it a try .

chas58

Yeah, my old MTB and CX bikes are like that. Nope, never had a problem. Generally a single strip of velcro can go under the cables without an issue. That nylon doesn't cause much (if any) drag on the cable anyway...

shoota 

Yeah go under the cables, not over them.

SamSpade1941 

Got it

Thanks

mstateglfr 

My old gravel frame, that's now a commuting bike, has 3 exposed cables on the top of the top tube.
I used a smaller frame bag(not one that takes up the whole triangle for sure) on it and there was never an issue.
I tried the straps under cables, but ended up moving the straps over the cables. There seemed to be more cable displacement when the straps were under the cables.

just place some donuts(drop of superglue for each) on the cables under the bag and the cables will stay off the frame which will keep paint from scratching.

SamSpade1941 

Thanks for the tip it definitely looks easier than going under the cables for certain

aggiegrads

Another option is to put liner on the exposed cable sections the next time you change cables. Then you can run the straps over or under the cables without worrying about damaging the frame or the straps.

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=3979

shoota 

Have you tried this? I have liner installed on my cross bike and I still don't think I'd run a bag strap over the top of it. Even if it worked I'd imagine it would wear out the liner at some point.

wheelsmcgee

This was my experience too. I had a cheapo Nashbar triangle frame bag that would mount to the rear of the main triangle, adjacent to the seat tube...I think it had two Velcro straps over the top tube, I know at least front strap regularly was snugged up against exposed cables (top-of-top-tube, cross style) to no ill-effect...both derailer cables and rear brake.

Essentially, one is not going to be able to strap down the Velcro tight enough to noticeably affect the pull required to actuate brakes/derailers, and the small amount of displacement of the cable by being “smushed” translates to a truly minuscule difference in cable tension.

aggiegrads

I have not used the liner that I posted a link to, but I did use very small diameter and thin-walled teflon tubing; I don’t remember where I got it. Yes, it would probably wear out the. Liner at some point, but I would rather sacrifice the liner than a frame bag strap or my paint job. You could also just go all-in and use a length of housing.

jfranci3

Move the bag to the seattube side? otherwise, just run a bit of housing where you want the straps to cross the cables. Maybe use thin plastic package strapping for the rear? For a bento box or another strap idea, you can put feet on the box/strap - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Prime-Line-...r-Door/3824567