I've just built my first frame with internal cable routing, I have owned a built bike with internal cable routing before - but the build I've done has me worried a bit. The rear brake cable and shifter cable run through the swingarm - and I've just started worrying that they are going to slowly eat through my lovely new frame - as there aren't any kind of anchor points ie cable ties to stop the cable from pulling back or fourth.
Shall I stick some insulation tubing down there, spray insulation foam in, or line that part of the cabling with fibrax wrap all the way down the length of the swingarm?
I've seem some nasty damage done by external cables before on other peoples bikes, to the point of probably effecting the structural integrity of the frame. How common is serious damage caused by internal cables? Starting to think I should line the cabling through the main frame as well.
Try what Shimano do with Di2 cables run internally and put tiny cable ties down the length every couple of inches but leave the tails on. These are supposed to stop it rattling but if it aint rattling it aint rubbing.
Or you could buy their 'special' cable ties at Shimano prices.
I did the cable tie thing to stop rattling on my Ibis - it worked quite well but the hole in the frame/swingarm needs to be large enough to get the 'head' of the zip tie through.
You can get 'foam 'door seal' strip sthat fit neatly round the gear outer/brake hose but they mostly just make things quieter - they won't stop rubbing (although they'd wear before the frame did so might be considered a sacrificial coating).
Don't go for expanding foam.
I'd expect in most scenarios this is a non-issue.
External wear is down to cables moving with steering and dirt grinding into the frame, completely different to internal (albeit rattlign will annoy).
