Crossing derailer cables

[Winded]

I did not search before posting, so I hope this has not been covered. I just got some campy ergolevers (been using DT shifters) and I was thinking of crossing the derailer cables to get better better curves on my derailer housing. Is there any reason not to do this? Is it unnecessary?
Please educate me.
thanks,
ted.

[vredstein]

I did not search before posting, so I hope this has not been covered. I just got some campy ergolevers (been using DT shifters) and I was thinking of crossing the derailer cables to get better better curves on my derailer housing. Is there any reason not to do this? Is it unnecessary?
Please educate me.
thanks,
ted.

I think the more relaxed cable bend reduces more friction than any that might be created at the 1 mm crossing point. I'm not sure if it creates more or less of a problem with housing rubbing paint off the head tube.
For the more frugal riders, it might help if they have a problem with the housing becoming frayed or damaged at the stop. They have the option of cutting off a few cm's and returning to a non-crossed configuration without having to pay for a new length of housing.

[Auk]

Old mtn biker trick. I've done it a few times with my Ergo shifters and had no issues. It does seem to extend the life between cable r&r's and the side benefit of looking a bit more flowing when you look at the front of the bike

[quaintjh]

I do it; the adjuster bosses on the head tube are actually angled in such a way that it makes more sense anyway. Works great.

[GrantM]

I will do it if the cable stops are low enough on the head tube that the inner cables
don't rub underneath the down tube. If i'm using the dt shifter boss covers with
the campag barrel adjusters, I don't cross them. The biggest difference the
crossing makes is when the housing is a short section from where it exits
the handlebar tape and bends to the head tube stop. If the arc of the cable
is easy to make, crossing them doesn't improve the bend very much.

-g

[jbl]

I've tried them both ways (with barrel adjusters on DT shifter bosses). I think I prefer them crossed. Less cable rub on the head tube, nicer lines.

- John

[jscottyk]

+1

I've always run my Ergo shifters that way for all the reasons you stated. No problems at all. Much cleaner lines.

[dookie]

+1

I've always run my Ergo shifters that way for all the reasons you stated. No problems at all. Much cleaner lines.

+2. all my bikes are set up this way. usually a strip of electrical tape under the downtube at the crossing point to prevent cable rub.

[Winded]

thanks for all the responses. I am using the DT barrel adjusters, but it also is a small frame (cause I am small too). I think I will give the crossing a go and see how it goes.
thanks,
ted.

[znfdl]

Too Tall crosses my cables.

[zank]

Do it on cross bikes too!
http://crossinnewbelgium.blogspot.co...up-tricks.html

[Bob Ross]

And now for a dissenting voice:

I had my Cannondale (w/ Ultegra) set up with crossed cables when I first got it, and the sound of the cables slapping against the downtube drove me batshit. Standard (non-crossed) routing keeps the cables farther away from the frame, and so now I don't get that annoying "clackety-clack" every time I roll over rough surfaces.

[SpeedyChix]

thanks for all the responses. I am using the DT barrel adjusters, but it also is a small frame (cause I am small too). I think I will give the crossing a go and see how it goes.
thanks,
ted.

On small frames (that's me) with cable stops on the head tube I tend to cross them. Makes the cable lines a lot smoother. With the stops on the downtube I have a bit more of an option about crossing or not.

[WadePatton]

i like 'em crossed--nice lines and all, but didn't attach my bosses in proper position to eliminate paint rub on the dt before the bb. still not in final configuration, but plan to set up for crossed cable from now on---you know _if_ it's a shifter bike.

wp

[Ryun]

Always crossed the cables since 8sp ergos. Never an issue.
Cable donuts help the rattle issue and I put the fd cable on the outside since it generally has slightly less tension.
Saves the paint on your headtube and smooths the transition to the stops
Ryun

[Ahneida Ride Hide]

My cables are crossed ...

No problems ..