A Pros Mechanics Take on Integrated Cables:

One of the most controversial trends in the bike world is integrated cables. This is when the brake and shift cables run internally through the bike's components so that they are hidden, giving the bike a clean, sleek look. However, this causes a lot of frustration because it makes previously simple maintenance tasks much more complicated. Contrary to most people's expectations, as a pro mechanic, I don’t hate integrated cables. In fact, I'm excited about them—at least for now.

To get the cleanest setup with fully hidden cables, the brake hoses and shift cables need to run from the brake levers through the handlebars, stem, and the upper headset bearing to enter the frame. This means that if a rider needs to replace or change any of these parts, it requires disconnecting the brake hoses and unthreading/rethreading them into the new parts. To do this correctly, you need to rebleed each brake to flush out any air that may have gotten into the brake hoses during this process.

The increase in complexity and the need for specialized tools is the reason most home mechanics are frustrated with this level of integration. Headset bearings are not uncommon to require replacement, and in addition, most riders will want to try different stem lengths and bar widths to find their best fit. Unfortunately, with the increase in complexity, this becomes really impractical for most riders to do at home.

I know some mechanics who share the same frustration with fully integrated cables that customers do. However, I’m excited when I see a customer with a bike that has hidden cables because I know that, although it may be more of a headache to work on, I’m more likely to see that bike coming back for service.

This couldn't come at a better time for us bike mechanics. A combination of factors recently has made it easier for home mechanics to work on their bikes. Things like electric drivetrains, which don’t need regular adjustment, and better online resources are two examples of things that have made it easy for riders to work on their bikes at home rather than bringing them into the shop. For this reason, I think that mechanics should welcome the increase in complexity that integrated cables bring. Ultimately, it’s something that bike owners will be more willing to pay us professionals to do for them.

Although I am excited when a customer brings in a bike with integrated cables, I do have some hesitations about the long-term impact it may have on the bike industry as a whole. Not everyone is a professional athlete with a full-time mechanic dealing with their bike.

There are real trade-offs to this level of integration. Ultimately, I think we will see more riders dissatisfied with the fit of their bike because it is much harder to try different handlebars and stem combos. If customers are frustrated with the fit or function of their bike, it’s not a good thing for the industry. This may cause them to not enjoy riding as much as they could, making them less likely to spend money on their biking hobby. For this reason, I would be hesitant to force fully integrated cables onto every bike. For some segments of customers, it is likely worth the trade-off to get a cleaner and more aero setup, but most people would rather have a simpler setup with less headache. It's important to remember that.