Crossing derailleur cables

[redondoaveb]

I know that there a some people on here that have crossed their derailleur cables at the head tube in order to keep them from rubbing on the head tube. Obviously, they have to cross on the back side of the downtube. Where they cross, they will be touching and rubbing on each other. Is there any concern with premature wear from the friction of rubbing back and forth?

[pmt]

Don't do it! Your bike will asplode!

[rufus]

Not so far.

Figure you'd probably replace them on your own before they could ever wear enough to break.

[redondoaveb]

Don't do it! Your bike will asplode!

That was my concern, too much heat from friction. Heat + carbon = asplode!

[redondoaveb]

Not so far.

Figure you'd probably replace them on your own before they could ever wear enough to break.

Good to know. It sure makes it a lot nicer with them routed on the other side of the head tube. Thanks for the input.

[mudrock]

If you get higher end cables with the plastic coating, that will wear through. And of course the guides have to be positioned low enough so that the cables don't rub the frame. I did this on my Cervelo, worked great.

[Kerry Irons]

I know that there a some people on here that have crossed their derailleur cables at the head tube in order to keep them from rubbing on the head tube. Obviously, they have to cross on the back side of the downtube. Where they cross, they will be touching and rubbing on each other. Is there any concern with premature wear from the friction of rubbing back and forth?

My cables have been crossed for 14 years and about 130,000 miles. No noticeable wear on the cables to date (cables replaced every 30-40K miles).

[redondoaveb]

Yeah, I dug up this old thread. Sounds like the cables crossing isn't a concern at all. Thanks guys.
Crossing derailleur cables on downtube?