10.2 frame

Internal Cable Routing

Internal Cable Routing. Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★★☆ moderate
Time ~30 min
Applies to Bikes with internal cable routing (most modern Road, Gravel, MTB)
Internal cable routing using a magnetic guide through the frame

Tools

  • Magnetic cable guide (Park IR-1.3 or similar)
  • or fish-wire/liner tubing
  • plus the cable/hose to route

Procedure

  1. Insert the leading magnet

    into the entry port (e.g., near the head tube).

  2. Insert the receiving magnet

    into the exit port (e.g., near the BB).

  3. Maneuver the receiving magnet

    until it links to the leading magnet through the frame wall.

  4. Pull the leading magnet through

    the frame, and the receiving magnet follows.

  5. Attach your cable or hose

    to the leading magnet's hook/loop.

  6. Pull through the frame.

Magnetic guide procedure:

  1. Insert the leading magnet into the entry port (e.g., near the head tube).
  2. Insert the receiving magnet into the exit port (e.g., near the BB).
  3. Maneuver the receiving magnet until it links to the leading magnet through the frame wall.
  4. Pull the leading magnet through the frame, and the receiving magnet follows.
  5. Attach your cable or hose to the leading magnet’s hook/loop.
  6. Pull through the frame.

Fish-wire/liner method:

  1. Feed a length of housing or stiff wire in through one port.
  2. Use the bike’s curvature and gravity to guide it toward the exit port — sometimes shaking, tilting, and tapping the frame helps.
  3. Once the wire/liner is poking out the exit, attach your cable to the end.
  4. Pull through.