What are these joins in my hydraulic brake cables?

Equipment
1

I can’t find anything, by searching online, as to what is the purpose of these joins. Maybe to make it easier to run through internally routed handlebars? So far they only seem useful in scratching my frame so I am very tempted to replace the cables.

Thanks.

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2

They are connectors so that when the manufacturer shipped the bike they could detect and easily reattach the handlebars from the factory

3

As access to the master cylinders and hose attachment requires quite a bit of effort (i.e. unwrapping the tape), it allows for LH/RH switcheroos do be done swiftly. Not an issue on MTB’s as all master cylinders are very accessible.

1 Like
4

Thanks.
But the gear cable would still need installing and a full brake bleed, right?

5

Thanks.
Wouldn’t you just slide the shifters off and switch without undoing any cables?

6

The shifters are “handed” so not possible.

If the joins are scratching your frame just get some helicopter tape and apply in appropriate locations. Most bike shops sell pre-cut kits for just this purpose.

1 Like
7

Oh of course :man_facepalming:

I think I’ll just replace the cables. Done once and forget.