Fed up with people using zip ties on bike cables like its permanent

I keep seeing folks at the co-op in Denver cinching down brake and shift cables with those nylon zip ties so tight they cut into the housing. Had a guy bring in a 2 year old hybrid last week where the front derailleur cable was practically embedded under the tape. It only takes a few minutes to wrap with proper electrical tape or use velcro straps, and you won't be replacing cables every season. Anyone else notice this shortcut causing more headaches than it saves?

2 comments

2 Comments

iris_burns1d ago

Swapping to velcro straps was a game changer for me. They hold just as well on the cable housing and you can adjust them without tools if you need to reroute something later. Plus you don't have to cut them off and trash the whole bundle every time you do a tune up.

butler.mark1d ago

Yeah @iris_burns is right, velcro straps beat zip ties every time.