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Mud-Proofing the Cables
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First! DO NOT RIDE ON MUDDY TRAILS! But if you're heading
out onto ATV tracks or a deliberately-muddy cyclocross track, we have some
advice for you. Here's a
quick way to keep the cable damage to a minimum.
For each place where a cable enters a housing, tear off a 4-inch strip
and a 1-inch strip of duct tape. |
| Place the smaller strip, sideways and face down, in the
middle of the sticky side of the larger strip. (This creates an area with
no adhesive where the "mud-proofing cover" covers the entry of
the cable into the housing.) |
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Fold the tape over the frame where housing meets raw cable.
Stick it down, about 1/2 inch behind the end of the housing.
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| Wrap the tape around the frame, occluding any open spaces.
Pinch the sticky part of the tape around the cable -- the back-side of the
smaller piece of tape keeps adhesive from getting on the part of the cable
that enters the housing. |
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Here's a cable-killer! This bottom-pull front
derailleur cable goes directly into cable housing through this hole in the
frame. Mud and water will run into the housing every time you shift.
Let's cover it up. |
Once you're through with that cold, muddy ride, pinch the duct tape down to
make sure it's securely in place. Then hose the bike down fully. After hosing,
peel the duct tape away.
If you get adhesive buildup on the cable after a few rides, clean it
off with paint thinner or acetone.
Other winter-proofing items, with my humble experience:
Detachable rear "mud fender": Worthwhile. The most
convenient are those that clamp quickly to the seatpost. Keeps the water from
spraying up your butt and back.
Detachable front "mud fender": No. Somewhere,
there must be one will work. I tried three brands. But none survived more than a
single ride. First fall = break fender. In fact, I broke one in my garage when
my thigh bumped the front wheel as I walked past.
Derailleur protector: No. Must be a roadie thing. Forget it.
A pain to put on. And, it will quickly fill up with mud. Worse than worthless if
you ride in real mud.
Shock covers: Not impressed. The muddy water quickly gets
inside, where the sand and grit is caught by the sleeve and held against your
stanchion. Even if you remove it and clean it after every ride, your shock will
wear out faster with a cover than if you do nothing.
Shoe covers: Sure. Why not?
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