Cable wrap solutions

[FrankR]

My bike has crap cable wrap. Once I take it off to repair something, I don't believe it will go back on nicely.

I also want access to all the wiring. I want to be able to see connectors so that I can purchase some replacements in advance of failure.

What's a tidy cable wrap solution that protects the cables but allows fairly easy access to them?

 

[m@Robertson]

If this is what you want to do, probably the best is a split weave elastic wire loom. Not something I use anymore.

You shouldn't need protection though. Or does your bike use something like JSTs and Andersons so they aren't water resistant? HIGOs with a dab of dielectric grease can almost be submerged completely. XT60's and XT90's are fine in torrential rain (although a wrap of silicone tape is advisable). Whats the specific problem you've seen? I ride in all weather, personally so I run into rain and dust and whatnot.

 

[FrankR]

No specific problem. I just want to get my bike where I can get to the wires. The wrap I currently have requires me to basically unwrap the bike to see anything.

Leaning towards some kind of split tubing so it can cover the wires, but I can pull it off easily.

 

[mikeschn]

My first reaction is just unwrap everything and leave it that way...

Having said that, you might need to tidy things up! Electrical tape and cable ties are two things that come to mind. I haven't done any shrink wrap yet, but that day is coming! I have some Anderson connections that need protecting!

 

[FrankR]

I would be concerned with leaving it all exposed - when I inevitably ride in the rain, or, have to leave it out in the sun a bit.
But, the existing wrap on the bike doesn't meet minimum requirements. It's garbage.

Going to give something like this a try:

 

[Alaskan]

that is just what I use to tidy up the black spaghetti in front. Easy on and easy off when access is needed.

Here is a link to an ebay seller who has loads of colors in various diameters, cut to length

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382904961908?hash=item5926ea0b74:g:Wm0AAOSwYVRctesZ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4Oe8JpepAoYhKI%2BJT6FgyottrvnfohInVidWUNQ0Tp7%2ByjXPMsf0WYb8in4QMlCHYRkop5vBEqId%2BOJ1J9xzqPUJWltYLVmOdMhcDTRGyS65uAxV9o5HmE6bp7a5UjS45zNMUSpCEfZttTFlaMtk%2F36KOeWqJtnP%2FHHMwUYEajdjFfC2IQRUZaFl42LJYmveFQbyFndu%2BTycOhz0T%2FMTKwoCr4BUriKGMVXuNikZz0%2BxcCdv3rBx%2BwwtI4GmcW8FQD%2FY0ufRFa4KZyWIlPlKyciIsnDi37Z%2FuENXYWFNhLDn%7Ctkp%3ABFBMlNuQjK9g

 

[harryS]

When I did my first conversion, I spurned the spiral wrap that was included in the kit and went with the plastic automotive looms. Although it comes in several colors, I stayed with black. I had a lot of it from working on my cars.

Four or five years later, I bought a commercial ebike and noted that the spiral wrap could be a lot smaller in diameter, depending on what was inside. I started converting my prior conversions back to spiral wrap. Yes, it's tedious to wind several feet of this stuff.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

I’ve had my bike for over a year now. I’m constantly rearranging things to improve my setup. I ditched the spiral plastic wrap and am temporarily (permanently) using Velcro straps. It’s not pretty, but it’s easier to move things around. At some point, I’ll put the spiral wrap back on.

 

[AHicks]

My bike has crap cable wrap. Once I take it off to repair something, I don't believe it will go back on nicely.

I also want access to all the wiring. I want to be able to see connectors so that I can purchase some replacements in advance of failure.

What's a tidy cable wrap solution that protects the cables but allows fairly easy access to them?

Have you seen the Velcro cable ties? Very easy to keep wire looms tidy yet handy. Something no more than about 1/2 inch wide is unobtrusive while keeping cables tidy.

Edit: given the choice between split or spiral, I would go spiral. My advice using either, would be to keep the sections no longer than necessary. A 4" section of spiral, placed every foot or so, not that difficult to install or work around....

 

[Gionnirocket]

When I did my first conversion, I spurned the spiral wrap that was included in the kit and went with the plastic automotive looms. Although it comes in several colors, I stayed with black. I had a lot of it from working on my cars.

Four or five years later, I bought a commercial ebike and noted that the spiral wrap could be a lot smaller in diameter, depending on what was inside. I started converting my prior conversions back to spiral wrap. Yes, it's tedious to wind several feet of this stuff.

I've used both myself and think that the spiral leaves a cleaner look in the end and is worth the extra effort.
Wireloom is bulky, requires tape or ties and dents, especially if it's not the better grade stuff... ymmv

 

[FrankR]

Have you seen the Velcro cable ties? Very easy to keep wire looms tidy yet handy. Something no more than about 1/2 inch wide is unobtrusive while keeping cables tidy.

Edit: given the choice between split or spiral, I would go spiral. My advice using either, would be to keep the sections no longer than necessary. A 4" section of spiral, placed every foot or so, not that difficult to install or work around....

That's what I am going to do. Small sections so that I can go where I need to go. Will post pics before and after.

 

[TinkyWinky]

Bought a Lectric Premium with 20 miles on it from a neighbor lady back in May, got 450+ miles on it now. She said it was too heavy for her, got it from Amazon. Tried to order the new Cable wrap from Lectric bikes that they but on their bikes now. I have the older electrical tape looking crap. Nope Lectric bike support is no help. Won't sell parts to a bike not bought though them. 20 miles on the bike basically a brand new bike. Just sayin'.

 

[PedalUma]

I just chop them all off. Well most of them.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

I just chop them all off. Well most of them.

Looks great! Does that bike have brake sensors? It doesnt look like it. Also dosent look like a speed demon so, probably dont need them anyway.

 

[rob feature]

I use cloth Tesa tape, Velcro, and zipties where applicable. They all have their place. Maybe heat shrink in the right application.

Split loom & spiral wrap are non-starters for me - they're noisy, cause abrasions, and are just plain ugly.

Never dealt with exposed connectors myself, so no answer there, but maybe change them to something meant for the elements?

 

[6zfshdb]

Yeah, spiral wrap is ugly but it's a necessity if you need to access the cable connectors, especially on the road.

I use this product:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016045W16/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

It's available in different colors & sizes.

 

[Tubbs]

I bought this off Amazon haven't had time to install it yet. It arrives much quicker than advertised.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SJLDSM7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[gromike]

Maybe something like this: https://www.cabletiesandmore.com/wrap-around-braided-sleeving ?

 

[None]

I use the rubber cable wrap.. ease to install, slightly adhesive, cheap.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803023862177.html

 

[Slaphappygamer]

I use the rubber cable wrap.. ease to install, slightly adhesive, cheap.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803023862177.html

Nice! Kind of looks like telephone cord.