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What is this stuff? Tubing "insulator"?

1.9K views 18 replies 12 participants last post by  chadbrochills  
#1 · (Edited)
What is the stuff called that is used to "shield" cable housing inside a frame so it does not rattle?

I think its neoprene pipe insulator but I can't seem to find it in the narrow gauge that would work for cable housing. Where can one get this stuff?

It's kind of like a very thin, miniature "pool noodle". Usually black or dark grey in color. Pretty sure its not a bike specific item... it probable can be found in the electrical or plumbing hardware section.

Its not the larger "split" insulation for larger copper or poly tubing. It relatively thin, maybe only 4x the gauge of the cable housing itself.

Thanks.
 
#5 ·
#11 ·
I’ve used this stuff to solid effect. Cheap as can be. Just slice a channel down the middle, insert the cable and Bob’s your uncle.

M-D Building Products 71464 - Versatile Caulk Backer Rod Set 3/8in x 20ft - Essential Foam Rods for Precise Caulking and Sealing

Amazon.com
 
#13 ·
I’ve used this stuff to solid effect. Cheap as can be. Just slice a channel down the middle, insert the cable and Bob’s your uncle.

M-D Building Products 71464 - Versatile Caulk Backer Rod Set 3/8in x 20ft - Essential Foam Rods for Precise Caulking and Sealing

Amazon.com
Why go through the trouble of having to slice it open? The stuff I linked above already has a hole through the middle and is cheap AF.

Amazon.com : CYCEARTH 1.5M/lot Bike Frame Internal Housing Damper 6mm Foam Sleeve Hose Bicycle Cable Bike Shift/Brake/Hydraulic Tube : Sports & Outdoors
 
#18 ·
I've used some weatherstripping type stuff before. I think it had a kind of d-shaped cross section, but was hollow on the inside and had a strip of weak adhesive on the outside. I think I just peeled the sticky stuff off of it. It appeared to made of some EPDM foam rubber type stuff.
 
#19 ·
I tried that initially. Didn't work well, was hard to get into the small hole of the chainstay. That's when I looked for something else and came across what I linked above. Only downside to it IMO, is having to remove the cables and fish them through it. But whatever, 15mins of work and my annoying AF cable rattle is completely eliminated.