Bowden cables to 2 3/4 model 1914

[veikko1]

Hello
I like asking, if this age bikes cables is covered, or not? It come with uncovered very rusty cables, and I think that them are original?
Regards veikko1

[cardan]

I'd expect a 1914 bike to come originally with plain cloth-covered cables, although Bowden did offer uncovered cables (so not waterproof) in black or nickel, or even cables that were cloth-covered then wrapped with lovely "german silver" wire around the outside. The attached adverts gives some idea of the 1914 offerings.

Cheers

Leon

[veikko1]

Hello Leon
Many thanks your answer with fine old advert. I think, that clotch covered cables would be good, if I can find them! Not any from Finland.
Regards Veikko

[cardan]

Hi Veikko,

It's a pity that cloth-covered cables are not available, so that these days plastic-covered cables are fitted by default. They look and work fine, but I confess I've collected old cloth-covered outers from here and there, so that when I restore a bike I try to use the real thing. The  lacquered cloth outers are sometimes a bit cracked, but I like the patina. With new inners of course.

On old cables it's pretty common for the cloth to crack and fall off. This is probably what has happened to your cables.

Cheers

Leon

[Doug]

It is a pity that some enterprising business does not take the standard vinyl coated casings and run them through a heat embosser to give them at least a simulated cloth covered texture effect. It would probably fail close inspection but would look plausible from a short distance away. My 1936 Aero had all its original control cables, too perished to use but when placed along side the modern casing the later looks fake.

-Doug

[veikko1]

Hello
I find clotch covered cables from www.vintage-motorcycle-spares.co.uk. Any experience from this?
Regards Veikko

[cardan]

They look nice! Let us know how you get on.

Leon

[veikko1]

Hello
I ordered them. Maybe it takes about one week.
Veikko

[veikko1]

Hello
My ordered clotch covered cables are coming. I like, that it looks good (not laqcuered). I try includes one picture too, but can`t
 be sure, if it will be succesful.

Veikko