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One often discussed topic when buying a new bike is the benefits and disadvantages of integrated cockpits, in other words, internal vs. external cable routing. The choice can significantly impact your riding experience, so which one should you choose?
KEY TAKEAWAY
I believe that beginners will benefit from the standard handlebar and stem combo instead of an integrated cockpit. Components with external cable routing, especially the handlebar and stem, are easier to adjust or replace. So, if you don’t know what dimensions or bike fit will suit you best, you won’t have to pay a fortune to replace an integrated cockpit.
Once you better understand what bike fit and geometry suits you, I recommend buying a bike with an integrated cockpit, mainly because of its cleaner look and better aerodynamics.
Pros and Cons of Integrated Cockpits
The following table summarizes internal vs. external cable routing in cycling.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Cable Routing | • A clean and more polished aesthetic • Reduces aerodynamic drag | • More challenging to maintain • Higher costs for adjustments or replacements • Less flexible for bike fit changes |
| External Cable Routing | • Easier and quicker to maintain • Lower costs for adjustments or replacements • More flexible for adjustments | • Exposed cables result in a more traditional (and clunky) appearance • Slightly worse aerodynamics |
Let’s now dive a bit deeper into each area.
Appearance
Integrated cockpits create a clean, polished aesthetic. The cables from brakes and shifters are simply hidden inside the handlebar, stem, and frame. If you value a minimalist design, this is the clear winner.
On the other hand, when the external cables are visible, they may give your bike a more traditional look. But honestly, I don’t know anybody who would dislike hidden cables. It’s a trend that started to appear around 2020 and is basically a standard on mid-range and high-end road bikes.
Aerodynamics
Hidden cables mean reduced CdA (coefficient of aerodynamic drag) and, therefore, higher speed. The savings are marginal, though. At lower speeds, around 19mph [30 km/h], the estimates are around 0.5 watts saved thanks to hidden cables. The estimate for 28mph [45 km/h] is around 2 watts saved. (Source) In this video, they estimate that 10 cm of exposed cables increases the drag by 1 watt at 28mph [45 km/h].
Are integrated cockpits worth the increased costs? Well, probably not, unless you are a highly competitive racer where every second counts.
However, a good set of carbon wheels will provide bigger savings, especially compared to aluminum wheels. So, invest in those first. You can check out some of these Chinese carbon wheels that won’t break the bank.
Maintenance
Maintaining internal cables is more challenging. However, this is not always true because if you have electronic shifting, you basically don’t have to do anything with cables inside for years. I didn’t have to service the cables in my YOELEO R12 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 for 2 years.
With mechanical shifting, things are more complicated because the steel cables and Bowdens are subject to wear and tear. This means they will need more frequent maintenance, which can be tricky, especially if you have an integrated cockpit. You will need more time, patience, and skill to do the replacement. Or, you will have to take your bike to a bike mechanic and pay more than for a bike with external cables.
Component Replacement Costs
You will face higher costs when replacing an integrated cockpit if the bike fit (such as the handlebar width or stem length) isn’t right for you. This is because brake and sometimes shifter cables are routed internally through the handlebar (and stem), making adjustments or replacements much more time-consuming. The process involves re-routing the cables, which adds to labor costs and requires specialized tools and expertise.
External cables, however, are far easier and more cost-effective to work with since they’re fully accessible and don’t require disassembling the cockpit. If your bike fit needs adjustments, external cables make the process simpler and less expensive. This is one of the main reasons why I recommend external cable routing to beginners who don’t know what bike geometry and component dimensions will fit them.
Conclusion
For beginners or cyclists who prioritize ease of maintenance and affordability, a combination of stem and handlebar (external cable routing) is the way to go. It allows for simple adjustments and customization as you learn what fits your body and riding style.
While internal routing provides a polished look and marginal performance gains, it comes at the cost of maintenance complexity, potential fit challenges, and a higher price. An integrated cockpit can be a good upgrade, especially if you value clean aesthetic and aerodynamic advantages. They can save around 2 watts at 28mph [45 km/h].
But all this won’t matter if you don’t feel comfortable on your bike. Remember, your first bike should be all about learning and exploring, while with your second bike, you can focus on fine-tuning and performance.
