Integrated Cockpits Are a Maintenance Nightmare, Quick Coupling Fixes It

Описание: Fully integrated cockpits were supposed to make bikes faster and cleaner. What they actually did was turn a basic headset bearing service into a full hydraulic strip down that costs you close to 100 quid every time you touch it. Absolute genius from the bike industry.

In this video I take a look at the Zeno Quick Coupling hydraulic system, a product that is trying to fix that exact mess. Instead of having to pull your brake lines out of the headset every time you want to service bearings or remove the bars, this system lets you disconnect the lines quickly with a sealed coupling.

I go through the full kit including the couplings, crimp system, valves, seals and tools. You will see exactly how the male and female ends lock together, how the internal non return valves work, and what materials and sealing systems are used. I also cover the practical side of installing it on a real bike, including cable length, routing slack inside the frame, head tube space limitations, and the effect on handlebar alignment.

There are some issues. It is not the easiest system to install first time. The instructions are not perfect. If your frame is tight on space you may struggle with excess line inside the head tube. I also managed to get a small amount of air into one line after repeatedly disconnecting it while testing. That said, once it is fitted correctly, removing bars for transport or maintenance becomes massively easier.

I first saw this at Eurobike 2024 and thought it looked like a game changer. After fitting it and living with it, I would say it is not perfect but it is a genuinely clever bit of engineering that solves a very real problem created by fully internal routing.

If you run an integrated cockpit and you are sick of paying labour every time you touch it, this might be worth a look.

Let me know in the comments what you think of these quick coupling systems and whether you would trust them on your own bike.


Link to the ZENO website
https://zenocycleparts.com/collection...

If you use the code "HAMBINI" you'll receive a discount, it's not an affiliate link


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