It’s been a while since I last worked on my bike. Recently I decided to route the cables internally on my Roval handlebar for a cleaner look. I attempted the disassembly myself but was overwhelmed by the complexity of managing the two hydraulic hoses and two cable housings from my Shimano 7020 groupset. This sparked the idea to upgrade to a Shimano 8170 groupset. After browsing Canadian bike shops, I discovered that a complete 8170 set costs over $3000, ballooning to nearly $4000 after taxes. However, upon checking Taobao, I found the same set for around Â¥8000. I decided to have a set shipped directly from China. Here’s a detailed chronicle of my build process.

Bottom line: Despite my strong hands-on skills, I encountered numerous pitfalls during this build. I have newfound respect for professional bike mechanics who charge $300+ for assembly in North America.

Disassembly

I planned a major overhaul while replacing the groupset and handlebars, starting with a complete tear-down:

  • Initially couldn’t identify my bottom bracket type. Searched extensively and found it’s a threaded BB (SM-BBR60 BSA), so I ordered tools from Temu and waited two weeks.

  • Couldn’t remove the bottom bracket initially, so I bought a rubber mallet and wire cutters from Home Depot.

  • Struggled removing shift brake cables. Only after disassembling the 7020 shifters did I realize the cable ends need to align with the shifter openings (lesson learned: don’t hesitate to disassemble - you’ll understand the mechanism better).

  • Couldn’t cut the hydraulic hoses with regular tools. After watching a helpful video, I learned to use a utility knife.

  • Struggled routing the cable housing through the handlebars. Discovered there’s a specialized cable guide tool, then improvised by using an old shift cable.

  • Accidentally cut the front brake hose too short.

  • Couldn’t fit all four hoses through the handlebars simultaneously.

  • Without cable stops on my shifters, brake fluid got everywhere (decided to commit to the groupset upgrade at this point).

  • Gave up and listed the old parts on Xianyu. Surprisingly sold them for C$600 total!

Configuration

My complete bike setup:

  • Frame: Specialized Tarmac SL6 Sport
  • Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8170
  • Front Wheel: Roval Rapide CLII
  • Rear Wheel: Roval Rapide CLX
  • Handlebar: Roval Rapide 400mm
  • Stem: Specialized Future 100mm
  • Saddle: Specialized Power Comp
  • Seatpost: S-Works Carbon
  • Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace PD R9100
  • Bar Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
  • Tires: Continental GP5000 25c
  • Tubes: RideNow TPU
  • Computer: Garmin Edge 530
  • Derailleur Hanger: Sigeyi
  • Tool: Torque Wrench
  • Seat Pack: Silca Mattone
  • Bar Bag: Rapha Explore 2.4L

Assembly

Rear Derailleur

  • Install the rear derailleur first. Remove the fork and route the hydraulic hose up through the head tube initially.

  • Apply protective tape around the hose to prevent noise.

  • Route the hose back down through the stem cable port. Step 1: Route up initially Step 2: Install noise dampening tape Step 3: Route hose through opening

  • Routing the hose is challenging. The cable guide from Taobao was a lifesaver.

  • Secure the rear derailleur with bolts. Remember that the special bolt goes at the back.

  • Don’t forget the washer installation.

    Installing washer

  • Finally install the safety clip.

Front Derailleur

  • Routing the fork cables is agonizing. Again grateful for the cable guide tool.

Handlebar Assembly

  • Mount shifters on the handlebars and balance on a flat surface or use a laser level.
  • Never forget to tighten the stem wedge properly. The arrow mark should align with the stem bolt seam.
  • Adjust handlebar shim spacing.
  • Secure handlebar to stem.
  • Tighten headset cap.