Cable placement depends on the era of the bike, nationality of the bike, style of brake (centerpull or sidepull), orientation of sidepull brake arms (cable enters on left side of bike, or cable enters on right side of bike), length of stem, angle of bars (rotated way up or rotated way down or about level), position of brake levers on bars (higher or lower), preferred length of cable housings (ultra-short, normal, or extra-long), presence of obstacles on bars and stem (such as computer, bar-mounted bottle cages, headlights)...
Same answer as how to route toestraps through pedals - whatever works best for you.
Aldo Ross BlueBall, Ohio
When in doubt, refer to pictures:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
Ride All Day, Everyday
> Every time I build up a bike with top tube cable guides at the 12 o'clock
> position, I always wonder if there is a correct way for the cables to go.
> First, do you take the non aero brake cables and route them in front of
> behind the handle bar. Next do you cross the stem with the right cable
> (rear) because you do with the left (front)on a side pull. Similar
> question for bar con shifters. Is there a correct method or just what
> suits you?
>
> Finally a question to the forum leader or anyone who would like to
> respond. I have been on this list for perhaps 3 years and never saw this
> discussed. How did the name Classic Rendezvous come to be. I mean it
> really does not jump out and say "bicycles". Just one of those things that
> you ponder as you look for the next part to put on a bike during a build
> up.
>
> Ray Homiski
> Elizabeth, NJ