The cables go from the front bow, then rearwards behind the top of the side window (to hold the top fabric tight so the window seals well), then inside the frame and out to a stiff spring adjuster. It's in the top installation manual. If you need a copy PM me with an email address capable of receiving a 4mb file.
With regards to the issue of selection of vinyl or fabric, they are both about the same with regards to durability, as the top manufacturers will tell you. Regardless, it's not the fabric that fails first generally, it's the rear window. Cost wise, vinyl is much less. Looks wise, the fabric looks better. For ease of maintenance, I chose vinyl, which is much easier to clean and stays looking good with an application of Mequires' a few times a year. If you live in an area of pines like I do, the inevitable drips of pine sap are easier to clean from vinyl. Installation wise, I think it's pretty much a question of the installer, not the fabric.