brake cables

[Keri Spring]

Hi all,

This week's newbie question...
I'm looking to replace the brake cables on my 60's raleigh I'm doing up. I'm guessing I've got the ones with special ends that are hard to find that I hear people mentioning but just thought I'd check. Here's a photo of the ends of my rear cable. Could someone point me in the direction of what I'm looking for, or just what these type of cable are called so I can make a start myself

thank you

 

[sidevalve]

Not sure but I'd suggest a barrel nipple [a standard type, check E bay] with the common type of adjuster used on sidepull brakes. The ferrule [the two diameter bit on the end of the cable] may be harder to find so just re-use the old one. All the bits are on E Bay for a few pence or try your LBS.
Finding a matching cable outer may be harder though so if they can be cleaned up and lubricated maybe just new inners will do. Just depends on how fussy you are about originality.

 

[tyred]

I don't know what type of workshop equipment you have but I reckon you should be able to solder nipples on to a new cable. Obviously this will require finding proper steel cables rather than the more normal stainless steel but they are out there. A seller on Ebay lists the choice of stainless steel or galvanised. I am going to do this myself for my 1950s Raleigh, I just haven't got round to it yet.

 

[porteous]

Looks like a standard barrel nipple set up. All you need is the inner cables. The rest should clean up nicely with some washing up liquid and elbow grease, but all the bits still available and cheap.
Try these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barrel-ni...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a02b5a77b

If you want new outer cables to look a little smarter try here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jagwire-b...cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item6fc2572ba3

Have fun!