First time fitting brake cables and levers

[RedRider]

Hi all,
just purchased some new brake levers for my single speed which I'll need to fit. The existing cable is probably fine, just two years old, but I've bought some new inners and outers anyway as I'd like the learning experience of doing everything from scratch and with the satisfaction of taking my time and getting it as good as can be.

No doubt Sheldon Brown and the Park Tools websites have good info but I'm hoping you good people might give me the benefit and reassurance of your experience as I go. I'm a little nervous as I've never done this job before and brakes are the last thing I want to cock up!

I'm probably gonna do the work at the weekend so any tips and the rest before then will be most welcome.

Cheers

 

[Biker Joe]

Fitting brake levers and cables is probably one of the easier jobs on a bike.
Watch the available videos, make sure you have the right tools for the job and off you go.
Cut the new cable outers to the same length as the original. The rest is straight forward assembly.
Good luck. Just take your time and go one step at a time.

 

[compo]

Don't do what I did a few months ago when fitting a new brake cable. I offered it up to get the outer sleeve length, then cut it to size. Pity I never thought to remove the inner cable before cutting the outer.

 

[the_mikey]

Make sure you've got a good pair of cable cutters, the job is quite straightforward and perhaps enjoyable, just don't rush.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I've replaced brake cables only once myself, and I found it really easy . Gear cables were trickier, mainly when threading the cable through the brifters, and of course it required follow-up adjustment of the derailleurs. Have you bought some handlebar tape, since you'll be replacing the cable outers?

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Sorry, forgot to mention, @RedRider: to get the correct cable outer lengths, and assuming the existing cable outers are the correct length, simply remove the old cable outers, then cut the new outers by placing them next to the old ones. I did this, and it worked fine.

 

[RedRider]

Cheers for the replies so far. I've got some new bar tape and bought myself some £30 cable cutters which I hope will be up to the job. @compo thanks for that. you've probably saved the air turning blue.

 

[Glow worm]

Decent cable cutters definately a must. I've ruined a few cables with pliers in the past!

 

[biggs682]

most important tip is to make sure you tighten all the nuts and bolts up once finished

 

[RedRider]

Ok, I'm gonna try this this afternoon. Wish me luck.

 

[Biker Joe]

Ok, I'm gonna try this this afternoon. Wish me luck.

You'll be OK. |Good luck.

 

[RedRider]

You'll be OK. |Good luck.

Cheers. Just removed the rear cabling and fitted the rear lever. I'm about to cut the new cable housing. I'm gonna slip the end of the old inner into the new housing before I make the cut. Hopefully that will reduce any deformation of the outer. Just having a tea break first.

 

[compo]

. Just having a tea break first.

You are getting your priorites right. You will make an OK bike spanner man!

 

[RedRider]

You are getting your priorites right. You will make an OK bike spanner man!

The rear braKe cable is fitted.

 

[RedRider]

What can I say? It was as straight forward as you all said. I've been out for a test ride to position the levers and the braking is a fair bit better than it was before. I wouldn't think twice about doing this job again.
Cheers