Replacing gear cable

[benb]

Hi all

My gear cable is looking a bit frayed at the mech end, so I want to replace it before it breaks.

It's a Genesis Croix de Fer, with Shimano STI levers.

Do I need any type of cable in particular, or will any one do?
Some sites say to lube the cable a little first, others say not to. Should I? If so, what lube do I need? (a thin one I'm guessing)

Thanks.

 

[HLaB]

You just need cable cutters and an allen key.
Some people say clean and dry others say grease and others say lube. I prefer the grease route but its your choice and dont forget the cable end cap to stop the new cable fraying.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Road sti's have a different bit on the end to mountain bike ones. I usually give the outer a squirt through with WD40 when fitting a new inner.

 

[benb]

So how about if I bought these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/clarks-pre-lube-universal-inner-gear-cables/
And these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/transfil-pack-of-10-anti-fray-inner-cable-end-caps/

Reckon they would be OK?
I already have cutters and allen keys

 

[Dave Davenport]

So how about if I bought these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/clarks-pre-lube-universal-inner-gear-cables/
And these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/transfil-pack-of-10-anti-fray-inner-cable-end-caps/

Reckon they would be OK?
I already have cutters and allen keys

I wouldn't get that one as you have to cut off the 'mountain bike' end before you use it and it can fray. Get a road specific one ;http://www.wiggle.co.uk/transfil-gear-cable-inner/

 

[benb]

I wouldn't get that one as you have to cut off the 'mountain bike' end before you use it and it can fray. Get a road specific one ;http://www.wiggle.co.uk/transfil-gear-cable-inner/

Cheers. No consensus on lubing the cable then?

 

[Dave Davenport]

'Lubing the cable' If that's not a euphemism for something it blinking well should be!

 

[ianrauk]

THESE are what I get from Wiggle.
They work perfect, not needed to lube.

Tip. Cut the cable to length after fitting.

 

[accountantpete]

You need the Indexed road sort as Ian above links to and then the Shimano option.

(The cable has to be a certain diameter and nipple at the end has to fit into the shifter).

 

[benb]

Thanks all. Hopefully not too complicated to do!

 

[Dave Davenport]

Easy peasy, just shift the gear into what would be the small ring front / smallest sprocket back and the hole where the cable feeds through will be exposed.

 

[benb]

Easy peasy, just shift the gear into what would be the small ring front / smallest sprocket back and the hole where the cable feeds through will be exposed.

So I don't even need to undo any screws or anything, other than the bolt on the mech?

 

[Dave Davenport]

So I don't even need to undo any screws or anything, other than the bolt on the mech?

Nope

 

[benb]

Nope

That's good to know.

 

[lpretro1]

Use a stainless steel wire not galavnised - smotther in operation and way less prone to corrosion - which is what causes the 'sticking' problem