Shifter cables - L/R choice for front/rear?

[Shut Up Legs]

Is there a convention here, and does it really matter which you choose? I've just replaced the shifter cables on one of my bikes, and realised I've connected the front shifter cable to the right brifter, and the rear shifter cable to the left brifter, which is the reverse of what I previously had on this bike. No doubt I'll get used to the difference in time.

The only difference I can see is that with the previous setup, the cable routing where the outers meet the head tube was a bit awkward, as the outers would rub against the head tube, while with the current setup, the outers wrap smoothly around either side of the head tube.

 

[classic33]

Like brakes, I can't see it making any real difference. Unless the cables cross, possibly catching.

 

[Broadside]

Is there a convention here, and does it really matter which you choose? I've just replaced the shifter cables on one of my bikes, and realised I've connected the front shifter cable to the right brifter, and the rear shifter cable to the left brifter, which is the reverse of what I previously had on this bike. No doubt I'll get used to the difference in time.

The only difference I can see is that with the previous setup, the cable routing where the outers meet the head tube was a bit awkward, as the outers would rub against the head tube, while with the current setup, the outers wrap smoothly around either side of the head tube.

But isn't the left shifter only capable of moving between 2 gears?? Haven't you limited the number of years on your bike!

 

[Smokin Joe]

But isn't the left shifter only capable of moving between 2 gears?? Haven't you limited the number of years on your bike!

Wot 'e said.

Unless you mean you've swapped the brifters round?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Wot 'e said.

Unless you mean you've swapped the brifters round?

Even that would be wrong as the levers only go inward, when correct, outward on the opposite

 

[MiK1138]

Is there a convention here, and does it really matter which you choose? I've just replaced the shifter cables on one of my bikes, and realised I've connected the front shifter cable to the right brifter, and the rear shifter cable to the left brifter, which is the reverse of what I previously had on this bike. No doubt I'll get used to the difference in time.

The only difference I can see is that with the previous setup, the cable routing where the outers meet the head tube was a bit awkward, as the outers would rub against the head tube, while with the current setup, the outers wrap smoothly around either side of the head tube.

Do you mean brake cables?

 

[Smokin Joe]

Do you mean brake cables?

I would think that's what he means. My bikes are always set up like that.

 

[MiK1138]

yeah mine too, was like that when i bought it and as a lefthander i didnt bother to change it. sure confuses others when they ride it though

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Do you mean brake cables?

The OP said shifter cables.

 

[Smokin Joe]

The OP said shifter cables.

He did, but it doesn't make sense.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

He did, but it doesn't make sense.

I know.

 

[migrantwing]

 

[Smurfy]

Surely the indexing will be all wrong, unless the spacing and number of ratchet teeth is identical for front and rear brifters.

For brakes you can swap as much as you like.