Snapped Gear Cable

[BrynCP]

My rear gear cable has snapped at the shifter today.

Is it OK to just thread a new cable down the same outers (and therefore make it an easier job and not have to replace the bar tape) or does it really need new outers etc. too? The cable and outers are all original, so 1.5 years old.

If the first, I can probably do it myself, and set the derailleur etc. with no problem, but the latter I would probably take to the LBS and will take over a week most likely as I can only drop off and pick up on Saturday/Sundays!

 

[Venod]

Is it OK to just thread a new cable down the same outers

Yes just pull out the old cable, observe how to route the new one back throgh the shifter.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Worth replacing the rear outer cable where it loops to the derailleur at the same time for an improvement in shifting, an easy job. Take the old one to the shop and they'll cut the correct length for you.

 

[kiriyama]

Unless your outers are full of grit/filth/damaged it should work fine.

I invested In some decent cable cutters. Replacing inner/outer cables is an easy enough job. I had the same frustration of waiting a week for the LBS, when it's a job I can do myself in very little time.

 

[BrynCP]

My main concern is that the cables route under the bar tape; it could do with replacing after 1.5 years but I am not confident I can make a good job of it. I should perhaps just order all the parts and have a go?

 

[mrandmrspoves]

My main concern is that the cables route under the bar tape; it could do with replacing after 1.5 years but I am not confident I can make a good job of it. I should perhaps just order all the parts and have a go?

Bar taping is one of the easy jobs that people think will be difficult. I guarantee that even if your 1st attempt isn't perfect - it will still look better than 1.5 year old tape.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Bar taping is one of the easy jobs that people think will be difficult. I guarantee that even if your 1st attempt isn't perfect - it will still look better than 1.5 year old tape.

I can do a superb job with bar tape - except for the strips of insulating tape to secure the ends. No matter how careful I am it looks like it's been done by a clumsy Orangutan after a heavy night.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

I have always done my bar taping "incorrectly" and start at the top of the bars working to the bar end plugs where I tuck the tail in. Looks neater and despite people telling me it will unravel or fray, it doesn't. My grandfather taught me to tape that way almost 40 years ago, it worked then with cloth tape and it still works with modern cork tapes.

 

[Venod]

Bar taping is easy as long as you don't want an Harlequin pattern.

 

[Apollonius]

Change inner, outer and bar tape. It snapping is the bike telling you it needs it! Gear cables are cheap enough, but spend some money on a good pair of wire cutters. You will not regret it.

 

[User33236]

Upgrade to Di2 then you only ever need to rewrap for brake cables?

 

[Poacher]

Sounds like you really want to have new bar tape! I'd feel inclined to keep the old outer and bar tape, and just replace the inner. Think about it - the most acute bending of the inner is at the shifter, which is where it's broken....which is where you'd most expect it to break. Get as much grease as possible down the inside of the outer (!) and grease the replacement inner thoroughly before fitting. Job's a good'un, and a damn sight cheaper.

 

[Apollonius]

Keep all lubricants away from quality shifters! (This means Campagnolo, of course, but it may well apply to other brands as well.)

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Keep all lubricants away from quality shifters! (This means Campagnolo, of course, but it may well apply to other brands as well.)

Safe to use lubricants on an old Sturmer Archer 3 speed changer! Most changers since then have plastic components inside that can be damaged by oils and greases. Silicone grease can be used safely.

 

[BrynCP]

Ordered all the parts; will give it a go tomorrow weather permitting.

It occurred to me actually the cable is only 11 months old, as the original frayed last Christmas and was replaced by the shop.

Sounds like you really want to have new bar tape!

Sort of! The tape has started to split on the left side and there are a couple of gaps where it has pulled apart.