Bicycle Mechanics - Cable quick-connects?

Guys,

I need some quick connects for shifter cables. The only ones I have seen are about $40 a pair. Since I want to be able to change handlebar setups quickly, I would need 2 sets ($80!).

Surely there is a cheaper way to do this!

I am not aware of any quick connects; in fact I would like to see the ones to which you refer if you could give me a website. However, a very inexpensive compromise would be to install in-line barrel adjusters. You leave the cables and short stubs of housing on the bar. It still only takes a few minutes to make the change. It will make it changes easier if you lightly solder the ends of the cables, and, if you use crimp on cable ends, crimp them just enough to stay on. This will keep the cable ends in good shape for easy threading through the housings. You may also need a few minutes to get brakes adjusted, but I find that the ders don't always need adjustment. Using the in-line barrel adjusters also gives you the ability to tweak cable tension while riding. They are quite inexpensive, $4-6/pair. You would only need one set of 4, 2 pair, since they stay with the bike.
FWIW,
Raymond

St John Street cycles in England do frames with couplings so the frame can be split and also split the cables.

Might be worth giving them an e mail.

A google search would find their address

Several brands compared:
http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_cable.htm

I appreciate the replies so far. The solutions I have seen so far would cost about $60 to implement. It seems to me that there should be a relatively inexpensive ($10-$20) hardware solution. It seems like it is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't put a finger on it!

Anyone have any ideas?