Road Cycling - Changed my own derailleur cables for the first time

A few months ago, I would have never believed that I could change my own derailleur cables and adjust them. Well, I did it and the gears are moving more quietly and quickly than when I bought my bike two years ago. I'm kind of proud of it.

One reason all is running so smoothly and quietly is that I switched to Aztec cables. They are coated with teflon and the housings are lined with it. Also I spent a lot of time on in-the-garage and out-on-the-road adjustments. I could never have done the adjustments right with out the on-line instructions from Park Tool. My usual guide, Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance, was just too sketchy about what to do.

I also learned that Pony Clamps are great tools for holding the end of the cable when you've loosened the nut. Since the ends of the clamps are dipped in some kind of soft plastic, they hold tight without fraying the cable. They are a cheap tool: a medium-sized one cost me about $4. If the universe did fall apart, I think it really could be put back together with duct tape and Pony clamps.

Does anyone have some good tips on how to do a better job at installing and adjusting cables?

Does anyone have a tech website they like better than Park Tool's sight?

Is there a forum for wrenches and gearheads?

:beer:

Rich

Good for you, Rich! Doesn't if feel good to do something like that? Every little project gives you more confidence. Replacing derailleur cables is a deceptively difficult one, too. Not that it is difficult to do, but getting everything properly adjusted is tedious. Remember in about 300 miles you will need to go back and take up the little bit of slack that will develop as the cables settle in.

In addition to a website, I like to be able to refer to a book while I'm doing the job. Particularly one with good, explanatory pictures. The very best one that I have found is called 'The Haynes Bicycle Book'. It is put out by Haynes Publishing, the people that do a huge number a automotive and motorcycle repair manuals.

Another pretty good manual is 'Bicycling Magazines Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair'. It's not quite as good as the Haynes manual, but in my opinion you can never have too much info on bike repair. It's very complete and it explains things in a different manner than Haynes. Having two explanations for the same thing can help in understanding.