Bicycle Mechanics - Will I need to replace my front derailuer cable?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
Panthiest
06-08-09, 04:41 PM
When I cleaned my front derailuer I detatched the cable loosening the hex nut. Well, I ended up readjusting the cable when attatching it and now the cable has spread out and it is becomming frayed.
I clearly don't know what im doing and I know now I should have left it alone. But, to late for that now. Im sure its not adjusted right for the shifting is stiff now and im afraid the cable will just snap. Trip to my LBS?

Thanks!

zonatandem
06-08-09, 04:43 PM
A tiny drop of superglue will hold the strands together.
Next time don't mess with it . . .
johnknappcc
06-08-09, 04:45 PM
New cable is cheap, maybe 4 bucks with the housing/cable combined. Jagwire makes a set, while you are at it, it would be a bad idea to get both new der. cables and two brake cables. Especially for an older bike.

Also, the cable probably wouldn't "Snap" but could get pulled from the bolt that holds it, but there isn't much tension on that anyway, so it wouldn't be a huge deal.

But yeah, just go for a new cable.

Wordbiker
06-08-09, 04:45 PM
Cables are cheap enough. I'd replace it.
johnknappcc
06-08-09, 04:52 PM
Also, if you don't want to invest in a pair of cable cutters (not so cheap), the shop would most likely cut the housings to length if you bring in the old ones. A good pair of wire snips will usually suffice for the cables themselves.
Panthiest
06-08-09, 05:08 PM
A new cable would be cheap to replace, so I guess I will go to the bike shop tomorrow and have them do the job right instead of myself trying to do it and most likely screwing it up. I have been using the bike with it this way but id just feel better having it fixed like new. Its an 09 trek 1.5 I purchased at the end of last summer. Thanks for the replies!!
Panthers007
06-08-09, 05:24 PM
Also, if you don't want to invest in a pair of cable cutters (not so cheap), the shop would most likely cut the housings to length if you bring in the old ones. A good pair of wire snips will usually suffice for the cables themselves.

+1 :thumb: for mentioning cable-housing. You will be wanting to get some of this to go with a cable - or two. I replace my gear-cables once a year. And I often change the color of cable-housing I'll put on.

Regards cable/housing cutters, this really is a vital tool if you're going to be working on your own bike. They cost a pretty=penny, but can last a lifetime. I recommend Shimano.