Cyclocross - Can I use a brake cable as a straddle 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
atelierf.lab
09-30-10, 05:21 PM
I want to try setting my straddle cable a bit longer on my Empella Frogleggs, but the one I have has been cut pretty short. Has anyone tried using a piece of brake cable instead of the dedicated straddle cable from Empella? Brake cable might be a bit thinner, and the metal nub on the end is a slightly different shape but if I am hoping it can work.

Unless it slips out of the barrel adjuster, or something else catastrophic happens. Anyone have any experience with an improvised setup like that?

Cynikal
09-30-10, 10:07 PM
I save my old brake cables just for this reason.
mzeffex
10-01-10, 05:37 AM
It works, just there's no little extra metal piece to assist with quick releasing the cable.

Cynikal
10-01-10, 08:19 AM
Think of all the grams you save. :)
atelierf.lab
10-01-10, 08:56 AM
You are so right! And if it doesn't work, perhaps I will get used to not having front brakes at all and can take them off entirely. Now that is a weight saving. And a speed boost.
Andy_K
10-01-10, 10:08 AM
Yeah, who needs to slow down anyway?
atelierf.lab
10-02-10, 03:39 PM
Thanks everyone. The Frogleggs seem quite forgiving of the type of cable--all you need is a stop at one end (it sticks out in an unsightly manner, but that is life) and cable thick enough that the grub screw on the other end will hold it. Brake cable seems to be working fine.

Sadly, a long straddle cable has not cured the crazy chatter of the steel forks on my Kelly. Back to the drawing board.