Shifter Cable Re-Install
 

I'm a newbie 'wrench' :crash:, trying to fix up an ~10-15 year old road bike (has Bridgestone decal on downtube but Schwinn sticker on the head tube). The bike has Shimano 600 components all over. The STI shifter cable for rear cogs broke/wore out and have to replace it. Should I replace all shift cable housing or can I reuse it? Also, do you recommend replacing the shift cable for the front chainwheel at the same time? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

If the bike is 10-15 yrs old how you stated, then i would replace both gear cables with housing and probably think about switching out the brake cables with the housing also. Many people will tell you not to change them if they feel fine but you don't know how long they have been there or if they have ever been changed before, and the last thing you want is for a brake cable or a gear cable to snap on a ride and become a hazard.

+1
It's cheap and your shifting/braking will be much crisper, not to mention the piece of mind you'll have knowing you'll be able to stop at the intersection at the bottom of the hill. You should replace the housing because it fills with grime and adds friction to the cable resulting in a sluggish feeling.

Thanks to all for the advice. Will replace both brake and shifter cables this weekend. One last question, do I use any generic cables that are sold at the LBS, or are there any brands/kits that are preferred? I know I can ask the LBS to do the replacements, but i want this to be a learning experience. :eek:

You can use cables from you LBS, what i would be specific about is getting housing with a liner. Usually LBS will try to sell you cheap housing which is just steel covered in the black plastic. If you ask for housing with a liner or teflon liner it has a thin plastic sleeve inside. This plastic sleeve and the grease on the cable will protect your cables from premature rusting, hence making your cables last longer and give you a smooth feel for a long time.

You can always buy the Dura Ace sets ;)
Only Dura ace on my whole bike.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...Cable+Set.aspx

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...Cable+Set.aspx

Just get the LBS stuff. It's a hell of a lot cheaper, and I don't think you'd notice the difference with Dura Ace.

Be sure to get the specific housings for the brakes and shifters as they are not the same diameter or construction.