New cables needed?
 

Finally had a fitting done to my bike, as I am doing a century in 2 months and found that after being on the bike for 2 hours straight that things started to hurt a tad bit. One thing that I found was that I need wider handlebars, and I was told that I need "longer cables" to go from what is currently on the bike (42cm wide bars) to the 46cm bars. Do I really need to buy new cables...as cables are universal in length and I can just adjust what I have on the bike now?

For what it is worth, getting fit to your bike is the best money that you can spend. Not that my bike was completely jacked as far as fit, but I did learn a lot during the fitting...and that in itself was worth the coin. :thumb:

I think you need to offer more information. And I have some doubts that wider bars will correct your position, though it is possible if your bars are extremely narrow relative to your body. I suggest you consult with some more "experts". It's normal to have some discomfort when riding farther than usual. If your shoulders hurt try relaxing your arms and bending your elbows.
Replacing the handlebar with a wider one will probably require replacing the cable housings as well as the cables.

Al

Cables generally ARE "universal in length."

And then they're cut to fit your bike ;)

I'm not sure that will help either, generally wider for more aggressive stance on the bike. Unless, you have wider shoulders. You won't know if the fitting really worked until you take it back out for another 2hr plus ride.

Also, it seems that you should enough extra cable for an extra 4mm, but if not, you might need new ones. Technically they are universal when new, but you cut them down (both the housing and cable) to fit the bike. The generic cable/housing combos are so long you cut tons off them. Good news, they are cheap. You may want a cable cutter tool (20-40$), but Dremel's also work fine with a reinforced emory (sp?) wheel.

I have very wide shoulders, need to wear XL shirts because Large just don't cut it due to the shoulder width. The discomfort that I had was between the shoulder blades and neck, and from what I have read and was told at the fitting that the existing bars are a little too narrow for my build. I did get a new stem as well as when I bought my bike, I kinda bought it off the floor though it was a bike that was built...so it was built for someone who is average. Went from a 100mm stem to a 130mm to allow me to stretch out a little. At the time I didn't know what I know now...

I will get back on the bike when I have healed a little. I was your 1 hour ride guy, and in that 1 hour I never had any taint issues...but lets just say that after doubling my ride time I am now learning! Never knew about the need to lube up that area before, and it sure does suck to learn the hard way! By the end of a 2 hour, 36 mile ride I was one hurtin' puppy dog...it is almost good enough to ride again...almost!

I would bet your existing cables/housing will reach on the new bars. FWIW I think wider bars are more comfortable.

It depends on how tight the last set of cables were cut. If your installer needs longer housing, then he'll need longer cables.

One thing you will definitely need either now or in the future: Cable-Cutters designed specifically for bicycle-cables and housing. Some say the Dremel Tool is best - but you really should get the cutters. They are expensive, so take care of them (don't cut spokes, etc) and they will last a lifetime.

Shimano Cable Cutter, lickbike.com has them for like 41 dollars. Park's are cheaper, and I'm sure there are others, but that is a start.