brake/derailleur inner cables
09-21-09, 01:19 PM
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brake/derailleur inner cables
What length of excess inner cable looks best (including the crimp on end).
Just another perfectionist at work. Please dont say it doesnt matter. For some reason I like the brake one to be longer than the derailleur ones.
Just another perfectionist at work. Please dont say it doesnt matter. For some reason I like the brake one to be longer than the derailleur ones.
09-21-09, 02:55 PM
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2 inches or 50mm
09-21-09, 03:37 PM
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Enough to get a good hold with pliers, etc. - to pull it taut should it slip/stretch. About 2 inches is fine.
09-21-09, 07:21 PM
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Unfortunately, the perfect length for gear calbes is 51mm and the perfect length for brake cables is 50mm. If you have the brake cable 1mm longer than the gear cable your bike will be completely unsafe, ugly, more likely to be stolen, and cause rain to fall every time you ride. BEWARE! 
09-21-09, 07:44 PM
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I'd say just a hair over 1 inch for caliper brakes and derailers, unless more is mandated by the design of the derailer.
As for cantilever brakes, I leave as much as possible (2-3 inches), for that day when I get bored and play with the geometry.
As for cantilever brakes, I leave as much as possible (2-3 inches), for that day when I get bored and play with the geometry.
09-21-09, 08:46 PM
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A little longer on canti brakes is also nice to allow the excess to be tucked behind the pad-fixing-bolt or even the brake pivot.
