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Cable replacement: I can't believe the difference!

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Cable replacement: I can't believe the difference!

Old 09-29-07, 01:04 PM
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Cable replacement: I can't believe the difference!

I've been planning to replace my cables for some time. I ordered a set of cables -- Shimano Dura Ace just like those that came on the bike. The rear brake cable was rusty where I sweated on it -- but otherwise, they didn't really look like they needed replacement. So, I put it off.

Yesterday, about 15 miles into my ride, the rear derailleur cable broke. That forced me to do something about my cables. Replacing them was very easy. The hardest part was fishing out the head of the broken cable. The cable snapped about 1/4" from the head and the head was jammed inside the brifter.

On today's ride, I was AMAZED at the difference new cables made! Shifting was smooth, crisp, and effortless. A HUGE difference from the old cables. I never realized there was so much drag from my old cables! It gave me a whole new image of my old Ultegra derailleurs. It was like riding a new bicycle -- and one that seemed much BETTER than it was before.

This has taught me two things:

1. When people say that new cables are the best upgrade for a bike, they know what they're talking about. Very inexpensive. Very easy to do. I'm going to put my cables on a regular replacement schedule from now on.

2. Before upgrading to a new bike or new group, everyone should first replace the cables on their old bike. Old cables will make any new bike seem vastly better than your old bike. You can't do a reliable A:B comparison with old cables on your old bike. They really do make that much difference. A cable replacement might keep you from wasting money on an "upgrade" that isn't really an upgrade.
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Old 09-29-07, 01:43 PM
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Cables start to deteriorate long before they actually snap. The wire strands normally start to break one by one. If you notice or see any problems, you would be wise to replace your cables immediately.
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Old 09-29-07, 01:53 PM
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You're right. For me, the final signs were that the rear derailleur wouldn't stay adjusted. I would adjust it and it would go out of adjustment by the middle of a 30-mile ride. The cable was obviously stretching and losing strands -- but I couldn't see it and didn't think about it.
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Old 09-29-07, 02:16 PM
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What ever happened to Gore cables / housing? Seems like a great idea for road bikes.
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Old 09-29-07, 02:58 PM
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good thing your shifter is ok, my friend had a piece of cable fray inside an ultegra shifter, and jamed it, i got the cable head and cable out, but it just ruined a lever.
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Old 09-29-07, 03:08 PM
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I recable once a year whether they need it or not
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Old 09-29-07, 03:31 PM
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I've had the front and rear derailleur cables snap on me, within 6 weeks of each other.

+1 on replacing cables regularly. And yes, the shifting is so much smoother.
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Old 09-29-07, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by v1k1ng1001
What ever happened to Gore cables / housing? Seems like a great idea for road bikes.
Coming back:
Originally Posted by cyclingnews.com
Gore Ride-On cables are back!

After a four-year hiatus (roughly three in Europe), Gore has introduced its Ride-On cable system line with an updated design that supposedly retains all of the good qualities of the first generation while improving on its weaknesses.
A slick liner runs the full length of the system
Photo ©: James Huang (Click for larger image)

As with the original, the new Sealed Low Friction System is built around an extra-low friction PTFE-coated cable that runs through a full-length liner that protects the system from end-to-end (like, say, from mud…) when used with Gore's unique 'grub' accordion seals. According to Gore, that coating is now substantially more durable than before, and there is no longer a need to strip the coating off of the end of cable before clamping it. Housing ferrules have been upgraded to machined aluminum bits, instructions are much more clearly written and illustrated this time around, and even the packaging has been drastically improved so as to facilitate installation.

Housing and liner colors are respectively limited to black and clear for now (sorry, folks, no retro yellow liners just yet...), and Gore will offer kits to fit all major derailleur and mechanical brake systems. The only exception is Campagnolo brake levers with their slightly smaller cable seats, but that kit is apparently just around the corner.

Gore will also introduce a Low Friction System option, which uses the same specially-coated cable but without the full-length liner or grub seals, and non-sealed nosed aluminum ferrules protect the cable coating as it enters the standard housings. This system is aimed more at road cyclists or riders who want the low friction performance of the Gore system but generally live in less harsh climates that don't require a weatherproof setup.

Retail price on the Sealed Low Friction System cable set is US$65, while the Low Friction System set is slightly less expensive at US$49.
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Old 09-29-07, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by rodrigaj
I recable once a year whether they need it or not
Yep. Part of routine maintainenance. I also recable if, during a recabling episode, I get frayed ends.

Though lately, I just solder the end of the cable. Problem solved.
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Old 09-29-07, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by pidda
Coming back:
Awesome. I never thought much of Gore cables for mtn bikes because who wants to thrash $50 worth of cables? But the low friction cables would be fantastic for a road bike.
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Old 09-29-07, 05:06 PM
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where would be a good place to pick up a full set of ultegra cables?
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Old 09-29-07, 05:19 PM
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I got my Dura Ace at Lickton's online. $26.00 for the complete set -- brakes and shifters.
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