Hi, I'm trying to do stuff on my own. I need new cables because the crimps came off the ends, and I neglected them, and they unwound. Thanks for the talking about the ability to reuse. I'm doing without a LBS trying to learn this stuff on my own. Bikes are my only transportation, so I'm trying hard to learn stuff, get tools, etc.
Originally Posted by
laura*
I'm surprised you need/want to replace cables on a 1 year old bike! Did you leave the bike out all winter and they got rusty?
Get the cables from an LBS. They are cheap in bulk, and the LBS will can sell you just what you need. Take the old ones with you so they can match up the heads. I'm 99% certain without looking which ones you need, but matching the old ones eliminates communication errors. Cables come in zinc plated steel and in stainless steel. You'll also want replacement crimp on cable ends.
Housing can be reused, assuming it is not cracked, split, or rusted. Similarly, a rear brake cable with a frayed end can be shortened and used for the front brake. Brakes and shifting need different types of housing. It also comes in various quality grades.
To cut housing, you need a housing cutter tool. It doubles as a cable cutter, but if you need to shorten a cable, then other tools might suffice.