Originally Posted by
Soody
Carrying a spare cable/ doing a repair like that on the road seems crazy to me. I can't imagine having the patience/ tools to do it well enough, and a substandard repair is just setting yourself up for repeat failures. If a cable ever breaks on you, you can pick a gear and clamp it under a bottle cage bolt. You'll still have the front shifting (or rear if the front goes) which is enough range to get home. Carrying a spare cable is basically invoking the wrath of the cycling gods.
I actually did do this when it last happened, about one month ago. I was over 30 hilly miles from home, so whatever 3 gears (triple) I chose would have been difficult. As it happened, I did the repair on my favorite road,* the homeowner offered help (not needed), and it took less than 15 minutes, including dialing it in. I have not made any adjustments to it since then.
And, FWIW, it didn't seem like much of a hassle (I carry disposable gloves) and I was proud that I could do it.
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And, per other comments, I did notice the "feel" of the shifting change, but only a few miles before it snapped.
* I've always felt as though I've led a charmed life.