Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
Except that with some brifters, it's a huge PITA, takes forever and you have to have the right tools. One can tie off a cable or jam a derailleur fairly quickly. I used to see this back in my group ride days, how I learned to do it. So the electrical thing does have an advantage there.
I think I've only done it on 9-speed 105, and it was not difficult, and I didn't need any special tools; but I've heard it can be extra bad depending on where the cable breaks. It's probably best to look in there periodically, and if you see a broken cable strand, replace it while you're at home, before you're out on the road.