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Frame Barrel Adjuster

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Old 04-20-16 | 06:59 AM
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Bikes: 2013 Giant Defy Composite 2 and 2016 Giant AnyRoad CoMax

Frame Barrel Adjuster

I would like your opinion on better options, if available. The bike is a 2013 Giant Defy, 5800 brifters, 105 all around. Some time ago, I changed from a Tiagra group and, unlike the Tiagras, the 105 brifters have the shift cables routed under the bar tape. I do not particularly care for in-line adjustment barrels so I did not add them, which left the RD with an adjuster at the back but the FD without one. After a couple of cable changes I saw the advantage of a barrel adjuster on the FD, so I found a pair of Jagwire Mickeys and added them to both sides.

As you can see from the picture, the shaft on the Mickeys do not reach the bottom of the cable stop due to the stop's "artistic" design. It doesn't seem to be a problem, as the barrel adjuster seems to be solidly in place although it is not seated squarely in the stop and the top of the Mickey is pushed a bit outboard, however I would prefer a stronger option if one is available. I have also tried Jagwire M5s with a similar result.

Does anyone know of a frame mounted barrel adjuster with a longer shaft that would reach the bottom of the cable stop?

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Old 04-20-16 | 07:11 AM
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Actually, that arrangement looks pretty good and adequately secure. Remember, the load on a shift cable is pretty small so it's not going to damage or distort the adjuster or the stop in the frame. All of the other frame mounted barrel adjusters I know of are threaded directly into the fitting on the frame and you don't have a suitable fitting. As you noted a true in-line adjuster will work but you don't want one of those.
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Old 04-20-16 | 07:16 AM
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Thanks, you anticipated my second question. I shall leave it as is if there are no other options available.
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Old 04-20-16 | 07:38 AM
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I think your only other option would be to use an inline adjuster, which I think are typically inferior to cable stop adjusters, but may be more attractive.
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Old 04-20-16 | 10:29 AM
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I agree with Hillrider. One could easily turn out a lower section of the cable adjuster which would have a longer dimension. But if the OP had a lathe he would have already likely thought of this.

This is but one more example why I make my own stuff as much as possible. My frames have self made cable stops with barrel adjusters and also are slotted for easy cable removal. Andy.
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Old 04-20-16 | 01:57 PM
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Hmmm . . . no lathe, but that did get me thinking about a bushing to support the lower end . . . more likely, though, I'll use it as-is. It's supported by the flange on the adjuster against the cable stop and is in far enough that it can't pop out.
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Old 04-20-16 | 05:47 PM
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This is really one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situations. What you have should work fine.
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Old 04-20-16 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
This is really one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situations. What you have should work fine.
+1 Never fix a working piece.
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Old 04-21-16 | 06:00 AM
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Agreed!
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Old 04-21-16 | 12:06 PM
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What's the thread on that part? I'm gonna make a few, and see if there's a market!
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Old 04-22-16 | 07:26 AM
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Originally Posted by kevindsingleton
What's the thread on that part? I'm gonna make a few, and see if there's a market!
It's a stock Jagwire Mickey frame adjuster.
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