why did the manufactuer not install barrell shifters on my brakes.
 

I have a Fuji touring bike ( 2001) with Shimano Tiagra handlebar shifters. With Cantiliver style brakes. No where on the cable run are there to be found barrel shifters. Is this normal. Last time I changed out my cables the mechanic said it's a pain to add them now and was not sure where to place them, as I recall his reply. Why would the manufactuer do this. The best place to add a barrel adjuster is at the handlebar shifter? Maybe it's because it's Tiagra. ? Next time I change out my cables is the time to add adjusters? Or next time I add new handlebar shifters.

You can add in-line adjusters at any time. They will add a little length to the cable housings so shorten them accordingly, otherwise the cables themselves will be left too short to work with.

Feel shortchanged tho. that the manufacturer would not automatically include barrel shifters.

If there are none at all I take it that the only way of adjusting the brakes is by the cable clamp. If this is so then you are right to feel aggrieved.

A manufacturer would do this because of being cheap and incompetent.

A respectable dealer would not sell a bike in that condition. We have a few models that have this defect, but we always install in-line adjusters when this sort of bogus specing occurs on one of the models we sell. There's no excuse for this.

Sheldon "Brake Adjusters Are Not An Optional Accessory" Brown

Brifters and/or aero brake levers don't have brake cable barrel adjusters as a rule. Right? Is this not a rule anymore?

Anyway, the usual place to put an adjuster is at the cable stop. You can buy barrel adjusters to fit in the stops if you have clearance for them. Something like this:

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...em_id=JW-NZ233

It's strange that there wouldn't at least be on in the back, assuming there's a brazed on cable stop.

This Fuji is not my main bike. I feel it's a good frame. After I got the bike, I had the shop change out the spokes which were really cheap. With certain modifications, I like the bike. Nope. No barrel adjusters at cable stops. I hope there is room to add them. Maybe that is the problem when a shop did not want to do such. The only adjustment possible as of now , is at the cable ends at the clamp. Bumer. Considering the price Fuji sold it for and I think the quality of the frame; I think I am happy with the bike. ?

It seems likely that the shop gave you bad advice. The brake cables must run through housing somewhere so you might want to follow Roadfix's suggestion above and try in-line cable adjusters like these: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...All%20Products

It is inexcusable that the bike was sold that way. Seems like touring bikes running cantilevers get left out between mountain bikes (which typically have adjusters on the levers) and road bikes (which typically have adjusters on the brake calipers).

It is 2007. You just noticed?

No. It just again bugged me. Why Have I tolerated it. Guess, it's because I have four bikes and this bike really only gets used for the longer rides, like multiple day stuff. That being the case. It almost lasts between yearly tune ups, before it needs a cable adjustment . It needs to be adjusted right now. Sometimes, I need tighten up the cable at the stop, but it is annoying. Plus, the time I asked the bike shop to put on the adjusters, I got some negative feedback, so I just let it be.

I agree with Sheldon that all cables should have in-line adjusters but for brakes I personally don't use them. For one, I am not all that particular on the exact brake lever throw. Secondly, it takes so little time to adjust at the caliper that even if I did need to adjust it, it is a 10 second job. In general, if an adjustment is needed, it is to tighten it so the previously clamped piece of the cable does not come into play.


I think it is more of a sign of the quality of a bike shop than an actual necessity.

thomson. Cantiliver brakes are slightly more difficult to adjust at the stops?

Indeed, I missed the fact they were cantilever. In the voice of Emily Litella, "never mind".

The bike is due for it's annual check up. Maybe the mechanic this time will install barrel adjusters. The cables should be replaced anyway.