1953 Shift cable ferrule ?
11-08-24 | 07:52 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Wheelman
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 1,673
From: Putney, London UK
Bikes: 1982 Holdsworth Avanti (531), 1961 Holdsworth Cyclone, 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind
1953 Shift cable ferrule ?
Hiya folks,
I'm trying to work out how the original cabling was installed on a 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind.
It's got cable stops for a rear brake cable and a rear derailleur.
But they're different sizes:
I've tried some modern 5mm brake outer (measured 5.06) and that fits the brake stops but doesn't really fit the shifter stops.
So I'm wondering if in 1953 they expected ferrules on the shift cable or maybe used a different outer, eg. that coiled metal stuff.
Anybody an expert on really old cabling ?
Here's what the shifter stops looks like
I'm trying to work out how the original cabling was installed on a 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind.
It's got cable stops for a rear brake cable and a rear derailleur.
But they're different sizes:
brake stops: 5.38mm ID (x2)
shifter stops 5.0mm ID (x3)
.shifter stops 5.0mm ID (x3)
I've tried some modern 5mm brake outer (measured 5.06) and that fits the brake stops but doesn't really fit the shifter stops.
So I'm wondering if in 1953 they expected ferrules on the shift cable or maybe used a different outer, eg. that coiled metal stuff.
Anybody an expert on really old cabling ?
Here's what the shifter stops looks like
Last edited by Aardwolf; 11-08-24 at 10:30 AM. Reason: TYpo
11-08-24 | 10:04 AM
#2
Thread Starter
Wheelman
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 1,673
From: Putney, London UK
Bikes: 1982 Holdsworth Avanti (531), 1961 Holdsworth Cyclone, 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind
May have answered my own question 
Vintage spiral wound shift cable outer
Linked ferrules are 5mm (plain) or 3.9mm (stepped) so I'm guessing no ferrule.
Vintage spiral wound shift cable outer
https://www.veloduo.co.uk/products/vintage-spiral-wound-derailleur-cable-outer
4.5mm OD
"This is the real thing as used by Campagnolo back in the day. Use it for a
pukka vintage look. Specially made by Nissen-Cable Ltd in Japan."
.4.5mm OD
"This is the real thing as used by Campagnolo back in the day. Use it for a
pukka vintage look. Specially made by Nissen-Cable Ltd in Japan."
Linked ferrules are 5mm (plain) or 3.9mm (stepped) so I'm guessing no ferrule.
11-08-24 | 10:49 AM
#3
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,835
Likes: 1,816
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
You can taper the vinyl covering on brake housing using a sanding board, it'll then but up cleanly to the socket in the cable stop.
I apply a dab of silicone cable grease to allow the covering to wedge in better.
I apply a dab of silicone cable grease to allow the covering to wedge in better.
