Can I use a brake cable as a straddle cable?
09-30-10, 05:21 PM
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Can I use a brake cable as a straddle cable?
I want to try setting my straddle cable a bit longer on my Empella Frogleggs, but the one I have has been cut pretty short. Has anyone tried using a piece of brake cable instead of the dedicated straddle cable from Empella? Brake cable might be a bit thinner, and the metal nub on the end is a slightly different shape but if I am hoping it can work.
Unless it slips out of the barrel adjuster, or something else catastrophic happens. Anyone have any experience with an improvised setup like that?
Unless it slips out of the barrel adjuster, or something else catastrophic happens. Anyone have any experience with an improvised setup like that?
09-30-10, 10:07 PM
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I save my old brake cables just for this reason.
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
10-01-10, 08:19 AM
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Think of all the grams you save. 
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
10-01-10, 08:56 AM
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You are so right! And if it doesn't work, perhaps I will get used to not having front brakes at all and can take them off entirely. Now that is a weight saving. And a speed boost.
10-01-10, 10:08 AM
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Yeah, who needs to slow down anyway?
10-02-10, 03:39 PM
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Thanks everyone. The Frogleggs seem quite forgiving of the type of cable--all you need is a stop at one end (it sticks out in an unsightly manner, but that is life) and cable thick enough that the grub screw on the other end will hold it. Brake cable seems to be working fine.
Sadly, a long straddle cable has not cured the crazy chatter of the steel forks on my Kelly. Back to the drawing board.
Sadly, a long straddle cable has not cured the crazy chatter of the steel forks on my Kelly. Back to the drawing board.
