changing shifter cable

Changing the Shifter Cable A Step-by-Step Guide

The shifter cable is a crucial component of your bicycle, responsible for transferring your shifting commands from the shifter lever to the derailleur. Over time, this cable can wear out, fray, or even break, leading to poor shifting performance or the inability to shift gears altogether. If you find yourself in this situation, changing the shifter cable is an essential maintenance task that you can tackle yourself. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials

1. New shifter cable 2. Cable housing (if needed) 3. Cable cutters 4. Allen wrenches 5. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers 6. Pliers 7. Lubricant (optional) 8. Rags (for cleaning)

Step 1 Remove the Old Cable

1. Shift Gears Start by shifting your bike into the highest gear. This relieves tension on the cable, making it easier to remove. 2. Access the Shifter Depending on whether you have trigger shifters or grip shifters, you will need to remove the shifter. Use the appropriate screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen the screws holding the shifter in place. 3. Disconnect the Cable Locate the cable anchor bolt on the shifter. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen this bolt and release the old cable. Take note of how the cable is routed through the shifter mechanism.

If your cable housing is frayed or damaged, it’s a good idea to replace it too.

1. Remove the Housing Slide the housing out of its guides along the frame and derailleurs. Use cable cutters to cut the housing to the appropriate length if you're installing new housing. 2. Insert New Housing If you’re replacing the housing, insert the new cable housing into the guides. Ensure that the ends are properly cut and clean, and if you’re using housing ferrules, ensure they're in place.

Step 3 Install the New Cable

1. Feed the New Cable Take your new shifter cable and feed it through the shifter as you noted earlier. Make sure it follows the same path as the old cable. 2. Secure the Cable Once the cable is through, pull it taut and secure it at the anchor bolt on the shifter. Tighten this bolt to hold the cable in place. 3. Route Through Derailleurs Feed the cable down along the housing and ensure it correctly enters the derailleur. There are usually specific grooves or guides for the cable to follow.

Step 4 Adjust and Test

Now that the new cable is installed, it’s time to test the shifting.

1. Tension Adjustment Adjust the barrel adjuster on the shifter or derailleur to fine-tune the cable tension. Too much tension will make shifting hard, while too little can cause missed shifts. 2. Test Shifting Shift through all the gears to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Make further adjustments as needed to achieve the best performance.

Step 5 Clean Up

After ensuring everything is working correctly, clean up any excess grease or lubricant used during the process and tidy your workspace.

Changing a shifter cable may seem daunting, but with patience and the right tools, it can be done in an afternoon. Regular maintenance not only helps improve your bike’s performance but also extends its lifespan. Happy riding!