If you have a road bike, then you know that one of the most important components is the gear cable. This cable is responsible for shifting gears and making sure that your bike runs smoothly. Over time, however, the gear cable can become worn out or damaged, which can cause your bike to shift gears erratically or not at all.
Luckily, changing a road bike gear cable is a relatively easy process that anyone can do with a few simple tools.
- Remove the old gear cable from your road bike
- To do this, first remove the shifter cover on your handlebars to access the shifter
- Then, use a cable cutter to cut the old cable at the point where it meets the shifter
- Be sure to leave enough cable so that you can reattach it later if needed
- Unscrew the bolt holding the old cable in place and remove it from the shifter
- You may need to use a pair of pliers to grip the bolt tightly while you unscrew it
- Insert the new gear cable into the shifter, making sure that it is inserted all the way until you hear a click or feel a snap indicating that it is in place
- Screw in the new bolt to hold the gear cable in place, tightening it with a wrench until it is snug but not too tight
- Route the new gear cable along your bike frame usingthe same path asthe old one took and secure it in place with zip ties if needed
How To Replace & Fit Gear Cables On A Road Bike Like A Pro | Maintenance Monday
How to Change a Shimano Gear Cable on a Mountain Bike
If your mountain bike is starting to miss a few gears here and there, it might be time for a new gear cable. Shimano makes some of the best gear cables on the market, so you can’t go wrong by replacing your old one with a new Shimano gear cable. Here’s how to do it:
1. First, remove the old gear cable from your mountain bike. You’ll need to remove the shifter from the handlebars first, then unscrew the retaining bolt that holds the cable in place. Be sure to keep all of the small parts and pieces organized so you don’t lose anything!
2. Once the old cable is out, take a close look at how it was routed through your bike frame. You’ll need to route the new Shimano gear cable in exactly the same way so that it functions properly.
3. To install the new Shimano gear cable, start by threading it through all of the appropriate places on your bike frame.
Then, screw on the retaining bolt (being careful not to over-tighten) and reattach your shifter to the handlebars.
Credit: www.cyclist.co.uk
How Do I Change the Gear Cable on My Bike?
If you’re new to bike maintenance, changing a gear cable may seem daunting. But with a little know-how and the right tools, it’s actually a relatively easy task. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the gear cable on your bike.
1. First, remove the old gear cable from your bike. You’ll need to unscrew the shifter from the handlebar, then pull the cable out of the housing. If it’s stuck, use a pair of needle nose pliers to help loosen it.
2. Cut the new cable to length, making sure that there is enough slack so that you can still shift gears easily. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of extra cable at each end.
3. To attach the new cable, first thread it through the housing (it will help if you grease the end of the cable first).
Then screw the shifter back onto the handlebar and tension the cable by turning adjusting barrel at either end ofthe housing clockwise or counterclockwise until shifting is crisp again.. Make any final adjustments by loosening and retightening either end ofthe housing as needed before going for a test ride!
How Often Should You Change Bike Gear Cables?
It’s generally recommended that you change your bike gear cables every few months, or at least every year. This is because over time they can become stretched and worn, which can affect the shifting performance of your bike. If you notice that your shifting isn’t as smooth as it used to be, then it’s probably time to change your cables.
How Do I Change a Shimano Shifter Cable?
Shimano makes a variety of bicycle components, including shifters. If the shifting on your Shimano-equipped bike isn’t as crisp as it once was, or if you’re replacing worn-out cables, you’ll need to know how to change a Shimano shifter cable. The process is similar regardless of the model of Shimano shifter you have.
To start, you’ll need some basic tools: a Phillips head screwdriver, a 5mm Allen wrench or hex key, and a pair of needle nose pliers. You may also find it helpful to have a small pick or other pointed tool handy to help release the end caps from the shifter housing.
With your tools gathered, begin by removing the rubber boot that covers the shifter mechanism.
On most models, this will be held in place with one or two small Phillips head screws. With the boot removed, you should now be able to see the shift cable end caps. Use your pick or other pointed tool to gently pry up on these caps until they release from their seats in the housing (it’s okay if they come all the way out).
Now would also be a good time to inspect your cables for wear and replace them if necessary – frayed or kinked cables will cause poor shifting performance.
Once your new cables are in place (or if you’re reusing old ones), thread each one through its corresponding housing loop and pull it tight so there’s no slack. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of free cable at each end before inserting an end cap back into its seat in the housing – make sure that each cap is fully seated before moving on to installing the rubber boot and screwing it back into place.
Test your work by pedaling slowly and shifting through all gears – if everything feels smooth and precise, congratulations! You’ve successfully changed a Shimano shifter cable!
How Do You Remove Shifter Cables from a Bike?
Assuming you want to replace your shifter cables, the first thing you’ll need to do is remove the old ones. Here’s how:
1. First, you’ll need to remove the handlebar tape or grips from your handlebars.
This will give you access to the shifters.
2. Next, using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the clamp bolt that secures the cable at the lever end. Then pull the cable out of the lever body.
Repeat this process for both cables.
3. Now it’s time to disconnect the cables from the derailleurs. At the derailleur end, there is a barrel adjuster which secures the cable in place.
Using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew this adjuster until it is completely loose and then pull the cable out of place. Do this for both cables.
4) Finally, once both cables are disconnected, you can remove them entirely from your bike!
Conclusion
If you’re a road cyclist, sooner or later you’re going to need to change your gear cable. It’s an inevitable part of bike maintenance, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
First, you’ll need to remove the old cable. To do this, start by shifting into the highest gear so that the chain is tight. Then, use a cable cutter to cut the cable at the point where it enters the shifter.
Next, unscrew the anchor bolt that secures the cable end inside the shifter using a Phillips head screwdriver. With the old cable removed, you can now install the new one.
Start by threading the new cable through all of the housing stops and then through one of the shifter levers.
From there, pull enough slack through so that you can make your way back up to the anchor bolt (leaving about 2 inches of slack). Screw in the anchor bolt and tighten until snug – don’t overdo it! – and then trim off any excess cable with your cutter.
Shift through all gears to make sure everything is working properly and voila! You’ve successfully changed your road bike gear cable like a pro!