Changing your bike gear cable is an essential skill for any cyclist. The gear cable is responsible for shifting your gears smoothly and efficiently, so if it becomes worn or frayed, it can lead to poor performance and even potential damage to your bike.
In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your bike gear cable, so you can keep your bike running smoothly and enjoy a hassle-free ride.
Follow these instructions carefully and you will be able to change your bike gear cable in no time, without the need for expensive tools or professional help. Let’s get started!
Gather the necessary tools and supplies
Before you begin changing your bike gear cable, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand:
– New gear cable
– Cable cutter
– Allen keys (if needed for removing parts)
– Needle-nose pliers
– Cable housing
– Cable ferrules
– Cable-end caps
– Cable lubricant
Remove the old gear cable
To remove the old gear cable, follow these steps:
| 1. | Shift the bike into the highest gear on the rear cassette. |
| 2. | Using a 5mm hex key, loosen the bolt holding the cable in place at the derailer. |
| 3. | Next, move up to the front derailer and repeat the process, loosening the bolt holding the cable in place. |
| 4. | Once both bolts are loosened, carefully pull the old gear cable out of the housing. |
Prepare the new gear cable
Step 1: Start by unwrapping the new gear cable gently to avoid any kinks or bends in the cable.
Step 2: Measure the length of the old gear cable and cut the new cable to the same length using cable cutters.
Step 3: Use a cable end cap to secure the end of the new gear cable to prevent fraying.
Step 4: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the new gear cable to ensure smooth operation within the housing.
Step 5: Thread the new gear cable through the appropriate housing and routing on your bike according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Double-check that the new gear cable is properly seated and tensioned before testing the bike’s shifting performance.
Start by inserting one end of the new gear cable into the shifter on the handlebars. Make sure it is securely in place and not tangled.
Next, thread the other end of the gear cable through the housing that runs along the frame of the bike. Be sure to guide it carefully to prevent any kinks or twists in the cable.
Continue feeding the gear cable through the housing until it reaches the derailleur at the back of the bike. Double-check that it is properly aligned and seated in the housing before moving on to the next step.
Connect the gear cable to the derailleur
Start by threading the gear cable through the cable housing and ensuring it is properly seated.
Next, locate the correct attachment point on the derailleur for the gear cable. This will vary depending on the type of derailleur you have.
Once you have found the attachment point, insert the end of the gear cable into the designated slot or hole. Make sure it is secure and properly aligned.
Use a cable puller tool or pliers to tighten the cable and secure it in place. Make sure there is enough tension for the derailleur to shift smoothly between gears.
Test the gear shifting to ensure everything is connected properly and adjust as needed.
Finally, trim any excess cable length and crimp on a cable end cap to prevent fraying.
Your gear cable should now be successfully connected to the derailleur, allowing for smooth and precise gear shifts.
Adjust the tension of the gear cable
To adjust the tension of the gear cable, start by shifting to the smallest chainring and smallest cog to release the tension on the cable.
Locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or on the shifter. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable tension and counterclockwise to loosen it.
Shift through the gears to check the adjustment. If the shifting is not smooth or if the chain is skipping, continue to adjust the tension until the shifting is smooth and precise.
Once you have achieved the desired tension, tighten the cable clamp bolt to secure the cable in place.
Test the gear shifting
Once you have replaced the gear cable, it’s important to test the gear shifting to ensure everything is working properly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Shift through all the gears both on your front and rear derailleur to make sure they are engaging smoothly.
- Check if the chain is moving smoothly between different gears and that there are no skipping or hesitation.
- Adjust the tension of the cable if needed by using the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the shifting.
- Make sure the chain is not rubbing against the front derailleur or making any unusual noise.
Fine-tune the gear shifting if needed
If you notice that your gears are not shifting smoothly after changing the gear cable, you may need to fine-tune the gear shifting. To do this, you can use the barrel adjuster located either on the shifter or on the derailleur. Turning the barrel adjuster clockwise will typically move the derailleur towards the smaller cogs, while turning it counterclockwise will move it towards the larger cogs. Make small adjustments and test the shifting until it is smooth and precise. Remember to check the chain alignment and cable tension as well to ensure optimal gear performance.
Cut off any excess gear cable length
Once you have securely attached the gear cable to the derailleur and shifters, it’s important to cut off any excess cable length to ensure a clean and tidy finish.
Using a pair of cable cutters, carefully trim the excess cable leaving about 1-2cm beyond the pinch bolt on the derailleur. This will allow for easy adjustments later on if needed.
Be sure to double-check that the cable is properly seated and tensioned before cutting off the excess length. Once you are satisfied with the setup, crimp a cable end cap onto the cut end of the cable to prevent fraying.
Secure the gear cable in place
Once you have installed the new gear cable, make sure to secure it in place properly to ensure smooth shifting. Follow these steps to secure the gear cable:
Step 1:
Insert the end of the gear cable into the cable housing and thread it through the derailleur. Make sure the cable sits snugly in place.
Step 2:
Use a cable clamp or bolt to secure the cable at the derailleur end. Tighten the clamp or bolt securely to prevent the cable from slipping out while riding.
| Tip: | Check the tension of the gear cable by shifting through all gears to ensure smooth operation. |
Clean and lubricate the gear cable and housing
Before installing the new gear cable, it’s important to clean the gear cable and housing to ensure smooth shifting. Start by wiping down the gear cable with a clean rag to remove any dirt or grime. Then, apply a generous amount of cable lubricant to the cable and work it in by shifting through the gears.
Next, remove the gear cable housing from the bike and inspect it for any damage or rust. Clean the housing with a rag and lubricate the inside with cable lubricant. Make sure to trim the housing to the correct length before reinstalling it on the bike.
By keeping the gear cable and housing clean and lubricated, you’ll prolong the life of your shifting system and ensure smooth and reliable gear changes.