How often do you replace your cables

[Fired Yo Momma]

I am just curious

[thephat]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

I am just curious

It depends on a lot of factors including what cables and housing, what shifting system, what lube and how often, are there seals on the housing ends, what cable routing, do you use uninterupted housing, how much water exposure? There are other factors too. It can be as often as every month or so or a infrequently as every couple of years. Your tolerance for less than perfect shifting can be a big factor too.

I do it when I can feel the friction at the shifter, or when I can see the cable coroding or comming apart, or when the housing is visibly damaged.

[DBD]

When I need new shifters or the cable snaps.

[tkblazer]

i change mine at least once a year since i keep switching bikes out

[Chewyeti]

when shifting gets tough/rough.....

Its like 2 bucks a cable at jensons.... factor in half a six pack to do it and get the derailers dialed.

Usually... i will throw some new jaguar housing on it while im in there

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

when shifting gets tough/rough.....

Its like 2 bucks a cable at jensons.... factor in half a six pack to do it and get the derailers dialed.

Usually... i will throw some new jaguar housing on it while im in there

Yup... You can keep them working longer if you move the housings around and wipe the cables clean after every ride (I'm anal) then lube them with chain lube or Lithium grease.

I usually have to replace them after the "wet" season because grit gets in there. Teflon coated cables help too.

[Alex]

Another question:

Originally Posted by thephat

It depends on a lot of factors including what cables and housing, what shifting system, what lube and how often...

How much lube should you use in the cables? Is it just a dab at the metal ends, or should it go deeper?

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Alex

Another question:



How much lube should you use in the cables? Is it just a dab at the metal ends, or should it go deeper?

Shift your rear derailleur/ cassette into your biggest cog/easiest gear. Front could be middle or small. Without spinning your cranks, click the shifter until it won't click anymore. This will loosen your cable. Remove the housings from their bosses and slide them to expose the cable that they usually cover. Wipe the cables clean with a rag or cloth. Put a drop or two of chain lube or lithium grease on your finger and wipe the lube onto the cable. Replace the housing and taek up the slack in the cable by shifting the lever back to where it should be for what gear the bike is in.

Voila!

Not sure how to do it for brake cables. Someone else may.

[MTBMaven]

I read a few years ago on MTBR that Dura Ace cables have the least amount of stretch of any other cables. This was based on a study by some German MTB mag. You know the Germans. I only buy Dura Ace cable now.

[brownlandshark]

I replace mine about twice a year. Housing compresses more than cables stretch. From time to time you need to dis connect the cable and snip the frayed out end of your shifter housing. I lube the cables often.

[Dizle]

So what housing and cable is everyone running? Dura Ace? Avaid Flack Jacket? others? I'm redoing mine with full length housing and want to get some good s**t

[Rockinthecasbah]

i replace mine whenever they stop working i run whatever housings and cables they have at jensons that moment

[reflux]

To answer your question...not often enough.

That being said, my bike started its once-every-3 year overhaul yesterday. Funny timing with this thread: I am picking up new cables and housing tonight. It's an easy job, though it's just low on the priority list. Once I get my truck back, she's off to The Path for them to look at the creaking (Turner) and the pos crankset (RF deus).