Brake and gear cables look short

[Andywinds]

I've ordered a new handle bar which is 2cm wider. One thing I have noticed is whoever fitted the cables didn't leave much room as they look short compared to other bikes.

Because my bars are wider should I be looking at replacing the brake and gear cables?

 

[ianrauk]

Do the bars turn their full amount without resistance? If so then they will be fine.

 

[Andywinds]

Do the bars turn their full amount without resistance? If so then they will be fine.

They seem to but with some rubbing on the tubes. The thing is I haven't replaced the bars yet, they are arriving soon.

 

[ianrauk]

They seem to but with some rubbing on the tubes. The thing is I haven't replaced the bars yet, they are arriving soon.

Rubbing on the tubes is normal. Put some helicopter tape or such like where the cables meet the frame.

 

[migrantwing]

I always cut mine slightly shorter than a full turn of the handlebars. I'm never going to turn my bars 90°perpendicular to the frame. Unless I'm missing something?

 

[Andywinds]

I was just concerned that the outer cable housing would be too short for the longer bars that I am fitting soon. When the bars are on I will take a pic before taping up.

 

[migrantwing]

I was just concerned that the outer cable housing would be too short for the longer bars that I am fitting soon. When the bars are on I will take a pic before taping up.

As long as you can turn the bars about 45 degrees then you should be OK. I'm guessing that a longer length of cable is a kind of 'safe' option, just in case you ever need to turn your front wheel to avoid an accident or such. Think to when you are riding, most turning is done by leaning the bike left or right and, when you do turn the bars, it's usually only a few degrees either way from straight. Plus the fact that if the cables are too short, when you turn the bars, it could pull on the brakes or gears which could be disastrous. I have my cables relatively short, have had to turn abruptly to avoid cars pulling out on me and potholes. I have not yet seized up the brakes or gears when doing so.

 

[Andywinds]

As long as you can turn the bars about 45 degrees then you should be OK. I'm guessing that a longer length of cable is a kind of 'safe' option, just in case you ever need to turn your front wheel to avoid an accident or such. Think to when you are riding, most turning is done by leaning the bike left or right and, when you do turn the bars, it's usually only a few degrees either way from straight. Plus the fact that if the cables are too short, when you turn the bars, it could pull on the brakes or gears which could be disastrous. I have my cables relatively short, have had to turn abruptly to avoid cars pulling out on me and potholes. I have not yet seized up the brakes or gears when doing so.

If you look at the bars and where the outers come out from the bar tape, with wider bars I will require longer outers I think?, do you see what I mean? The shortest one is the front brake cable.

 

[migrantwing]

If you look at the bars and where the outers come out from the bar tape, with wider bars I will require longer outers I think?, do you see what I mean? The shortest one is the front brake cable.

I can see but can't tell. The only way you'll know for sure is when you get the new bars installed, but you most likely will have to have longer cables, even if they're only a few centimetres longer.

 

[Andywinds]

I can see but can't tell. The only way you'll know for sure is when you get the new bars installed, but you most likely will have to have longer cables, even if they're only a few centimetres longer.

Maybe just replacing the outer will fix it, but I will wait and see. Wiggle recommended these as cable replacements, cannot seem to find anything for SRAM rivals.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-performance-gear-cable-set-shimanosram-1/

 

[migrantwing]

It depends on whether you plan on falling off or not.

Not done it in over 30 years...so far

 

[migrantwing]

Maybe just replacing the outer will fix it, but I will wait and see. Wiggle recommended these as cable replacements, cannot seem to find anything for SRAM rivals.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-performance-gear-cable-set-shimanosram-1/

I think SRAM inners are either slightly larger or slightly smaller diameter inners compared to Shimano. Not sure about the outers. Anything should do the job, though.

 

[lpretro1]

SRAM inners 1.1mm compared to Shim at 1.2mm. If new bars are 2cm wider you will need new cables looking at your pic - it looks as though the r/h side cables are dragging down on the bar tape already. That's a big stack of steerer spacers on there - wonder if someone put them on after buying bike - hence why cables are a bit short now

 

[Andywinds]

SRAM inners 1.1mm compared to Shim at 1.2mm. If new bars are 2cm wider you will need new cables looking at your pic - it looks as though the r/h side cables are dragging down on the bar tape already. That's a big stack of steerer spacers on there - wonder if someone put them on after buying bike - hence why cables are a bit short now

I didn't add them they were already there, I just moved the bar further up, but you're right that would make the cables tighter, I didn't think of that.

 

[Andywinds]

Where is the best place to get some correct cables and outer housing?