Cable Ends

[AlBaker]

My memory isn't what it used to be, but whose is?

I seem to recall that bike cable end caps are two different sizes, for gear cable housings and brake cable housings. I had both. Somehow, when it came to buying some new cable ends (not end caps), I transferred it so I thought they came in two different sizes for gear and brake cables. I ordered fifty of what I thought were gear cable ends. Then I ordered a hundred of what I thought were brake cable ends. Because of the difference in quantities, it seemed to be right. Turns out I am now the proud owner of a hundred and fifty cable crimps all the same size. And that lot cost me $25 (postage and shipping cost more than the crimps.) I'll never use them up even if I live another hundred years.

If I wasn't so old, I'd start my own bike shop.

 

[FishFright]

Bag them up in 10's and pop them on ebay ?

 

[AlBaker]

Bag them up in 10's and pop them on ebay ?

That's an idea. I haven't used ebay in years. I'll look into it.

Update: I just looked into it. I photographed ten crimps, neatly, and nearly completed the ebay stuff. Ebay sets the price at $6.75. I'm not desperate for the money, and by the time I pay for shipping I'll be almost giving them away. So they'll just join the other stuff in my bike parts box. It was worth a try, anyway.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I had a tidy-up at the end of last year and found several forgotten packets of cable end caps. I'm not sure that I have quite as many as you but I certainly have more than enough to see me out. Probably more than enough to relive my lifetime several times over.

 

[AlBaker]

I had a tidy-up at the end of last year and found several forgotten packets of cable end caps. I'm not sure that I have quite as many as you but I certainly have more than enough to see me out. Probably more than enough to relive my lifetime several times over.

It's amazing how much stuff we accumulate over the years. My bike parts box probably weighs around 25 lb (11 kg). Some of my stuff includes a longer than usual gear cable, just in case, because I have a cruiser; a regular cable isn't long enough. A regular gear cable for my other bike just in case. Two brake cables with housings, just in case. Nothing like being prepared, just in case.

 

[DCLane]

I must have about 100 left - of various colours - and use about 20 a year.

It's amazing how much stuff we accumulate over the years. My bike parts box probably weighs around 25 lb (11 kg). Some of my stuff includes a longer than usual gear cable, just in case, because I have a cruiser; a regular cable isn't long enough. A regular gear cable for my other bike just in case. Two brake cables with housings, just in case. Nothing like being prepared, just in case.

I've not weighed the parts shed, but it's 16' x 8' and 8' tall. It's currently about 60% full of bikes, wheels and parts. And yes, they're layered on top of each other.

 

[AlBaker]

I must have about 100 left - of various colours - and use about 20 a year.

How on earth do you go through so many?

 

[DCLane]

How on earth do you go through so many?

I have more than one bike. Just a few more.

And do lots of restoration jobs during the year.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

How on earth do you go through so many?

The man owns and maintains a fleet of bikes that makes Jay Leno's garage look puny. I'm surprised he only uses 20.

 

[presta]

I don't think I've ever bought any in my life, I re-use them mostly, and the few that get thrown away are replaced from the ones that come in the bag of accessories with new gear levers.

 

[Webbo2]

When I’ve gone into my local LBS and asked to buy some they usually give me about 5 or so free.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Turns out I am now the proud owner of a hundred and fifty cable crimps all the same size.

No worries: I've got 2,000 mini loaf baking cases (same reason as you with the cable crimps) .... wanna swap some?

 

[AlBaker]

I don't think I've ever bought any in my life, I re-use them mostly, and the few that get thrown away are replaced from the ones that come in the bag of accessories with new gear levers.

I had to install a new, extra long gear cable. It was gold and the crimp was gold. Then I changed the shifter so the cable had to be removed. I cut the crimp off and had to replace it with black. I haven't had any luck in uncrimping them. Usually, that's not worth bothering with. At just over $3 for fifty I figured they'd be worth having. The hundred was my mistake.

 

[AlBaker]

When I’ve gone into my local LBS and asked to buy some they usually give me about 5 or so free.

I should have thought of that. I asked my LBS for a couple of Schrader valve caps, and he pulled out several and gave them to me. I would have been willing to pay him for them.

 

[DCLane]

The man owns and maintains a fleet of bikes that makes Jay Leno's garage look puny. I'm surprised he only uses 20.

Thanks ... I think. Oh, and I have agreed to buy two more today to restore. So that'll be 8 gear cable ends needed.