cable wear?

[jonny jeez]

Anyone else seem to get through a lot of gear cables by commuting in all weathers. I'm on my second rear mech cable in 15 months now? (last one replaced only a few months ago)

I'm starting to worry that my shifters are somehow damaging the cables. My other cables seem fine.

Hmmm

 

[BentMikey]

Get some Gore ride-on cables, mate. Cost a bomb, but shift like a dream and last years. Didn't we already have this discussion?

 

[gaz]

Or go single speed. It's possible to get up bromley hill on one.

 

[jonny jeez]

Get some Gore ride-on cables, mate. Cost a bomb, but shift like a dream and last years. Didn't we already have this discussion?

Was going to pick up a set today (£120!!!!!) but am worried it'll be a waste if my shifters are the problem. hence the post.

It seems like my cable is wearing too fast (once every 3-6 months or so) could I have a faulty shifter or is this usual wear for between 80 to 120 miles a week in town.

 

[jonny jeez]

It's possible to get up bromley hill on one.

The rear mech spring pushes it into top gear. Not sure even my supa-powers could do Bromley hill in top gear!!

guess we'll find out tonight

 

[potsy]

I don't think that is particularly bad wear especially if you're out in all weathers.
I have started changing mine after 6-8 months if that bikes been used a lot, which reminds me the CX hasn't been done yet and it's 4000+ miles old

 

[I like Skol]

Hmmmm.... My commuter has done a bit over 5k in a bit over 2 years and still uses the original cable. I even oiled it once! Shifting is still slickety slick but it is a full length outer so only the inch or two at the mech is actually exposed.

 

[BentMikey]

The rear mech spring pushes it into top gear. Not sure even my supa-powers could do Bromley hill in top gear!!

guess we'll find out tonight

If you do end up having to single speed it due to a broken cable, you can use your derailler end-point adjusters to force a particular gear rather than top.

 

[jonny jeez]

If you do end up having to single speed it due to a broken cable, you can use your derailler end-point adjusters to force a particular gear rather than top.

Excellent tip, thanks Mikey I was just staring at the bike thinking how to get her to sit someplace in the centre of the cassette.

I'll give that a go.

 

[MattHB]

I had a tiagra shifter eat its gear cable in 1000 miles (all weathers)

 

[Rob3rt]

Was going to pick up a set today (£120!!!!!) but am worried it'll be a waste if my shifters are the problem. hence the post.

It seems like my cable is wearing too fast (once every 3-6 months or so) could I have a faulty shifter or is this usual wear for between 80 to 120 miles a week in town.

£120? Should cost about £70 for both brake and gear cable inners and outers, inc ferrules and cable ends. Can get a set of gear cables on CRC for £20 if you don't mind having coloured outers. Or you can have the Pro version in black for about £30.

 

[J.Primus]

I had my old bike for 13 years and never once changed the cable. It had a lot of mileage as well. Had the cable worn out and I hadn't noticed or was I just extremely lucky?

 

[ianrauk]

I always grease my cables when I clean the bike.
Bit of grease or lube in fingers and run along exposed cables.
Help's them last. Or I like to think so anyway.

 

[gaz]

I always grease my cables when I clean the bike.
Bit of grease or lube in fingers and run along exposed cables.
Help's them last. Or I like to think so anyway.

a clean bike is a working bike

 

[jonny jeez]

I had a tiagra shifter eat its gear cable in 1000 miles (all weathers)

yup, I'm on tiagra too. perhaps this is the downfall of the shifters. Defo will avoid anything fancy on the cable front if the shifter is going to eat it.

£120? Should cost about £70 for both brake and gear cable inners and outers, inc ferrules and cable ends. Can get a set of gear cables on CRC for £20 if you don't mind having coloured outers. Or you can have the Pro version in black for about £30.

I was quoted £100 for the Gore ride on set plus £20 to fit. I've seen the for £70 online but I don't have the time to order then fit myself as I need to get back on the Bike ASAP.

I guess this is a moot point given the reply above though.