Cutting short gear cables

[BrumJim]

My son has just got his next bike (Tomac, cyclocross, in case you are interested).

However the handlebars were too wide for him. Sourced some narrow ones, and have replaced the old ones. However the brake and gear connections were too long.
Brakes weren't a problem - hydraulics so just shortened at one end and about to refill with fluid (YouTube helping out)

The gears are a different prospect entirely. The cable disappears inside the down tube, and has the nodule on the handlebar end.

Sow how do you shorten the cable, and in particular, the outside bit from the handlebars to the frame down tube? Use a feed to pull it back through the frame after the cut, or try and cut the outer with the cable still inside?

 

[Ajax Bay]

or try and cut the outer with the cable still inside?

Do not try this.

 

[BrumJim]

Do not try this.

I was thinking it sounded dangerous. Unless there is a hack with hacksaw and insulating tape. But would still be nervous.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

in particular, the outside bit from the handlebars to the frame down tube?

Take the inner cable out. Cut the outer gear housing. Put same inner back or put a new inner in as they are so cheap.

Use proper sharp cutters designed for job. Not some blunt pliers. Use an awl to make sure cut end round inside before feeding cable through.

 

[Sharky]

Must admit, but I don't fully understand the issue.
Do you really need to shorten the gear cable?
Won't it work with a bit of a loop before it goes into the frame?

Cutting it shorter now, may be an issue in the future, should you raise the stem or put a longer stem on.

 

[BrumJim]

Take the inner cable out. Cut the outer gear housing. Put same inner back or put a new inner in as they are so cheap.

Use proper sharp cutters designed for job. Not some blunt pliers. Use an awl to make sure cut end round inside before feeding cable through.

It's the feeding the cable through the frame bit that scares me.

 

[JohnHughes307]

My son has just got his next bike (Tomac, cyclocross, in case you are interested).

However the handlebars were too wide for him. Sourced some narrow ones, and have replaced the old ones. However the brake and gear connections were too long.
Brakes weren't a problem - hydraulics so just shortened at one end and about to refill with fluid (YouTube helping out)

The gears are a different prospect entirely. The cable disappears inside the down tube, and has the nodule on the handlebar end.

Sow how do you shorten the cable, and in particular, the outside bit from the handlebars to the frame down tube? Use a feed to pull it back through the frame after the cut, or try and cut the outer with the cable still inside?

 

[BrumJim]

Must admit, but I don't fully understand the issue.
Do you really need to shorten the gear cable?
Won't it work with a bit of a loop before it goes into the frame?

Cutting it shorter now, may be an issue in the future, should you raise the stem or put a longer stem on.

That stem will never be raised. He's more than happy with a very horizontal riding position. He's about to start growing so bike will last a year or two at most, so the stem will stay the same. Next upgrade will be able bigger frame.

 

[bikingdad90]

Do the gears change alright as they are? If so, could you leave alone until service time and then cut it shorter as it’s just cosmetic rather than a functional issue?

 

[Mike_P]

If it a proper internal cable frame their should be guides on the inside. Just cable up the gears as normal and if their is an undue excess trim beybond the clamp on the gears.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

It's the feeding the cable through the frame bit that scares me.

Well you either bite the bullet or accept any cabling issue you need to visit LBS. I think you can get kits for inside frame cabling replacement. Some research for you.

 

[BrumJim]

Bullet bit. Cable shortened.

Thanks, everyone.

(had a look, and the cable came out of a slot at the bottom of the down tube, so came out really easily)