How to get the right amount of cable on a handlebar

[Mr.B-Campag]

Hi,

I've replaced my handlebars with a narrower pair (and a slightly longer stem). I'm really struggling to keep the cables attached to the bars (they're routed externally) so I guess they are now too long? Is there any rule of thumb for how much cable (outer) I should have on the inside of the curves?

TIA

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I zip tie the cables tight to the bars before taping them down, it's the easiest way to get a snug fit.

 

[wafter]

Generally I aim for nice large rads everywhere and even-ness side to side; checking cable length / rads / rub spots throughout the handlebars' range of motion..

I zip tie the cables tight to the bars before taping them down, it's the easiest way to get a snug fit.

That's an interesting approach - do you remove the ties once taped? Seems like quite a nice idea if you release them using the locking tab so that they can be reused

 

[T4tomo]

I zip tie the cables tight to the bars before taping them down, it's the easiest way to get a snug fit.

I just use. electric tape to do that, then bar tape over

 

[Vapin' Joe]

That's an interesting approach - do you remove the ties once taped? Seems like quite a nice idea if you release them using the locking tab so that they can be reused

Yes, I remove them once taped. I use re-usable ties, the larger the better as it is easier to pull them tight.

 

[Ian H]

Insert fully into the lever, ensuring any ferrule is fitted. Tape in position to where you want the cable to exit. Decide on the correct amount of loop to the brake or cable-stop. Check that allows the bars to turn fully. Cut to length. If you're nervous, cut an inch or so longer, recheck, then cut to length.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Another thing I found useful is to put an old bit of inner cable into the outer where you are going to cut it. This prevents the outer getting crushed (Ok, so I'm ham fisted) and saves faffing about opening the bore enough to get the new cable through.

 

[T4tomo]

Another thing I found useful is to put an old bit of inner cable into the outer where you are going to cut it. This prevents the outer getting crushed (Ok, so I'm ham fisted) and saves faffing about opening the bore enough to get the new cable through.

agree, and file off any sharp edges post cut

 

[Mr.B-Campag]

Thanks everyone. Before I start hacking away - I'm also very much ham fisted as well - I'd really appreciate a bit more input. As I said I've put a slightly longer stem (from 11cm to 13) and narrower bars (38cm at the hoods versus 43cm previously) on a bike I bought second hand a while back. It still has the original outers - Gore Ride On - and the cables are fine so I'm keen to keep all of them (esp. the outers). As it stands I put on zip ties as tape wouldn't hold the cables in place - you can (hopefully) see this in one of the pics. I think it is the gear cables causing the problems and they need to be shortened - do you agree or do the brake cables need cutting too? Not sure how clear it is, but the barrel adjusters are sitting about 2.5cm in front of the bars, whereas on my other bikes they tend to be immediately in front (and below) them.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I would replace outers for sure rather than reuse. They don't last forever, better to do now than find they need redoing soon after.

 

[richardfm]

Another thing I found useful is to put an old bit of inner cable into the outer where you are going to cut it. This prevents the outer getting crushed (Ok, so I'm ham fisted) and saves faffing about opening the bore enough to get the new cable through.

You, or someone else, has posted that tip before. I wish I would remember it when I am preparing cables.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Thanks everyone. Before I start hacking away - I'm also very much ham fisted as well - I'd really appreciate a bit more input. As I said I've put a slightly longer stem (from 11cm to 13) and narrower bars (38cm at the hoods versus 43cm previously) on a bike I bought second hand a while back. It still has the original outers - Gore Ride On - and the cables are fine so I'm keen to keep all of them (esp. the outers). As it stands I put on zip ties as tape wouldn't hold the cables in place - you can (hopefully) see this in one of the pics. I think it is the gear cables causing the problems and they need to be shortened - do you agree or do the brake cables need cutting too? Not sure how clear it is, but the barrel adjusters are sitting about 2.5cm in front of the bars, whereas on my other bikes they tend to be immediately in front (and below) them.

View attachment 774534

View attachment 774536

View attachment 774535

They look about right to me.

 

[presta]

Another thing I found useful is to put an old bit of inner cable into the outer where you are going to cut it. This prevents the outer getting crushed (Ok, so I'm ham fisted) and saves faffing about opening the bore enough to get the new cable through.

...or just cut it with a junior hacksaw.

 

[wafter]

Yes, I remove them once taped. I use re-usable ties, the larger the better as it is easier to pull them tight.

Good work - so you're using the push ones with the extended tabs!

I usually stick the point of a pocket knife behind it, stab a few fingers and eventually manage to release them for use another day

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Good work - so you're using the push ones with the extended tabs!

I usually stick the point of a pocket knife behind it, stab a few fingers and eventually manage to release them for use another day

I recommend a small screwdriver. You don't get so sharp a cut, but it's deeper with considerably more blood.