I stupidly re-wrapped the bars

[Mitford]

... before I checked the gear cable: it's worn, wires have snapped, it needs replacement. 1990's Campy ergo shifters, cables run under the bar tape. Can I replace the (inner) cable without removing the bar tape?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes, you should just be able to thread the inners through.
Do not cut the cable to length until after you have threaded it through.

 

[Mile195]

Yes, but you may find that the cable outer is in similarly poor condition on the inside, i.e., full of crud, corrosion etc. Throw a load of lube down it first in any case.

 

[Mitford]

Thanks Mile and Messiah.

 

[e-rider]

for the sake of £10 bar tape and 30 minutes work, it might be better to do a proper job and take the lot off again and renew all the cable and bar tape?

 

[Banjo]

If the cable was moving through the outer sleeve ok before the new lubed up inner cable should move even more freely. I change the cables once or twice a year but change the outers much less frequently.

 

[Mitford]

Are Campy cables just like standard cables? The local bike shop didn't seem to know if their downmarket cables would fit my upmarket bike!