Cable Housing

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2007-12-22 4:41 PM

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Subject: Cable Housing
The bike I am building already had cable housing on the aerobars when I bought it.  My problem is when I try to attach the housing to the brakes I bought the housing won't slide into the top of the brake.  My question is, is there different size cable housing?  I believe the bike was originally a 10 speed and I bought 9 speed brakes. 


2007-12-22 7:15 PM
in reply to: #1114538

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
Every cable housing I bought can take both derailer and brake cables. But I just looked on my bike and my braking cable is a tad thicker, so it does make sense that there may possibly be housing just for brakes and housing just for derailers.
2007-12-22 7:27 PM
in reply to: #1114538

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
Are you referring to the cable or the housing? If it's the housing, some brakes will take just the raw end of the housing, others require the ferrule (end cap) be attached.
2007-12-22 7:42 PM
in reply to: #1114631

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
vonschnapps - 2007-12-22 7:27 PM Are you referring to the cable or the housing? If it's the housing, some brakes will take just the raw end of the housing, others require the ferrule (end cap) be attached.
Right now the houseing has the end cap and that is what won't fit in my brakes.  I actually ordered different brakes and I am hoping that will fit.
2007-12-22 9:49 PM
in reply to: #1114643

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
Try the casing without the end cap before springing for new brakes.
2007-12-22 10:13 PM
in reply to: #1114736

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
briderdt - 2007-12-22 9:49 PM Try the casing without the end cap before springing for new brakes.
I actually  had already ordered new brakes.  Basically when I first ordered by 1st set of brakes I did not realize brakes were not universal and I ordered 2 fronts.  I had problems finding a rear only (that was not expensive) so I bought a new set and am selling the 1st 2 on ebay.  My originals were 9 speed and my new are 10 speed shimano ultegra so I can't imagine them being different but who knows.  If they don't fit how do I remove the end caps, do I just cut the housing?

2007-12-23 7:35 AM
in reply to: #1114538

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing

PUT DOWN THE CUTTERS!

DISCLAIMER-I work PT in a LBS, so I fully support the brick and mortar business professionals.

Brake and deraileur cable housings ARE different.   Brakes cables are spiral, shift cables are actually many thin, individual wires placed side-by-side forming a circle.   Shift cable CAN NOT flex. You DO need the ferrules/end caps on the cables.  Index shifting, especially STI/ERGO-type, requires very close tolerances in the amount/length of cable being pulled.     Also, even the bestest, most sharpest wire cutters WON'T cut brake/shifter housing as well as the bike specific cutters at your LBS. 

p.s.   (whispering) don't tell anyone else this, but having your LBS replace your shift cables/housing is often a cheaper alternative than a having your deralleurs 'adjusted'.

2007-12-23 11:00 AM
in reply to: #1114822

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
jeffnboise - 2007-12-23 7:35 AM

PUT DOWN THE CUTTERS!

DISCLAIMER-I work PT in a LBS, so I fully support the brick and mortar business professionals.

Brake and deraileur cable housings ARE different.   Brakes cables are spiral, shift cables are actually many thin, individual wires placed side-by-side forming a circle.   Shift cable CAN NOT flex. You DO need the ferrules/end caps on the cables.  Index shifting, especially STI/ERGO-type, requires very close tolerances in the amount/length of cable being pulled.     Also, even the bestest, most sharpest wire cutters WON'T cut brake/shifter housing as well as the bike specific cutters at your LBS. 

p.s.   (whispering) don't tell anyone else this, but having your LBS replace your shift cables/housing is often a cheaper alternative than a having your deralleurs 'adjusted'.

Thanks for the help and the PM.  I will be having my LBS help with some of my build but I am going to do as much as possible on my own.  I just like being able to have the know how incase I have a breakdown on the road.  I do remember hearing that cable housing is different and that makes sense.  I guess my problems is I thought all brake housing was the same diameter and apparently it is not.  I know the brakes that were taken off were DA 10 speed (Ithink) and I initially bought 9 speed brakes but since have ordered 10 speed.  I would not think shimano would make different diameters but obviously they did.  If the 10 speed brakes don't work I will go to my LBS and see if they can see the problem.

 Thanks again for your help.

2007-12-23 11:58 AM
in reply to: #1114750

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing

You should be able to just pull the end caps off the housing.

As for cutting cable, I use standard sheet metal shears, and then file the end until I get a nice, round end on the casing (look for a folded steel coil end and file away until that's gone).

2007-12-23 5:17 PM
in reply to: #1114538

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
IME: You're being pound foolish to reuse the housing. I buy it from my LBS for $1/ft. You need 5-7 feet of each type, tops. Why build a bike with a potential shift issue and used housing which will decrease performance? I change my cables and housing every year just to avoid shift issues, etc.
2007-12-23 9:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Cable Housing

pitt83 - 2007-12-23 5:17 PM IME: You're being pound foolish to reuse the housing. I buy it from my LBS for $1/ft. You need 5-7 feet of each type, tops. Why build a bike with a potential shift issue and used housing which will decrease performance? I change my cables and housing every year just to avoid shift issues, etc.
I agree that it is not expensive however, what is currently on the bike has not been used hardly at all and is already wraped under the bar tape so I was planning on reusing if possible.  Might not be and if not I will definately change and will probably do so again at the beginning of next season anyways. 

Question though.  Why would the housing affect shifting?? I understand the cables themselves stretch and need to be replaced but the housing does not shift so why would it ever have to be replaced?  Again, I am still new to all this so I might be missing something so I thought I would ask.

2007-12-24 6:09 AM
in reply to: #1115257

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
kproudfoot - 2007-12-23 11:40 PM
I agree that it is not expensive however, what is currently on the bike has not been used hardly at all and is already wraped under the bar tape so I was planning on reusing if possible.  Might not be and if not I will definately change and will probably do so again at the beginning of next season anyways. 

Question though.  Why would the housing affect shifting?? I understand the cables themselves stretch and need to be replaced but the housing does not shift so why would it ever have to be replaced?  Again, I am still new to all this so I might be missing something so I thought I would ask.



You should replace the bar tape as well - this is one thing that is often overlooked by triathletes in terms of comfort on the bike. Like the housing, it is cheap and well worth replacing while you build up everything else.

As for the housing, any debris that gets inside is going to impact shifting (as you want the cables to move accurately and with as little friction as possible). Also, although I don't know if this is true, if the cables and the metal in the housing are of different types, there is a greatly increased chance of oxidation.

Shane
2007-12-24 2:32 PM
in reply to: #1114538

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Subject: RE: Cable Housing
Your cable slides through the housing, right? To move a deraileur or brake, cable travels into and exits the housing as you pull the lever. When it enters and exits the housing, it carries grime, water, etc into the housing and is wiped off every time it enters and exits that tubing. The water and all salts dissolved in it wick through the housing and delocalizes making rust spots, precipitation and deposit any solid dirt or grime inside the housing. It's more noticible in foul weather conditions; true enough. But, seriously, you're building the bike now? Why neglect a wear component NOW and put it off?

The shift housing is very particular and will make a more dramatic difference in performance when it's done properly and is in good condition. But again, the cost is so inexpensive, you're foolish not to just start new.
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