The level of detail you guys go in these how to videos, is truly very much appreciated. Even though I don't need help with this basic stuff, I can see how some one new to this would find these to be very helpful indeed (even someone like me who knows this stuff, can find some new tips and tricks from these). So thank you for making the best and the most detailed cycling related videos on TH-cam.
Hi, this video helped me replace my inner and outer brake cables yesterday, so thanks! One tip I worked out while doing it was to use some Velcro cable ties to either hold the outer cables in place while you're using electrical tape to fix them in place on the handle bars, or to hold the shifter lever in while inserting and threading the inner cable. Velcro cable ties are normally used to organise computer cables, so they'll usually be available at stores that carry computer supplies. They should also be pretty cheap - I have a number lying around as they were a free bonus when I bought other cables from an online computer cables shop.
To avoid pinching the outer cable when cutting I always insert a small nail in the end and then cut the outer cable and nail at the same time. This way the outer cable won't pinch. A clean cut always!
Very nice tip Marc, but id be afraid that as small a nail it is that it would wear out the cable cutters over time. Ive heard that sticking an old inner cable works just as well to keep it from crushing.
bluej511 that can be done also. But sometimes the end can't be inserted because it's frayed too much. Thats why I use a small nail. The cheap nails i use are not that hard, probably as hard as an inner cable so I think wear on the cuters will be minimal
For anyone coming to this video later and wondering about this - you don’t need to be squeezing the brakes and the callipers, just the callipers is necessary, as shown. You don’t need three hands!
Use triflow oil on the cables to help the cable slide. Put oil inside the cover then slide the cable through. Always put the oil in the direction you push the cable through. Also do for gear cables.
I can strip a bike and put it back together like new but sometimes it's the little tips like filing the cable outers that make me punch myself and think; 'why haven't I done that before!' Great video again guys :)
At 3:40 I'm sure he's exaggerating a bit there, but it's worth saying that it really helps to rotate the jaws of the clamp to horizontal before doing or undoing it. This way, you can simply rest the seat post on the jaw while you're manipulating the clamp lever.
Hi Dan. How do I figure out the correct length to cut housing if I don't have old cables as reference or if the old cables were cut wrong in the first place?
Thanks this helped me. My shifter was different and easier to deal with since you just needed to squeeze the brake lever and it exposed the end of the brake cable. Just pushed it a bit from the other end and the shifter end popped out. Pulled the old cable right through.
Heres my pro tip for making adjusting a lot easier after changing cables. Make sure you screw in the barrel adjuster all the way clockwise, then give it a 2-3 full turns counter clockwise. Grab the caliper and squeeze it against the rim. Then pull the cable thru and tighten. Once you screw the barrel adjuster back in the caliper will open up. Then you still have your adjustment once the pads wear.
perwiratempur We've done a couple of videos on wrapping bar tape, the 'regular' method here: How To Change Bar Tape - Wrap Your Bars Like A Pro then the 'if you're an actual pro mechanic' version here: How To Change Handlebar Tape Like A Pro Mechanic
Dan, I was told it could be helpfull to slightly grease the inner cables before threading them trough the outer cables to help them stay smooth. Whats your view on that?
Good cables will tend to have a coated outer on them, so we'd tend not to bother, but if I was going to I'd use GT85/WD40 as lee a dorney suggests below.
I never use a lube on my cables , grease attracts crap and also grease hardens over time as it dries out thus making your gear shifts / braking heavy or notchy , just use good quality stainless steel cables inside plastic sheathed outers and they will be problem free for years :)
I have just changed my wheels and they are a few mm wider. I did the set up shown above, as I always do. The brake seemed to tension fine, but on pulling the brake, the cable under the top tube goes slack and the brake lever doesn't release back to where it should be and is wiggling loose. I've tried a number on of times now - any idea chaps please? I went to check the cable at the lever, but haven't found a screwdriver small enough yet for the four screws on my Ultegra levers. Thanks!
do i need any lubrication for brake cables? i'm using a pair of Shimano stock cables and i'm using a frame with internal cable settings (with the outer cable goes inside the tube).. i feel a significant difference in smoothness between front and rear
I'm so pissed off right now. I'm in a hot garage with an aching back (not replacing) but trying to adjust the braked because they are rubbing on the rim. I loosened a nut too much and the cable slipped out of the hole and now I don't know how to put it back. Help.
It's mostly when your cablers are frayed or feel like they're catching/sticky. I love Gore Ride On cables personally, but gear cables only really - I've not found that the brake cables are that worth it.
Thank you for the videos, now i wanna change all the cables on my bike. But then I couldn't figure out what thickness/brand etc. of cables to buy, can you guys help me please? Mine's a 2011 Marin Cortina, thank you in advance again.
Jun Liang for shift cables you need 4 mm housing and specific shift cables, for brakes you need 5mm housing and specific brake cable. Your local bike shop should have it all and there are super cheap ones.
I have an hybrid/trekking bicycle made in germany (brand Bergamont) and i would like to buy a pair of brake cables online in order to be able to replace the old ones. My questions are: 1) "What do I have to look for in terms of length of the cable, diameter of the cable, ?connectors?, and materials the cable is made from? 2) If I have, say, two rear cables (usual/standard lengh 2.5 mt?), can one of them become a front cable (just by cutting it shorter I guess)? 3) When they write 'universal cable', can/shall I then be fairly confident that the cable is suitable/fit for my bicycle (whatever its make or model)? Thank you for your help,
IrsyaDanial Sumiano They normally get kind of cleaned when washing your bike anyway - I personally don't spend any time specifically cleaning my brakes pads, but others might.
if you only need a new front cable you can take your back cable to put it in to the front and the new cable you can put it in the back brake. than you only have to buy 1 cable and that saves money. but you can only do this if your back cable is still good enough otherwise is better to buy 2 new cables
does any one know how much the maintenance or brakes cables and caliber all brakes would cost one any bike shop ... since I got no tolls , and no time to fix them my self... it will help me a lot know how much the charge for checking you bike it runs good , also clean up to the chain and add grase or oil for performance
I ordered replacement cables for my Motobecane Nemesis, I thought being a Tri bike I would need road cables, but found that my brake levers use MTB ends. Is there any way for me to use the road cables I bought? Does anyone sell just MTB ends?
The cable ends are what transmit all the force from the levers to the cable and, ultimately, the brakes. You can't fit those to the cable yourself: they need to be properly manufactured to be able to take the forces involved.
Dan great video, but you have not applied any oil on the inner cable or inside the new outer cable. I use oil like WD 40 or GT 85 to lube, when I do my bikes. TONY
Hi Tony, The cables come pre greased, so adding a solvent based lube like WD40 or GT85 won't be very beneficial. And, for the minimum of friction, putting no lube or grease in at all is really the way to go.
Common sense dictates that any parts that move and cause friction need grease /lubrication, when I worked in the bike trade many moons ago I would've never built a bike without greasing the cables. It makes for a smoother action and also if it's a winter bike it prevents rust etc forming.
it might sound like common sense to grease inner cables gareth but not in the case of brake cables , they run smooth for a few weeks then gunge up , grease is a shit magnet for cables and seeing as their not used constantly your not gonna get any wear on them by not greasing , I've not lubed a brake cable since I was a kid and my last ones I changed after 14 years ( just for the sake of it ) never had a problem yet mate ;)
It depends what 2 material are together. Most decent cables are already coated so are the casing/housings. Its true that anything lubed up will attract dust/gunk like crazy.
Thanks guys 😁
9 years later and this is still invaluable
I never repared a bicycle in my life but with your video i was able to change the rear break of my girlfriends bike. You are a great teacher. Thanks
I am also here to change the brake on my wife’s bike
they should learn themselves, better that way
Im also here to repair my mothers bike
I'm here to repair my niece's bike
The level of detail you guys go in these how to videos, is truly very much appreciated. Even though I don't need help with this basic stuff, I can see how some one new to this would find these to be very helpful indeed (even someone like me who knows this stuff, can find some new tips and tricks from these). So thank you for making the best and the most detailed cycling related videos on TH-cam.
Agreed. Being new to the topic, I can only say: I really do appreciate every single step shown.
I know I am kinda off topic but do anybody know a good place to stream new movies online ?
I only wanted to see if he single or double crimped the ends of the brake wires.
Hi, this video helped me replace my inner and outer brake cables yesterday, so thanks! One tip I worked out while doing it was to use some Velcro cable ties to either hold the outer cables in place while you're using electrical tape to fix them in place on the handle bars, or to hold the shifter lever in while inserting and threading the inner cable. Velcro cable ties are normally used to organise computer cables, so they'll usually be available at stores that carry computer supplies. They should also be pretty cheap - I have a number lying around as they were a free bonus when I bought other cables from an online computer cables shop.
just changed my brake cables for the first time. this feels good! thanks Boss.
I can also recommend using some chain lube on the cables before you stick them through the outter ones. That makes them even more smooth!
Yes should it be a non oil based lube?
To avoid pinching the outer cable when cutting I always insert a small nail in the end and then cut the outer cable and nail at the same time.
This way the outer cable won't pinch.
A clean cut always!
Nice tip Marc, thanks!
Very nice tip Marc, but id be afraid that as small a nail it is that it would wear out the cable cutters over time. Ive heard that sticking an old inner cable works just as well to keep it from crushing.
bluej511 that can be done also. But sometimes the end can't be inserted because it's frayed too much. Thats why I use a small nail. The cheap nails i use are not that hard, probably as hard as an inner cable so I think wear on the cuters will be minimal
I always squeeze the caliper manually, let it off slightly then tighten the crimp bolt. Nice to know I'm doing it the pro way :)
Um - one hand to squeeze the brakes, one hand to pull the cable tight, and one hand to tighten the nut - sounds like someone has three hands
For anyone coming to this video later and wondering about this - you don’t need to be squeezing the brakes and the callipers, just the callipers is necessary, as shown. You don’t need three hands!
You nailed that interview on live tv.
Use triflow oil on the cables to help the cable slide. Put oil inside the cover then slide the cable through. Always put the oil in the direction you push the cable through. Also do for gear cables.
Thanks this video has helped me do more like changing the brake cable and brake blocks
would you recommend a light oil on the inner on the rear just to avoid rust mainly with bikes that live in the rain
I can strip a bike and put it back together like new but sometimes it's the little tips like filing the cable outers that make me punch myself and think; 'why haven't I done that before!' Great video again guys :)
very clear and very detailed instructions and great video!
At 3:40 I'm sure he's exaggerating a bit there, but it's worth saying that it really helps to rotate the jaws of the clamp to horizontal before doing or undoing it. This way, you can simply rest the seat post on the jaw while you're manipulating the clamp lever.
Hi Dan. How do I figure out the correct length to cut housing if I don't have old cables as reference or if the old cables were cut wrong in the first place?
Thanks this helped me. My shifter was different and easier to deal with since you just needed to squeeze the brake lever and it exposed the end of the brake cable. Just pushed it a bit from the other end and the shifter end popped out. Pulled the old cable right through.
Heres my pro tip for making adjusting a lot easier after changing cables. Make sure you screw in the barrel adjuster all the way clockwise, then give it a 2-3 full turns counter clockwise. Grab the caliper and squeeze it against the rim. Then pull the cable thru and tighten. Once you screw the barrel adjuster back in the caliper will open up. Then you still have your adjustment once the pads wear.
Thanks mate it works
- Used pliers to cut the wire it f***ing jocked up.
Thanks you guys this really helped me out
that intense look on his face while he was taping the outer cable to the handlebars
I'd love to see the amazing Matt Stephens doing some new maintenance videos, I'm sure that he's an extremely capable mechanic.
Can you show a guide on how to wrap the handlebar, with common and alternative methods?
perwiratempur We've done a couple of videos on wrapping bar tape, the 'regular' method
here: How To Change Bar Tape - Wrap Your Bars Like A Pro then the 'if you're an actual pro mechanic'
version here: How To Change Handlebar Tape Like A Pro Mechanic
Can you do a more in depth video on internal cable routing on different frames like on cervelo or felt bikes on the shift cables.
Dan, I was told it could be helpfull to slightly grease the inner cables before threading them trough the outer cables to help them stay smooth. Whats your view on that?
Good cables will tend to have a coated outer on them, so we'd tend not to bother, but if I was going to I'd use GT85/WD40 as lee a dorney suggests below.
I never use a lube on my cables , grease attracts crap and also grease hardens over time as it dries out thus making your gear shifts / braking heavy or notchy , just use good quality stainless steel cables inside plastic sheathed outers and they will be problem free for years :)
'What group do you have?' 'I have Ultegra A Few Years Old.' 'Ah, ok.'
Guys, would you possibly be able to make a video on How to prepare for the upcoming winter rides...e.g Kit, bike mods etc. Thanks
We've got some more winter riding videos coming up, but have a look at these: th-cam.com/users/globalcyclingnetworksearch?query=winter
I have an old 1970s Schwinn continental I'm restoring can I get cable kits and do this from scratch all of them brakes and shifting ?
Awesome videos! I hope u guys can make one about inner routing cables as well, cheers!
I have just changed my wheels and they are a few mm wider. I did the set up shown above, as I always do. The brake seemed to tension fine, but on pulling the brake, the cable under the top tube goes slack and the brake lever doesn't release back to where it should be and is wiggling loose. I've tried a number on of times now - any idea chaps please? I went to check the cable at the lever, but haven't found a screwdriver small enough yet for the four screws on my Ultegra levers. Thanks!
do i need any lubrication for brake cables?
i'm using a pair of Shimano stock cables and i'm using a frame with internal cable settings (with the outer cable goes inside the tube)..
i feel a significant difference in smoothness between front and rear
Hi, just a quick question guys. On a road bike are V brakes more effective than U brakes?
Prasanna Banwat they're are the same isn't it?
Can you use shrink Tube place of end caps for brake and shift cables? This might be a good hack.
Do you have to change the outer cable?
no mate , only if its damaged ;) , just replacing the inner cable is all you need to do if there's no damage to the outers
Cheers David
I'm so pissed off right now. I'm in a hot garage with an aching back (not replacing) but trying to adjust the braked because they are rubbing on the rim. I loosened a nut too much and the cable slipped out of the hole and now I don't know how to put it back. Help.
what do the levers feel like when you need to change cables? Are gorerideon cables overrated? I'm new to cycling
It's mostly when your cablers are frayed or feel like they're catching/sticky. I love Gore Ride On cables personally, but gear cables only really - I've not found that the brake cables are that worth it.
Any tips on how to deal with internally routed cables in this situation?
just cut your bike in half lengthwise, follow the instructions and remember to tape it up when done.
Can I use this guide on a Raleigh Serengeti bike
Great video. I'm guessing that if I have lost just the exposed inner cable (fell off) that I have to replace the entire cable.
Thank you for the videos, now i wanna change all the cables on my bike. But then I couldn't figure out what thickness/brand etc. of cables to buy, can you guys help me please? Mine's a 2011 Marin Cortina, thank you in advance again.
Jun Liang for shift cables you need 4 mm housing and specific shift cables, for brakes you need 5mm housing and specific brake cable. Your local bike shop should have it all and there are super cheap ones.
Thank you :)
I've followed the video. However with my rear brake the block go in, but then don't release again. Any idea why? Thanks
My bike's speeds controls get stuck. Do you have a video on how to replace that cable?
Anybody know where I can buy the cable cutter and plastic tubinh cable cutter used in the video?
It's a Park Tools cutter, and your local bike shop will probably sell it or failing that one of the online retailers will.
Question; my brakes have the same screw for mounting new braking pads on the brakes. But how can you loosen them? It is no hexagonal shape....
Can this be used on a mountain bike with disc brakes?
What if your caliper isn’t releasing and just staying engaged? Trying to figure out a problem I’m having with my 1979 schwinn world sport
Can someone tell me what should I do if my gear bike's back break keeps on getting stuck after I use it to come to a sudden stop?
very helpful ! Thank a lot!
I do both boxing and cycling, would that effect my skill of cycling?
is it necessary to remove the bar tape and the cable house
I rarely remove the cable housing and bar wrap, just pull thru the old inner cable and slide the new inner cable back thru the old cable housing.
I have an hybrid/trekking bicycle made in germany (brand Bergamont) and i would like to buy a pair of brake cables online in order to be able to replace the old ones.
My questions are:
1)
"What do I have to look for in terms of length of the cable, diameter of the cable, ?connectors?, and materials the cable is made from?
2)
If I have, say, two rear cables (usual/standard lengh 2.5 mt?), can one of them become a front cable (just by cutting it shorter I guess)?
3)
When they write 'universal cable', can/shall I then be fairly confident that the cable is suitable/fit for my bicycle (whatever its make or model)?
Thank you for your help,
Hello GCN. My brake lever touches the handlebars whenever I need to brake. Any advice?
Hi! Yes, you could wind your barrel adjuster out a bit, or you might need to pull a bit more cable through the bolt which clamps onto the cable.
Global Cycling Network Thank you. One more thing, is it advisable to wash the brake pads?
IrsyaDanial Sumiano They normally get kind of cleaned when washing your bike anyway - I personally don't spend any time specifically cleaning my brakes pads, but others might.
if you only need a new front cable you can take your back cable to put it in to the front and the new cable you can put it in the back brake. than you only have to buy 1 cable and that saves money. but you can only do this if your back cable is still good enough otherwise is better to buy 2 new cables
does any one know how much the maintenance or brakes cables and caliber all brakes would cost one any bike shop ... since I got no tolls , and no time to fix them my self... it will help me a lot know how much the charge for checking you bike it runs good , also clean up to the chain and add grase or oil for performance
a local guy does it for $80 for me
REI does it for $150
Thank you. It looks simple, but not easy. Right?
I have center pull brakes and a bolt that needs to be tightened down on cable. It's an old 80's 10 speed, very difficult.
I ordered replacement cables for my Motobecane Nemesis, I thought being a Tri bike I would need road cables, but found that my brake levers use MTB ends. Is there any way for me to use the road cables I bought? Does anyone sell just MTB ends?
no, you will need new cables. cheers
Jon
The cable ends are what transmit all the force from the levers to the cable and, ultimately, the brakes. You can't fit those to the cable yourself: they need to be properly manufactured to be able to take the forces involved.
Thankyou you hav helped me alot
I like your videos, but it would be nice if you guys ever did a video for any type of bike other than road bikes with STI levers.
How come the left brake lever controls the rear brake?(mine is the opposite way, right lever for the rear, and left lever for the front brake.)
UK riders tend to have it that way round. It makes no difference really.
Cable cutters are nightmares imo. Nowadays i always use a Dremel and a cutting wheel.
use snap on you wont have that problem
2:04 That`s what my girlfriend tells me all the time LOL
QUADRUPLE B's.......... Bad British Biker Boys
04:52 that face!! :O
How do I get the size of the cable so I know what size I need
Is it ok if I only change the inner cable?
Are the brakes reversed? Left / rear and right / front? Every bike I've ridden are the other way.
Dan great video, but you have not applied any oil on the inner cable or inside the new outer cable. I use oil like WD 40 or GT 85 to lube, when I do my bikes. TONY
Hi Tony,
The cables come pre greased, so adding a solvent based lube like WD40 or GT85 won't be very beneficial. And, for the minimum of friction, putting no lube or grease in at all is really the way to go.
I just need someone to do all this on my mountain bike it's alot harder than it looks!
Hello how to know if I need ferrule
2:04-2:10 that's what she said.
Where do I get a pick?
+kie7077 just search minecraft and you'll find one...
Straight Christian Overfucking priced though. Highway robbery they are!
*****
I ended up using a cocktail stick, worked fine. The fingernail thingy would be too big.
What bike is that?
How do you know when you need to replace the cable?
when it's rusted through
I wish my pliers worked as well as yours. Had to use a dremel mini saw on my cables.
Hey GCN, I know they're not overly popular but can you make a video on installing and removing cross brakes?
You're in luck, we did a how to tune them just yesterday, that should give you everything you know.
Global Cycling Network Just to clarify I meant inline brake levers or cross levers.
Common sense dictates that any parts that move and cause friction need grease /lubrication, when I worked in the bike trade many moons ago I would've never built a bike without greasing the cables. It makes for a smoother action and also if it's a winter bike it prevents rust etc forming.
it might sound like common sense to grease inner cables gareth but not in the case of brake cables , they run smooth for a few weeks then gunge up , grease is a shit magnet for cables and seeing as their not used constantly your not gonna get any wear on them by not greasing , I've not lubed a brake cable since I was a kid and my last ones I changed after 14 years ( just for the sake of it ) never had a problem yet mate ;)
It depends what 2 material are together. Most decent cables are already coated so are the casing/housings. Its true that anything lubed up will attract dust/gunk like crazy.
Спасибо!!
I spray WD40 down the outta's, for lubrication. Stay away from grease though.
What about on mtb bikes?
Rear brake on left shifter??
Great Britain, they drive on the wrong side and they brake on the wrong side too
2:04 that's what she said
why not use lime green cables?
removing frayed gear/brake cables are a pain in the rear end....
My cable crimp isnt getting tight enough to hold the wire
Nice concentration face at 4-50 dan
can you please start filming in 60 fps the 24 fps blur is distracting but thanks for the video
*watches 30 seconds of the video* - fcuk it, I'll wing it
Someone is concentrating a bit too hard @ 4:51
what happen if i dont unwrapped my bartape
Vary Good
I just send my bike to my uncle and bwalla it comes back good
learn to care for your possessions yourself
you uncle might not be there forever
Good video but since I'm no bike mechanic plus I have an ebike I'll just take it to a bike shop..
Not very clear.. Too many technical parts not described for someone is is not bike tech. Explained far too quickly.
Apri Swajaya Just in time
no need a pick you can use a nail to do it
#pro
let me teach you how to change brake cable .... the fast and easy way ........
go to your local bike shop
Very easy, but dropping it off in the morning and collecting it on my way home from work is hardly fast.
First
nope