This makes changing MTB cables child's play

Stefan Frey

 · 05.03.2018

This makes changing MTB cables child's playPhoto: BIKE Magazin
This makes changing MTB cables child's play
Internally routed cables look great, no doubt about it, but they often cause worry lines on mechanics' faces. We show you how to get new cables through the frame without breaking a sweat.


Variant 1: In the rarest of cases, internally routed cables run through a tube that is integrated into the frame. Maintenance would be very simple: old cable out, new cable in, done. Unfortunately, replacement is rarely that simple. If you look past the outer casing into the empty frame tube, the replacement is usually more complicated.


Variant 2: Here, the outer sleeves end at end stops on the frame, and the cable continues to run inside the frame without a sleeve. The easiest way to change the cable is to use a plastic liner as a guide.


Variant 3: If the outer casing runs continuously from the shift lever to the rear derailleur or front derailleur, the old shift cable can be used as a guide. In both cases: Never pull the liner or the shift cable out of the frame just like that. In most cases, only emergency solutions will help you.


Emergency solutions: If all attempts to insert a new train have failed, negative pressure may be the solution. Seal all openings in the frame, with the exception of the draught openings. Then thread a thin thread into the frame and try to suck it in at the outlet opening using a hoover.


PRACTICAL HELPERS

When changing internally routed drains, you should always have a plan before you figuratively open the patient's chest. There are also a few useful tools on the market that can make your work easier.

How do you like this article?
   Jagwire replacement liner: The liner actually protects exposed cables from dirt. The plastic cover is an indispensable aid when changing cables and is available online from just €0.95. <a href="http://www.bike-components.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.bike-components.de</a>Photo: Hersteller Jagwire replacement liner: The liner actually protects exposed cables from dirt. The plastic cover is an indispensable aid when changing cables and is available online from just €0.95. www.bike-components.de   Park Tool IR-1.2: Once again a particularly practical tool from Park Tool. Cables, sheaths or electric cables can be guided through the frame using a magnet. One small drawback is the hefty price tag of 79.99 euros. <a href="http://www.grofa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.grofa.com</a>Photo: Hersteller Park Tool IR-1.2: Once again a particularly practical tool from Park Tool. Cables, sheaths or electric cables can be guided through the frame using a magnet. One small drawback is the hefty price tag of 79.99 euros. www.grofa.com   Jagwire Routing Tool: Jagwire packs two magnets and connections for inner cables and outer sleeves into a handy plastic pin. This should make changing internally routed cables child's play. Price: 39.95 euros. <a href="http://www.jagwire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.jagwire.com</a>Photo: Hersteller Jagwire Routing Tool: Jagwire packs two magnets and connections for inner cables and outer sleeves into a handy plastic pin. This should make changing internally routed cables child's play. Price: 39.95 euros. www.jagwire.com   Capgo Noise Protection: internally routed cables with a continuous outer casing often tend to rattle. An additional foam cover is designed to eliminate noise. The two-metre hose costs 6.95 euros. <a href="http://www.capgo.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.capgo.de</a>Photo: Hersteller Capgo Noise Protection: internally routed cables with a continuous outer casing often tend to rattle. An additional foam cover is designed to eliminate noise. The two-metre hose costs 6.95 euros. www.capgo.de
1 Cut the cable: First loosen the derailleur cable on the front derailleur or rear derailleur and push it back into the frame just far enough to expose a small section on the gear lever. Caution: Do not lose the end of the cable in the frame. Then use Bowden cable pliers to CLEANLY cut off the cable at the gear lever. All outer casing parts can now be removed.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber


You can read this article or the entire BIKE 12/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

Most read in category Workshop