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Shift cables are wearing parts on bicycles. If the outer casing of a shift cable breaks or kinks, disintegrates at one end or the shift cable itself rusts badly, it is long overdue to be replaced. This is because long before the final stage of wear, the friction of the shift cable in the outer casing increases to such an extent that it is no longer possible to adjust the gears precisely. If excessive force is required when pressing the shift lever to change to an easier gear or the chain is delayed when shifting to a smaller sprocket, then the shift cable is usually worn out - even if it still looks good at first glance. One Comparison test of different shift cables and outer casings can be found here.
The Bowden cable consists of a plastic housing (black) and steel cable, which forms the shift cable. Both the shift cable and the outer casing are wearing parts. As a rule, both components are always replaced at the same time.
If the outer casing from the gear lever to the rear derailleur is not interrupted, this is referred to as internal cables with a continuous outer casing (A). Unscrewable covers under the bottom bracket make it easier to change the Bowden cables.
With exposed trains (B) Inside the frame, a so-called liner is threaded over the shift cable as a replacement for the outer cover. The new shift cable can then be
The new shift cable can then be slid into the liner after the old one has been removed.
Changing the shift cable laid in the frame - the video instructions
Changing the shift cable on Sram 1x12 gears
The replacement is not rocket science as long as the derailleur and derailleur cables run outside the frame. Due to the elimination of the front derailleur on modern single-speed drivetrains such as a Sram Eagle, you often only have one shift cable to the rear derailleur at the rear of the bike. On more and more mountain bikes, however, the shift cables run inside the frame, which makes things much more complicated. If you carelessly pull the old Bowden cable out of the frame when changing the derailleur cable, you can spend hours threading the new cable correctly through the frame. With the right knowledge, however, the cable can be replaced in just a few minutes - and without special tools. Read on to find out how to change internally routed shift cables without a continuous outer housing correctly in this step-by-step guide.
With Sram shifters, you have to unscrew the shift lever from the handlebars with a 25 mm Torx spanner to change the shift cable. If you have the shift lever in your hand, the cover is opened with a 3 mm Allen key to access the old shift cable. With Shimano shifters, however, the lever remains on the handlebars to change the cable. With Shimano XT & Co. the cable can be threaded in or out via a plastic screw on the side.
Don't be frightened! When the cover of the Sram shift lever is open, you look directly at the mechanism. The head of the shift cable is located just below a flat spring. To remove the old Bowden cable, simply push the shift cable out of the shift lever from behind. Now insert the new, unshortened shift cable and correctly reinstall the cover of the Sram shift lever and the shift lever on the clamp.
In BIKE 3/19, you can read how to correctly adjust a Sram Eagle drivetrain, how to align the derailleur hanger, how to change the derailleur cable as a step-by-step guide and how to adjust disc brakes without grinding. In the third part of BIKE 4/19, you will learn everything about "Greasing, oiling, maintenance".
Special tools for changing the shift cable
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. A small drawback is the high price >> 79 Euro at Rosebikes.
Jagwire replacement liner:The liner actually protects exposed trains from dirt. The plastic cover is an indispensable aid when changing trains and is available online from just €0.95.
Jagwire Routing Tool:Jagwire packs two magnets and connections for inner cables and outer sleeves in a handy plastic pin. This should make changing internally routed cables child's play >> 26,90 Euro at Amazon.
Capgo Noise Protection:Internally routed cables with a continuous outer casing in particular often tend to rattle. An additional foam cover is designed to eliminate noise. The two-metre hose costs 6.95 euros.
