Downtube cable stops lever and barrel adjuster

Steve I
Steve I Posts: 428
edited July 2010 in Workshop
I'm upgrading a steel frame with STI shifters from downtube shifters. The cable stop set I have fits ok, but one stop has a small lever adjuster and the other a barrel adjuster. Logic tells me that the lever stop should go on the left for the front cable and the barrel adjuster stop on the right for the rear cable. However, having them this way round would leave the inner cables exiting too high on the downtube. They look correct the other way round leaving a nice exit angle for the cable inners. It just seems a bit odd having the rear indexing adjusted by a small lever that is easily knocked. Anyone know whether the lever stop should be used for the front or rear cable?

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    The barrel adjuster is for the rear, the lever type set up is for the front. You can unscrew the barrels and swap them around to suit.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    redvee wrote:
    The barrel adjuster is for the rear, the lever type set up is for the front. You can unscrew the barrels and swap them around to suit.
    No it is not. The barrel is for the front mech as this is the only adjustment without loosening the cable. The lever is for small 'on the fly' adjustment of the rear mech. Initial setting is by the barrel on the mech.
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    John.T wrote:
    redvee wrote:
    The barrel adjuster is for the rear, the lever type set up is for the front. You can unscrew the barrels and swap them around to suit.
    No it is not. The barrel is for the front mech as this is the only adjustment without loosening the cable. The lever is for small 'on the fly' adjustment of the rear mech. Initial setting is by the barrel on the mech.

    You could be right, it's late and I've had a long hard day.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    Thanks for that chaps. Redvee, what you say makes sense. The lever adjustment is for convenience only and could simply be left alone if I did not wish to use it.
  • The lever adjustment is helpful in a road race if you've had to change a rear wheel - it enables you to compensate quickly if it's a bit different from the punctured one.