Front Brake Cable

KevinA

Hi Guys

I am new to maintenance of road bikes and I am going to attempt to replace a frayed brake cable.

I have a Bianchi Oltre XR1 with 3T Aernova handlebars so there is a internal cabling to work around.

The cable is fairly new but lost the nipple at the end down at the brake, I have watched a youtubevideo by GCN and I am wondering the following;

1 - Would it be possible for to take the existing cable out and then rethread the new one through the exisiting outer cable without having to take the bar tape off

2 - Is there any cable I should avoid or look out for

3 - Do I need the following tools or am I missing anything - Cable, Cable Cutter, Pick to open the outer cable up if required, file, nipple thing to put on the end of the cable

4 - Do I have to break the cable in, is there anything I should do when I have first replaced the cable.


Pic of my handlebars



Many thanks

sheffsimon

KevinA wrote:

Hi Guys

I am new to maintenance of road bikes and I am going to attempt to replace a frayed brake cable.

I have a Bianchi Oltre XR1 with 3T Aernova handlebars so there is a internal cabling to work around.

The cable is fairly new but lost the nipple at the end down at the brake, I have watched a youtubevideo by GCN and I am wondering the following;

1 - Would it be possible for to take the existing cable out and then rethread the new one through the exisiting outer cable without having to take the bar tape off

2 - Is there any cable I should avoid or look out for

3 - Do I need the following tools or am I missing anything - Cable, Cable Cutter, Pick to open the outer cable up if required, file, nipple thing to put on the end of the cable

4 - Do I have to break the cable in, is there anything I should do when I have first replaced the cable.


Pic of my handlebars



Many thanks

Where is it frayed, below where it clamps on the brake?

If so, why not just twist it back up so its no longer frayed, and squash a new end on?

keef66

Has the nipple come off the cable inside the shifter / lever rendering the brake inoperative, or are you just talking about the cable end cap at the brake caliper end?

sungod

if you lost the end cap on the cable and the end splayed out, just snip the end to tidy it and crimp a new cap on

no need to replace the cable

tbh you don't need the cap, but it helps avoid the end fraying into a bunch of sharp wires can stab you and/or snag on clothing, you could also solder it

if the part of the cable under tension has frayed, the first question is 'why', if there's a sharp edge causing it you need to fix it - the consequences of it happening again and failing when you need it could be grim

you need the correct cable, shimano/sram or campag to match your levers, simple stainless steel road brake cable, couple of quid from wiggle

proper cutters (they'll also have a crimp section to do the end cap), hex key for the caliper bolt, a pointy thing can help with threading

after fitting a new cable the outer and ferrules need time to snug back down, so fit it with the barrel adjust at minimum extension so that you have plenty of adjustment room

KevinA

SheffSimon wrote:

KevinA wrote:

Hi Guys

I am new to maintenance of road bikes and I am going to attempt to replace a frayed brake cable.

I have a Bianchi Oltre XR1 with 3T Aernova handlebars so there is a internal cabling to work around.

The cable is fairly new but lost the nipple at the end down at the brake, I have watched a youtubevideo by GCN and I am wondering the following;

1 - Would it be possible for to take the existing cable out and then rethread the new one through the exisiting outer cable without having to take the bar tape off

2 - Is there any cable I should avoid or look out for

3 - Do I need the following tools or am I missing anything - Cable, Cable Cutter, Pick to open the outer cable up if required, file, nipple thing to put on the end of the cable

4 - Do I have to break the cable in, is there anything I should do when I have first replaced the cable.


Pic of my handlebars



Many thanks

Where is it frayed, below where it clamps on the brake?

If so, why not just twist it back up so its no longer frayed, and squash a new end on?

Its frayed down at the brake (beside the wheel)

I thought this was possible but the tension has been affected (LBS said it would be best to repair)

Would I be able to fix the tension if I twist and recap the cable and then set the tension when tightening the bolt?

KevinA

keef66 wrote:

Has the nipple come off the cable inside the shifter / lever rendering the brake inoperative, or are you just talking about the cable end cap at the brake caliper end?

Down beside the brake

KevinA

sungod wrote:

if you lost the end cap on the cable and the end splayed out, just snip the end to tidy it and crimp a new cap on

no need to replace the cable

tbh you don't need the cap, but it helps avoid the end fraying into a bunch of sharp wires can stab you and/or snag on clothing, you could also solder it

if the part of the cable under tension has frayed, the first question is 'why', if there's a sharp edge causing it you need to fix it - the consequences of it happening again and failing when you need it could be grim

you need the correct cable, shimano/sram or campag to match your levers, simple stainless steel road brake cable, couple of quid from wiggle

proper cutters (they'll also have a crimp section to do the end cap), hex key for the caliper bolt, a pointy thing can help with threading

after fitting a new cable the outer and ferrules need time to snug back down, so fit it with the barrel adjust at minimum extension so that you have plenty of adjustment room

Thanks I might try that, not sure if I have enough cable to clip it but can give it a go.

Dont really want to fit a new cable but in a sense I do as it will make me learn for when I do really need to replace it.