Can An Idiot...Change A Gear Cable?

Рет қаралды 27,034

Жыл бұрын

In no way is anyone who is learning about their bike an idiot! We thought it would be cool to get hands-on and learn how to fix your gears! From stripping it down to refitting a new cable, Alex is here with beginner Phil to take you through it step by step!
Useful Links:
GCN+ | Every. Unmissable. Moment. 👉 gcn.eu/8x9
Ride with us at the Global Bike Festival 👉 gcn.eu/GBF2023
Download the GCN App for free 👉 gcn.eu/app
Visit the GCN Shop 👉 gcn.eu/shop-spring-race
Join the GCN Club 👉 gcnclub.com
GCN Training Plans 👉 gcn.eu/gcntp
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹 Chain Waxing - How To Save Watts & Keep It Clean For Longer! 👉 • Chain Waxing - How To ...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcntech.co/EditorsChoice
📹 Watch the latest GCN Tech Show 👉 gcntech.co/GCNTechShow
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Silvia - El Flaco Collective
The Big Aisle - John Runefelt
Another Pineapple Please - The Fly Guy Five
Done Deal No - Harry Edvino
Act Like You Know - Matt Large
Magical Twinkle 1 - SFX Producer
Music Orchestra Hits - SFX Producer
Suction Pop 3 - SFX Producer
Construction 3 - SFX Producer
#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife
📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency
Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech - past, present and future.
Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.
We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.
Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing: gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets: gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SIS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
Shadow Stand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Silca: gcn.eu/Silca
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Español - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Français - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Racing - gmbn.eu/GMBNracing
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn

Пікірлер: 132

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

What would you like to see us cover next? Let us know 👇

@ssaunders2k Жыл бұрын

Good guide ... how would you do it for a frame that has internal routing, but doesn't have an inner guide sleeve that runs the length of the bike. Assuming that would require the park tools internal routing kit ... have you done a video on usage of that?

@Erhan_H Жыл бұрын

Anything and everything. Complete idiot here.

@rz1653 Жыл бұрын

This afternoon I was riding my bike somewhere in the south of Portugal. You have to shift all the time in those rolling hills. Right now it is exactly two hours ago that I tried to shift, and nothing happened. After some cursing I decided to find a bikeshop, buy a gear cable and find one of them old GCN videos on how to change the gear cable. You must have uploaded this video maximum 30 minutes after my cable broke. I feel like the universe just likes trolling every now and then...

@oddknack Жыл бұрын

Newbies first ride with a new bike: the simple adjustments to get comfortable. Start with symptoms and go to adjustments to try eg knee pain -> saddle height. pain in hands, saddle for/aft, tilt

@glenngardin3561 Жыл бұрын

Either changing tires, bar tape or brake cables. All are required maintenance tasks. Great video! Thanks for posting!

@jw3638 Жыл бұрын

😂 Carl was savage with cutting the cable. Carl: how is your shifting? Phil: It's ok Carl: not anymore

@123moof Жыл бұрын

@@tonysadler5290 I thought it as George?

@merckxy54 Жыл бұрын

@@123moof Chi è George?

@ojtibi9906 Жыл бұрын

Are you sure it's not Alan? 😂

@nicolasremillard3491 Жыл бұрын

@@ojtibi9906 Is it not pronounced Olav?

@ilovephotography1254 Жыл бұрын

@@123moof George Santos??? 🤔

@SpecialeyesRider Жыл бұрын

Did Alvin just say, “Hot butter through knife”?

@johnwestwell2241 Жыл бұрын

The bar tape is shocking, since you asked! Definitely should be the next job. I take some slack out of the system by holding the derailleur in place whilst changing two or three times at the lever. The resistance helps seat all the cable outer, ferrules and cable guides. Then loosen the pinch bolt, pull through the cable inner once more and retighten.

@crbondur Жыл бұрын

Good work, Phil! Glad you posted this. We all need information on how to do maintenance on our bikes.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

We love sharing skills 🙌 Do you change your own gear cables?

@leissp1 Жыл бұрын

Good job Phil....Alex you were very patient explaining everything.

@jamesbull9879 Жыл бұрын

Love this!! What a great video!! Well done Phil and nice training Alan!

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

You can always rely on Alan for help 🙌

@karlproctor7526 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Alan described it well.

@chrisridesbicycles Жыл бұрын

I guess we almost have a cliffhanger for a Phil and Alan wrapping bar tape video.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Keep your eyes peeled! 👀

@matt_acton-varian Жыл бұрын

@@gcntech Good! It's great to see a beginner tackling simple maintenance jobs that can be done at home. I do most of my bike fixing myself but I come from a mechanically minded background. Someone who isn't would definitely get confidence from seeing a beginner like Phil learn to tackle these little jobs such as bar tape, tyre/tube, and cable replacement. And I think that getting Alex's name wrong is the new Ollie getting dropped joke, gonna be around for a long time.

@andrewmcalister3462 Жыл бұрын

14:10 And in next week's episode, Can an Idiot Clean a Cassette? Seriously though, thank you Phil and Alex for a simple clear explanation! 👍

@davtwill531 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, cheers guys.

@robertrensch6835 Жыл бұрын

Very nice video! I am wondering if this bike had internal cable housing from rear mech up to the bottom bracket. If not, would the cool "inner sleeve guide" work there?

@olalinden1893 Жыл бұрын

Perfekt info, but were do you buy the inner plastic guide tube? Trying to search for it but maybe I don’t know the proper name for it.

@satchmotionrc8202 Жыл бұрын

Nice job Jacob and Rick. And big hand to camera person Allan. Great video! I love to see people learning to maintain they're own bikes. Just remember, not every side of the road has a bike shop. Keep up the tutorials!

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Hahaha this is getting out of hand now 😂 It's great to learn new skills! Hopefully this helps more people get into bike mechanics 🛠

@TheFloridaBikeVlogger Жыл бұрын

perfect timing, I am about to attempt

@MarsuCooper Жыл бұрын

Nice job, awesome Bike. My favourite brand!

@pak1golf Жыл бұрын

Why should you not turn your bike upside down when removing the wheel at the side of a road to repair a puncture?

@bp123456100 Жыл бұрын

If it's time for a new cable, you might want to replace the short bit of housing by the rear derailleur while you're at it. If your shifting is sluggish or sticky it's often a sign that the housing is worn or contaminated. That short section of housing by the derailleur makes a tight bend and probably wears out sooner than any other section. Fresh housing can really improve shifting feel. Finally, be sure to use shifter housing, not brake housing.

@themaisi84 Жыл бұрын

That’s a lovely Basso 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

@LastLamplighter Жыл бұрын

This is brilliant timing. I just did this for the first time yesterday and definitely at Dummy level. Lost the cable in the frame three times, even with using the cable guide. Now I'm perfectly routed (I think!) and need to work on indexing the gears. Enjoying the bluffers guide. Really good format Alex.

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

I ended using magnet on parts

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

It's even harder doing it first time with internal routing! Keep at it and you'll have it 🙌

@observer1689 Жыл бұрын

What is that nifty brace that holds the handle bars/front wheel steady? The color indicates it's made by Park, but what is it called?

@GrouEEf Жыл бұрын

That was great! Phil is a great bloke!

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Phil is great!!! 🙌 What would you like to see him do next? 👀

@markbaker5345 Жыл бұрын

Love the vid but was Paul Greengrass directing this video with all the zooms and Shakey Cam?

@petinka721 Жыл бұрын

I like everything and you can do a cover on all old videos.

@matt_m126 Жыл бұрын

I am upgrading a groupset myself soon. I always thought an outer cable ran trough the downtube. I am not sure I got this right in the video, but did I understand there is none (hence the need for a guide)?

@waywardchildcyclist Жыл бұрын

Well done Phil great to see another cyclist learning how to maintain their bike

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

More people fixing their bike the better 🙌 Do you do your own mechanics?

@philbailey2647 Жыл бұрын

Wouldn't have ever thought I could actually do this. Thanks Colin for showing me the way! Want to help me out with another job I can't do soon??

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Frank sends his regards 😂 That bar tape is looking a little worse for wear 👀

@Frostbiker Жыл бұрын

True to form, Alex looks too warm while wearing a tee, while the other person is comfortably wearing a sweater. I'm the same way.

@GCNalex Жыл бұрын

100%....but who is Alex

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

That's the GCN studio paradox... too warm and too cold 😂

@michaelpeppersack8599 Жыл бұрын

my edmonda sl6 2017 chain won't go all the way to the top on the big ring in the back? should I do the same as the video?

@oddknack Жыл бұрын

great thanks

@wsbygt Жыл бұрын

Nice DIY video and all but I simply don´t have the patience anymore. Tell me if they got the cables sorted, cheers...

@alexandercolwill Жыл бұрын

Watching this makes me so glad that I switched to Di2 years ago xD

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

My 6.7kg bike is SRAM red 22 Recumbent is SRAM red 22? Etap My future trek Emonda alr be with SRAM red axs etap (forks and groupset be only carbon so looks be sub 7.5kg without care about the weight) I prefer mechanical as no battery charging but I rarely shift from 53/11 gear, and yes I do proper bike builds (most on youtube got a wheelset, I build the wheels myself)

@ghowell13 Жыл бұрын

Done better than I did the first time I tried that. Hell, you did better than the last time I did that. That job still gives me fits, especially the front mech, on a triple. Well done, fella!

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Great to hear that you are dong it yourself 🙌 What bit do you struggle with the most?

@ghowell13 Жыл бұрын

@@gcntech its shifter cables, especially on the older Shimano XTRs, as the rapid rise system works, in a nutshell, the reverse of standard, or normal shifters. Its completely backwards.

@donnajago Жыл бұрын

Great video, I may do it myself in the future, rather than asking the other half.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Give it a go Donna! Why not get the other half to teach you 🙌 We should all share skills more!

@lojeda Жыл бұрын

Common guys, even apologizing at the start of the video, it's not cool to call a coworker to do "the idiot" character. You could have used other terms, newbi, rocki, etc.

@jim9685769 Жыл бұрын

I guess the hundreds of great books in the series "... For Dummies" should all be renamed in the name of Political Correctness too? A sense of humor seems to be disappearing, like pyramid building.

@user-cx2bk6pm2f Жыл бұрын

Next.. changing cranksets or cassettes with regard to chain line... do you need spacers?

@jim9685769 Жыл бұрын

Looks like you got the drunken cameraman from the Jason Bourne films to video this segment.

@chones_ Жыл бұрын

What is going on with the camera work??? It’s like y’all just got a new camera arm and can’t figure it out. Making me dizzy

@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video definitly a usefull skill

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

It's one we should all know, do you work on your work bikes? Or send them into the shop?

@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586 Жыл бұрын

@@gcntech I work on my bikes my self the next good bike shop is to far away it propably takes me like one and a half hours just to get there Countryside problems I guess but my dad has a good workshop and a lot of knowledge so its okay

@nemeanf27 Жыл бұрын

I always put a bit of super glue on the end of a new inner cable before fitting it so it never frays

@hotsky83 Жыл бұрын

Looks like I have the same color garmix instinct as Alex 👍

@seighnobos Жыл бұрын

#askgcntech Hi, I've got a Java Fit with 20x1.35 tires and can't find a replacement for them in my country. I have seen 20x.1.5 ones. Would they fit?

@petersteadman841 Жыл бұрын

Phils freehub sounds cool

@markbulmer1840 Жыл бұрын

That was a great video Alex. I’m trying to do all my own stuff at the mo, that was my next job to do. I’ve recently changed to a 11-34t cassette so needed a medium cage derrallier but I took off the extra hanger arm that was on the new mech is that ok or do I need it on the derrallier, the shirt cage one I took off didn’t have it on as well? Any help please 🙏 thank you

@stephenturkLA Жыл бұрын

The answer depends on your frame and, specifically, the derailleur hanger. With the introduction of the Shadow rear derailleurs (Dura-Ace R9100, Ultegra R8000, 105 R7000, etc.), Shimano rear derailleurs can be mounted to either standard hangers (using the "extra hanger arm" or b-link) or to direct mount hangers (without the b-link). So, if your short cage derailleur was a Shimano Shadow design (e.g., R8000-SS), and was mounted without the b-link, we can assume your frame has a direct mount hanger, and your new Shimano medium cage derailleur (e.g., R8000-GS) should also be mounted without the b-link.

@nannenon Жыл бұрын

Even though I knew all this beforehand I watched it all. The beauty of a mechanical is that you cannot run out of battery. Great if your bike sits idle for a long time. It just works straight away.

@markxkovacic Жыл бұрын

Just charge your battery. No cable needed.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Very true! Mechanical still has its place 🙌

@Erhan_H Жыл бұрын

Alejandro, this is a great new series! Can we use electrical tape to prevent cable from fraying?

@_NoName... Жыл бұрын

Yes my man! Electrical tape + lighter to burn it a bit and stick it all together. I have mine in for a bout 3000km so far 👍

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

Is it fine to like solder the end instead? I got a solder but no lighter

@_NoName... Жыл бұрын

@@mlee6050 Well, as far as you burn *a bit* the tape to melt it *a bit* and avoid the tape to unwrapped, it is fine, but it is definitely easier with just matches or lighter than a solder 😂

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

@@_NoName... I mainly thought solder as like what be like before cable is first cut, I am unique as got my own place but don't own any lighters or matches

@raybarber9837 Жыл бұрын

I've just replaced front and back and indexed gears QED

@bikepackingadventure7913 Жыл бұрын

Did someone forget to turn the lights 💡on in the studio? 🤔

@triathlonsteve9675 Жыл бұрын

Well done Phil, Dave made that a challenging video for just a cable 😂 think it was the lack of science that Oly adds to bike tech was missing 😂 @gcntech, would like to see a none cyclist strip and true a rear wheel 🤩

@maverick5695 Жыл бұрын

#gcntech we need a campaign to stop manufacturers like shiimano redefining standards for tools required virtually everytime they upgrade parts like bottom brackets, i don't want to keep having to purchase a new tool everytime i do some maintenance!

@twatson4887 Жыл бұрын

As Phil is on a journey I would like to see his expression when you break his rear mech and maybe replace it :)

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Oh no! Not sure he would be too happy! 😂

@johnomahony936 Жыл бұрын

Those wheels would be nice on my bike🥺

@edymarkonthego4096 Жыл бұрын

I thought before pinching the cable the front chain should be in the smaller chain ring. Correct me if I’m wrong.. thanks

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

Correct but when can't shift smaller they find out unless you left slack when pinch as still stretch a bit that might allow it

@kidShibuya Жыл бұрын

Need better lighting next time

@atlosass Жыл бұрын

I'm totally not doing that. Local bike shop all the way.

@jimcappa6815 Жыл бұрын

When my rear cable snapped, I was able to change it, so I would say yes, an idiot can change a cable! 😆 The hard part was finding a video about how the cable attached in the shift lever. I have an old Shimano 105 flight deck shifter.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Great to hear that you got yourself back up and running! Often its the mid ride mechanicals that we learn the most 🙌

@stevewilts Жыл бұрын

I don't like to criticise but...15'15" Alex: "...shifter in the easiest gear, which it already is". I think you mean 'in the hardest (top) gear' not the easiest (lowest). Would've been nice to include how to set the limit screws as well.

@magicknight8412 Жыл бұрын

That looked far too easy ! Really well explained and the indexing was very simple. Usually thats what throws me with mechanical gears.

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Do you think you'll be going to and having a go yourself? 👀

@mikes1976 Жыл бұрын

We want to know more about Phil.

@woozertoo Жыл бұрын

6:19 looks like Phil is milking his bike. Hope his hands were warm.

@larrystark9141 Жыл бұрын

When I saw this pop up on my feed I said: Yes. Any Idiot can change the cable UT can they make it work properly? The bike shop I used to frequent could NOT. So I stopped going there for any mechanical issues. I bought a book on bike repairs, read it then another then another. After attempting to do some repairs I realized some Specialized tools would be needed so I got them and now I do all my own work. Since then I have not left my garage with a bike that wouldn't shift on to all the gears and most importantly the bikes have always had working breaks. YES ... A bike shop that said my bike was ready to ride ... without breaks. I picked it up after a "Tune Up" and a couple days later I went out for a ride. The first time I reached for brakes I had almost nothing and almost crashed. In squeezing the levers the front break gave me NOTHING. Lucky for me the rear breaks worked but as any one who rides can tell you the front breaks do most of your stopping.

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

I watched Halfords videos, any bike that goes to Halfords, I often see again, tru wheels they great in video but at store only tighten so give me up to 20 minutes a wheel and within 1mm tru, I often try if got gauge to be under .2mm where most stop at .2 or .5 even

@Ed.R Жыл бұрын

Changing the cable is easy, make a bike shift by itself is the ultimate challenge.

@michael.knappitsch Жыл бұрын

14:10 uuuh I'm sure alex got cringes working near that filthy/rusty cassette!

@jonnythelegs2597 Жыл бұрын

I take it Phil is usually the one operating the camera.

@froon Жыл бұрын

Needs close up, clear shots.

@robertcatuara5118 Жыл бұрын

Fred forgot to explain cable stretch. In a month or so, new cables stretch and you'll have to reindex the rear. But now you know how.

@mlee6050 Жыл бұрын

Depends on your cycling, often 20, 50, 100 miles they recommend to check, I use smallest gear at back most times so cable not stretch for ages

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Great point Robert! Phil might coming nocking at GCN HQ again 👀

@savagepro9060 Жыл бұрын

GCN Tech: Can An Idiot...Change A Gear Cable? Us Idiots Out There: 🤔hmm, there is still support for mechanical systems, after all!

@user-cx2bk6pm2f Жыл бұрын

Very good! No idiots here.

@maximiliankuspert8434 Жыл бұрын

The clear answer to this is: yes! Why? 'cause I managed to do it 😅

@everydaylifez Жыл бұрын

Why should you never turn your bike upside down?

@eddiesmyth2716 Жыл бұрын

Yeoooo

@gcntech Жыл бұрын

Hi! 👋

@mickinmerton8053 Жыл бұрын

Why shouldn't you turn a bike upside down?

@ilovephotography1254 Жыл бұрын

🤪The answer to the video title is Yes.

@luanadotcom Жыл бұрын

What's up with that title?

@derf9465 Жыл бұрын

😅😅😅 I'm that old, that I laugh at the world now. When did it all go wrong... People used to fix bicycles, through motorcycles to cars, white goods..... All this technology today and the human race has got more stupid. Before the modern terrified man tells me you can't fix stuff today without special tools? What spanners? I still fix it all, slower but modern cars haven't changed that much, its been a slow progression, same with everything else.