Front Derailleur Cable Replacement: Road Bike Installation

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Front Derailleur Cable Replacement: Road Bike Installation

Рет қаралды 168,561

Күн бұрын

You don't have to be a mechanic to replace front derailleur gear cables. We'll show you how to perform outer cable installation or replacement using a shimano equipped road bike. Components you'll need a derailleur cable, some Velcro strips to hold the brake shifter back (optional but very helpful - get a dozen for pennies from Home Depot), 4 mm Allen wrench and cable cutters. Now your ready for removal, installation, lube, pre-stretch of the cable and then make final adjustment using the barrel adjusters for smooth shifting even while cycling. The feed through the shifter may vary with different components, but the method is similar.
Although it can be made a bit trickier with the advent of internal cable routing on some newer bikes, the inner cable can be routed with ease. See Global Mountain Bike Network • How To Replace Gear Ca... (can be used for both road bike or mountain bike).
Check your cables when ever you do routine maintenance or repair. Look for fraying, kinks or loosening of the cable which may affect shifting between the large and small chainring.
In other videos we'll show you how to replace the rear derailleur cable and adjust limiting screws to prevent chain rub on your bicycle.

Пікірлер: 96

@ellengoodwin9452 6 жыл бұрын

excellent video. How do you know when the housing has to also be changed?

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

I consulted my local expert at the Clinton Bike Shop in Clinton, NJ who sees many cable and housing problems on all types of bikes. Lets examine cables first, then housing. Cables: Cables should be inspected for fraying, especially at the shifter, at least every 1000 - 1500 miles. How often you replace the cables depends on whether you have a 10 or 11 speed and whether you have a first generation Shimano (housing comes out the side of the shifter and presents more breakage problems then most) or SRAM/ second generation Shimano (housing is under the handlebar tape). Your local shop can give you advise in this area. Sometimes you can predict that the cables need changing when shifting feels soft or the chain starts jumping between cassette cogs despite adjustments of the barrel adjusters or adjustments on your work stand. For me, I know my cables will usually last 2000 miles and will change both front and back cable even if I see no fraying or and shifting seems fine (10 speed, second generation Shimano). Better to be safe then breaking a cable on a steep uphill (disaster). Housing: As for the housing, I change the rear part of the derailleur housing (at the back) every time I change the rear derailleur cable. It's close to the ground and picks up a lot of dirt and gunk. The rest of the housing holds up better. Some recommend new derailleur housing every 2 years, others about every 5000 - 7000 miles. A lot depends on whether you ride in the winter, wet weather, or gravel or dirt roads. You should always inspect your housing for cracks or wear every time you check your cables. There is no complete rule of thumb. For me, I like to be pro-active. Hopes this helps. I'll be working with the Owner of the Clinton Bike Shop to put together a nice package of information for another article and video on this very topic. Thanks Ellen. Regards, Tony

@ellengoodwin9452 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this reply! I've watched another video by you on how to replace the rear derailleur cable and your videos are perfect. Not too long, not too short, no flim-flam and to the point. I"l l be changing both derailleur cables and housing shortly and feel empowered. Many thanks! Nice paint on your bike. Let us know when you post another video.

@mg1881 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent example of a how-to video. No flashy graphics, no soundtrack, clear expanation and demonstration, no superfluous commentary, clear audio, stable camera. Nice job Tony!

@shawnweed265 7 жыл бұрын

Went to go ride this am and snap..the cable broke...Thought replacing it was going to be nuclear physics...but this video gave me confidence to do it myself...THANKS! I owe you a beer.

@tony10speed 7 жыл бұрын

My pleasure to help out. Regards, Tony

@mark.bailey 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, I'm getting into home bicycle maintenance and its because of clear instructional videos like these I'm now tackling jobs that in the past would have had me taking my bike back to the bike shop to have work done. Shifter cable is now replaced and the bike is back on the road. Great video. Thanks, Mark

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. Have fun. Regards, Tony

@virkelie2 8 жыл бұрын

Even though I don't need to change my front derailleur cable, I enjoyed watching your video! It's educational and the process is well explained!

@davidchisholm4031 4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks old boy, first video that explains gen 1 shimano shifters.

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome. Regards, Tony

@123johnking 8 жыл бұрын

Really good video. good instruction, framing and explanation. zero drama.

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Regards, Tony

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Please note Ellen Goodwin's excellent question below on "how often should you replace cable housing" above.

@hwr965 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best video tutorial on this process I have come across on KZfaq. Well done. Thank you for sharing.

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@kieranbarry8193 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent vid. One thing to add, I needed a bit less tension and so not only put the chain in the small ring at the front but also the small cog at the back. This solved the problem and allowed me to set the derailleur correctly

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree when replacing the rear derailleur cable and indexing the rear derailleur. See: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bKljhs6D0KqceKc.html For the front derailleur, I agree that you should place the chain on the small chainring. Which cog the chain is in is one of preference and is optional. Here's how I index the front derailleur on a compact setup: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ga1jpdJ_qtOof4k.html Thanks for your observations and safe cycling, Tony

@kieranbarry8193 2 жыл бұрын

@@tony10speed well, it was only when i put the chain onto the smallest cog at the back that i was able to get enough slack in the cable to set front derailleur properly

@michaelc7433 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony - simply the best, most concise and easiest to follow demo on line. Hats off Sir ;)

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@marcomorana 5 жыл бұрын

One of the best videos I have seen, am experienced mechanic makes a difference and teaches you things that are simple and right

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Regards, Tony

@stevenfaulkner2038 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. It is simple and non-flashy and gave me the confidence to do the job. And it worked with no drama. Thanks, Tony

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad to help. Regards, Tony

@gillsb Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, you are a lifesaver for us newbies. It was short, sweet and to the point. Very informative!

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@bezhead999 6 жыл бұрын

Really really appreciate your videos. Really easy to follow and makes perfect sense. Thank you very much and safe riding 👍🏻

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Glad to share my experience. Regards, Tony

@jpbassking 5 жыл бұрын

Everything I needed to know to complete this job. Thanks for posting.

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Glad it is helpful. Regards, Tony

@elijahlash7370 Жыл бұрын

Exactly what I needed Tony, thank you👌

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@glenangelos6025 Жыл бұрын

You’d be a wonderful shop teacher! No kidding!

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@brityn6514 5 жыл бұрын

Very useful thanks, especially the pre stretching of cable

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Pre stretching the cables does help give you precise shifting from the get-go. Regards, Tony

@jacobpena4052 2 жыл бұрын

short and sweet.. thank you sir very informative

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@TheMysteryG 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tony, excellent clear demo.

@tony10speed 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. Regards, Tony

@briankillian5248 3 жыл бұрын

I'm with Ellen below... Excellent video

@tony10speed 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Note here we are dealing with a first generation Shimano shifter. The cable routing may be different with updated Shimano or SRAM. Regards, Tony

@dillon1957 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome, exactly what I was looking for.

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

Great. Let me know how you make out and if I can be of help. Regards, Tony

@davidlittle7182 2 жыл бұрын

'Seems to work very well' is doing a lot of work here

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

Once you've replaced the cables a few times, it gets easier. Also, the following video on indexing / adjusting the front derailleur may also help: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ga1jpdJ_qtOof4k.html As with all maintenance, it's all about practice and patience. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@gordonsteele8668 2 жыл бұрын

Super helpful, thanks a lot

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@BarneyB123 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the guide. Really helpful

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. We're working hard on a bunch of new videos that I hope you'll find useful. Regards, Tony

@williamkterrell 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job thanks for your video

@tony10speed 2 жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@MSH3423 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for informative video.

@Chazmataz0117 Жыл бұрын

Very nice and very effective

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@sape100 8 жыл бұрын

A very informative video! Clear and good tips.

@pablos6481 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Unfortunately, if you have the need to change the bracket covers on this model (ST-6600/6603), you need to perform this operation before doing it, since the derailleur cable won't allow you to set the covers in place.

@tony10speed 3 жыл бұрын

If you mean the rubber shifter hoods, yes that's unfortunately true.

@pablos6481 3 жыл бұрын

@@tony10speed yes, I mean those guys. They are sold by Shimano as "bracket covers", at least in Europe, not sure about the US.

@tony10speed 3 жыл бұрын

@@pablos6481 The older hoods are hard to find anywhere and require searching on EBay.

@twowheelpilot Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

You're Welcome. Also visit our KZfaq home site at: kzfaq.info Regards and safe cycling, Tony

@ccwweeman3385 7 жыл бұрын

very straight forward thanks for sharing much appreciated ...colin.

@MarkLeichtfuss 7 жыл бұрын

thank you, very helpful.

@januszkontador9063 4 жыл бұрын

Sir Tony thanks a lot! 🤠

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to be of help. Many more videos on there way. Regards, Tony

@Blades-fm6ck 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks.

@elephantarmy 6 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks! I cannot seem to get the derailleur to shift, seems to 'stick' - maybe I should check the tension? I didn't try pulling it by hand and re-tightening as you did so will try that and see how it goes...

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Your probably correct. Pull by hand to stretch the cable and re-tighten the cable. Then adjust the rear barrel adjusters so that the chain just shifts from the smallest cassette cog to the next larger. Then turn the rear barrel adjuster another quarter turn. Let me know how you make out. Regards, Tony

@mc540flip 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Very helpful

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Glad it could help. Cable installation will vary some depending on the make (Shimano 1st or 2nd generation, SRAM, others) but the ideas are the same. Internal routing offers other challenges. Regards, Tony

@dominiccooney5617 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. Really usefull

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. Regards, Tony

@systembve 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video. I have a question. Does it matter in wich shift you're in? I saw you were on the smallest weal but does it even matter?

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

You need to be in the smallest cassette cog in the rear when changing the rear derailleur cable (the cable get wound up in the shifter as you move to a larger cassette cog). As to the front chain ring when working on the rear derailleur cable, it's just a personal preference. However, you need to be in the small chain ring when replacing the front derailleur cable in order to remove it from the shifter (the cable also gets wound up in the shifter as you shift to the large chainring. Hope this answers you question. Regards, Tony

@Steviewonderwhy Жыл бұрын

I’m converting my roadbike to a bafang motor e-bike I need to remove the whole derailleur cable only need 1 chainring so it’s gonna be a dummy on the left

@tony10speed Жыл бұрын

Let me know how you make out. Regards, Tony

@kevindowney7983 4 жыл бұрын

have you done a video on how to change the hoods on that model lever ?

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

Not yet. It's not a easy job since some of the cabling must be removed to slide the hood off. The shift/brake hood in this video is a first generation Shimano. Next time I replace one, I'll video tape it. Regards, Tony

@paulcarson4978 4 жыл бұрын

@@tony10speed I'd love to see it too. No other way around than taking the cable off?

@tony10speed 4 жыл бұрын

@@paulcarson4978 Long as you're not using Shimano 1st generation levers (shift cable comes out side instead of under the handle bar tape), here are some good references: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y7GSrb11trCamJs.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/it9ghJyk1MyUlas.html If you're dealing with a first generation Shimano, the shift cable must be removed. Good luck and let me know how you make out.

@s1914 5 жыл бұрын

Ooh 853, nice. What make bike is that please? Good vid, greetings from uk 👍

@tony10speed 5 жыл бұрын

Independent Fabrication (10 year old Reynolds steel bike) located in Newmarket, New Hampshire, USA. They only do custom bikes, mostly titanium or carbon fiber these day, of which I also own a custom titanium. Regards, Tony

@williamzhang5997 8 жыл бұрын

what gear should I put the shifter in while replacing the cable?

@tony10speed 8 жыл бұрын

Front derailleur cable: small chain ring and any rear cog Rear derailleur cable: small chain ring and small reaar cog

@neilfroggycrompton2466 8 жыл бұрын

why did u lube the cable?,modern cables don't need it,some people say u should/shouldn't now i'm confused?,also park cable cutters have an integrated cap crimper under the blades :D

@tony10speed 8 жыл бұрын

+neil crompton Shimano has a zinc coated cable to prevent rust and Aztec has a Teflon coated cable to allow easy sliding in the housing. My personal opinion is to oil the portion of the cable that goes through the housing no matter what type of cable is being used. It can only help. And you are correct, the Park Cable Cutters have an integrated cap crimper under the blades (thanks for pointing that our). Tony

@mg1881 7 жыл бұрын

I've heard that early stretch in cables is partly due to the strands sliding against each other and settling into a more compact cross-section; and thus a slightly longer cable. Can't verify, but this makes sense to me. I also feel it's good to get this early stretch done quickly to reduce the break-in period. Lube-ing the cable should help the strands slide against each other and settle in to a stable configuration. I also like Tony's method of hand-stretching the cable initially. Also, if the strands are lubed, they should experience less stress due to friction between the strands. We all could use less stress in our lives, right?

@najdyahyaoui2540 6 жыл бұрын

on which gear the shifter should be while installing the cable?

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Small chainring, smallest cog in the back. Regards, Tony

@najdyahyaoui2540 6 жыл бұрын

thnx btw my front suspension forks stop idk how but it don't work any more i was wondering if u have any tutorial concerning its fixing it's a rickrider 6.3

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry. You'll need to look up the specific front suspension (of which there are many) on KZfaq or consult your local shop.

@najdyahyaoui2540 6 жыл бұрын

Tony Marchand sadly we don't any decathlon store near my area

@tony10speed 6 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, at this stage, it might have to be replaced. See videos: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qa9ng62G1NewfaM.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rM19drBkzJmdhps.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l9BmgqSct8XUgXU.html