How to change a shift cable on your MTB

[@seattlefk]

When you un-frayed that cable, it looked like magic. I never knew you could do that.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

haha, everyone keeps thinking it was in reverse! You really can do that

[@7hc1312]

Yes i didnt belive too then i try it and it was succes haha

[@georgeh0536]

haha my cables never un-Frey that easy but with a small amount of messing with the cable it usually works out fine.

[@davidarruda8400]

That trick has saved hundreds of electricians lives

[@takeshisatou2371]

you could try using a wire locking tool that aerospace technicians use.

[@NikiDorian]

I love how this guy gives you the information straight, only later adding the details. Plus, his explanations assume his audience to be made of intelligent people! Thumbs Up!!

[@JAlexanderG]

Great video Seth! Another point that I'd like to add, based on my experience. Often times, when setting the cable tension of the shifter cable, I find that the cable is actually a little tighter than it needs to be. Instead of trial and error, loosening and re-securing the cable repeatedly, I will leave the barrel adjust "turned-out" by a rotation or a few. This way, if I need to reduce tension, I don't have to undo the nut holding the cable in place. I just turn the barrel in the direction that gives me the desired result. Source: 9-5 bicycle technician.

[@bmzaron713]

Yeah that is pretty standard.. Tighten the barrel adjuster all the way in, and then turn counterclockwise a few turns.. Then bolt your cable

[@nickedname7048]

Gee, just done it, took my time and was well worth it. New Tekpro levers and cables and housings on my vintage Mesa Ltd that just keeps on giving joy; cut here, cut there, adjust and readjust, test ride it, brakes like they never had before, feel safer than ever, beauty! Thanks for the pointers!

[@PortalFPV]

This is exactly what I've been looking for! Everyone else seemed to dance around dealing with the derailer. Nice hacks and tool recommendations.....need me that 3rd hand

[@Ali-Rida]

After a lot of research on YT to fix my bike's rear derailleur shifting issue I finally found the issue and solution! Couldn't find a YT video on this matter! I explain it below: 1) The most common type of housing has an inner thin wires tube and an outer plastic covering tube. Apparently after a while because of pressure the outer plastic tube jams and the inner tube wires are exposed that can get crushed by pressure on ferrels! This causes a serious metal-metal fraction between the cable and thin wires of housing, worse than any dirt or rust can do! 2) Loosen the shifter cable and release the cable at the derailleur (watch YT guides) and through all housings to free all housing parts. 3) You have to cleanly cut the exposed thin wires of housing to align it with plastic cover tube. Be careful not to block inner empty hole (where the cable passes) by crushing the wires. You need a sharp wire cutter (or a specialized tool from bike shop!) Then clean up both ends of housing and lube a bit. 4) Insert the cable in all housing parts and through the derailleur cable clamp. Since you lost some housing length, to have the same tension on the cable at a particular gear you need to pull the cable out of derailleur cable clamp a bit compared to what it was before. This needs to be fine tuned to have perfect correspondence between shifter and derailleur for all gear range (watch YT guides). Hope it helps someone.

[@ndeeeed]

I'm still new to the mountain biking world. So seeing this video makes me feel confident on working my mountain bike.Thanks Seth!!

[@traveler2046]

As a long-time bicycler and now a newbie home mechanic, I have found this process way more challenging than I imagined it would be 🤪 Thank you for the helpful video! -determined suffering rookie

[@SteveZZZZ]

Hello Seth! I always was afraid to mess with the cables. I’m going to give it a try on my 2005 HardRock. Love the channel and please keep it up for all of us who need it!!!

[@karimg2044]

I’m watching this in 2021 and it helped me saved me from getting scammed at the bike shop and a really helpfull hack near the end if u don’t own that tool 👍

[@HarryL2020]

I know how to do this, but I just wanted to watch your video XD

[@kevinavalos110]

can you put a derailer on a dirt jumper i have a specialized p1

[@jakedasnake9917]

Kevin Avalos yes. my snanfu has a 3 speed

[@jayireland2526]

Harry8642 Surname? Same

[@nickrogers6441]

was going to write the same thing.

[@shearooney7103]

Jay MT

[@slimjimmypage]

Another lil note on housing: The splined or "stranded" housing is for cables that have to hold lower, sustained tension, which in the case of a bike means gear cables. The coiled or "solid-core" is the original type of housing and should be used for brakes because it's stronger and can take the bigger loads of braking. Using the splined stuff for brakes is really bad because it can easily rupture or kink when the lever is pulled, but it works a lot better with indexed shifters because it doesn't get longer or shorter when you curve it. Still, it can go bad over time and develop those kinks. If you see hard angles in your shift cable instead of smooth curves, it's probably kinked and ready to rupture. Oh, and a great tool for getting a clear hole in the end of a length of housing is a probe - available from Harbor Freight for $2 for a 3-pack - or an sharpened spoke. :D

[@newttella1043]

slimjimihendrix : I second this comment regarding the two different types of cables. I guess a lot of mtb folks won't need to know about the spiral brake cables with hydraulic brakes being the norm now.

[@slimjimmypage]

Seth wasn't wrong about the cheap thing, though. Lots of big box stores like Fred Meyer and Wal-Mart will sell you cable sets with only coiled housing because they only have to make one type of housing that way. Shimano sells their lowest-end components with all coiled housing, too, which blows my mind.

[@JAlexanderG]

Good advice! You could use a probe, a small hex wrench(~2mm), an awl, or even a tine on a fork if necessary. Basically anything that is small enough to fit inside of the plastic sheath, within the housing. That way you can open the end up, an push the plastic and any kinks in the housing out of the way to allow the cable to pass. It's not always necessary to do, but always recommended. If the housing was crushed at all when you cut it, it could cause a bind on the cable. This can result in poor performance of the shifter of brake, and won't allow the cable to return. Souce: Professional Bike technician.

[@Aburuqayyah225]

4 years ago and you were still the best bike youtuber

[@None_of_your_business666]

I love this video. Straight and to the point. I needed to change my trigger shifter yesterday, first ever, and followed every word spoken here... Even the freaking me out part...

[@Esteb858]

Great video and I totally agree on the cable routing. It blows my mind that there are still bike manufacturers that don't get it correct or bike shops that don't route it correctly when building up a bike.

[@PkGam]

This looks pretty doable. I always thought this was really complicated but you broke it down nicely. In fact, looking at this, I think I would end up doing it all myself because I'd likely go crazy if someone else didn't do it the way I visualized it. I'm like that with virtually any cable (including electrical) because those stinkers get tangled, dusty, noisy/distracting when moving, etc... Also, my OCD with cables was very pleased with how cleanly you re-twisted that! It looked like brand new.

[@ginojanssen2466]

i do work in a bike shop . and never seen a even great detailed video like this 1 . even i know everything to swap or repair . i still like to watch ur video's!!!!! respect . great job .

[@feidex]

I remember time when this guy had 1342 subs

[@feidex]

good old days

[@jackfriend3049]

MP Dope I

[@matthewpritchett5792]

MP Dope olol

[@yassin.official6806]

MP Dope yeah

[@jacksonm2560]

I remeber when seth had 1342 subs

[@masonkendall5984]

Anyone else love this guy

[@gregwebster8784]

Mason Kendall everyone else loves this guy!

[@aidencauger5743]

Love this! Thanks I've been working really hard on my video and even got help from a friend... We had a lot of fun filming it and I really really hope you like it ;)

[@wise_gujarati]

Best channel for bikes i have ever seen, i follow you in all platforms. Very easy explanation no jargons at all like other channels.

[@nicksnicknet]

This video is still helping me fix my bikes in 2020!

[@Fincher123]

Iam German bicycle monteur and i never had a SRAM derailleur, only Shimano. But i get my First SRAM next month, a SRAM GX =) Thank´s for showing me how to change.

[@harrycoleman9948]

Who would've guessed this bike would be worth 20k now 🤣

[@lakapaka5151]

Sold with 70k lol

[@policies8534]

70k*

[@aarondcruz6129]

Dang that's a lot

[@willkence7745]

Lol

[@jevalyntulagan3070]

🤗🤗

[@igo.m.d.austin8687]

I love how u have no problems working on ur bike but I cant even put air n my tire w/o have issues...

[@wayne9005]

Caleb Denman no

[@ۥۥٴٴٴٴٴ]

Caleb Denman it means fuck off

[@igo.m.d.austin8687]

Caleb Denman let me think bout that... no

[@ۥۥٴٴٴٴٴ]

Caleb Denman earn them then you dumb kid instead of asking and begging

[@ۥۥٴٴٴٴٴ]

Caleb Denman I already said fuck off, what part of that comment do you not understand?

[@kodasunderland9109]

Hey bro! Can I just say I've been watching you for years and u helped me out once again.. thanks! If it wasn't for you my bike will still be in parts 🤣🤣

[@michaelkarasik4964]

Amazing content on one of the best channels within all of youtube. Keep up the great work!!

[@charliemanthedog107]

This "how to" is high quality in every way. Thanks 👍🏾 🌳

[@okayatbikes1909]

Thanks for this! I was able to switch out my shifter all by myself!

[@jesslewter382]

thank you for coming to the rescue seth

[@CanIHasThisName]

Hey! Important info is, that the only reason to replace just the cable is when it starts to fray. Because contrary to common belief, the cable itself doesn't stretch, it causes wear inside the cable housing. That is why it's important to also change your housing regularly. And when it comes down to it, considering how cheap good quality housings are, always change your housings whenever you change the cable. Also, a good way to tension the cable just right is to manualy (as in by pressing on the derailleur by hand) shift into the second highest (smallest) gear, let go of the derailleur and tension the cable. I often get the tension perfectly right on the first go this way (though I use good quality housing and Teflon coated cables).

[@stellacosworth]

Hi Seth. Workshop hack only but a little trick from auto electrics, if you heat the cable up with a soldering iron and "tin" it with solder, then you can cut through it with no fraying. Similarly, you can finish cable ends off in this fashion to prevent fraying after you have cut. If you haven't a soldering iron, then you can heat the cable gently with a lighter.

[@owjfabrication6822]

I literally did this last night and you tube recommended me this 😂

[@gavinmcgavin9342]

Im glad i found your channel u have made me decl out my bike to extreme levels lol

[@livingroomtv4435]

All my favourite things, eating a burrito and watching seths bike hacks 😄😄

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

That 3" of cable end at the RD would freak me the hell out.

[@nzo_6543]

Ah yes,

[@andrewford80]

Great video. Well spoken, clear, concise, well filmed. Just perfect.

[@johnmay330]

Yay. I've been waiting for you to make this video since you showed us how to change a rear derailleur, featuring your Trek 4900. Thanks Seth. This reminds me of how I installed my dropper post. I am soon going to replace my whole shifter, cable included. Great tips as always

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

It has been so many years, thank you

[@mikebussart2575]

This is why i take very good care of my lbs mechanic, plus he is just a good guy.

[@Alexlivingloud]

I am glad I came across your videos.. you have a way to describing things.

[@mariuscg]

Well done mate!

[@un-inhaledair8985]

Hey Seth, are you ever going to visit or do some sort of ride in Australia? Also greetings from down under! :D

[@MarinStipkovic]

I like how you tied the cables together. I looks very neat. I might try that myself...

[@theadventurebiker]

The 2 types of cable housings shown in the video at 3:10 are actually designed for 2 completely different purposes - don't ever mix them up! The housing with the spiral-wound inner core is designed for brake use only. It 'can' (and has been) used on shifters & derailleurs but this is not it's intended purpose and is *not* recommended because it compresses slightly under compression forces and therefore will take away from the precision that an 8,9,10,or 11 speed indexed derailleur system requires to function properly. In other words, if this housing is used with shifters & derailleurs, expect to have poor shifting performance and other possible drivetrain issues. Cable housing that is designed for use with shifters & derailleurs has multiple strands of very stiff wire that run lengthwise along the full length of the housing. Sometimes referred to as *anti-compression* or *compressionless housing*, this housing does not compress (as the name implies) under compression forces and therefore maintains the precision tolerances that modern derailleur systems need to work properly. Anti-compression derailleur housing tends to cost more than brake housing (around twice as much). One final note - *DON'T* ever use compressionless derailleur housing on brake systems *for any reason*. There is a limit as to how much compression force the anti-compression housing can take before it fails. If this limit is exceeded, the housing can basically "explode" and come apart. What this means is that if used in a braking application the housing can fail under hard braking (eg. a panic stop), which will result in a sudden and complete loss of brakes. Sprial-wound brake housing is completely different and can withstand extremely high amounts of compression force... which is why it is designed and used exclusively for *brakes*. Don't get them mixed up.

[@tonydimaio1925]

I just did this last night I had problems this morning I got it right thank God!!!

[@dennyg.4444]

hey Seth I just nearly tore my whole bike apart doing this exact same thing thanks for the great vids and keep up the good work!

[@Iheartdgd]

Don’t forget; A new cable is going to stretch and you’re going to need to adjust over time, don’t freak out when your derailleur starts clicking, just start by tightening the barrel adjuster.

[@shaneparker1051]

When you’re attaching new cable at the anchor bolt, where should your barrel adjuster be set to?

[@heinzketchup3323]

Shane Parker all the way in/loose/clockwise

[@barstoonarrow6580]

You know it is a good video, when you know how to do all of this, but still enjoy the video!

[@fivelinspace]

Absolutely stellar video from both a teaching and video / illustration perspective. Great job!

[@stenhouse8569]

SETH I just fitted a how new drive train and cables and then a week later you put this up here's me been sat on the floor fiddling with a new derailleur and cable trying to get tension with moal grips (locking pliers) wish I was left it till now then could have seen this video

[@patrickthomas6170]

I put some old cable through new housing before cutting and it minimized the deformity: make sure old cable is clean before putting inside new housing.

[@kenny_kaos]

An old, sharpened spoke makes a great poker to get the plastic tube inside the housing clear, though that's more common in a shop, its not hard to make if you have a bench grinder.

[@AndrewAmmon]

Enjoy the channel, Seth. Every time I open KZbin, the first stop is to see if you've uploaded a new video. Have you considered doing a video to show how you edit everything together on your computer (what your setup is, what programs you use, how you record voiceover, etc)?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Thanks! and yeah, maybe. Now that so many people are making videos for the contest, they're all asking about video editing.

[@phl1200r]

Nice job! I also like to spray a little bit of silicone lube into the housing before i run the cable through. Keeps it running smooth and repels water.

[@renenavarro4121]

That HT geometry is just rad

[@1986Honda4trax]

I used to cut the cable a pair of vice grips right where you want it cut and a hack saw, specificly with a metal cutting blade. It comes out very good

[@dmedenton]

Outside the frame is always easy... You should provide some tips for inside the frame routing too! Great video as always!

[@ldj7039]

after watching two vids on changing gear cables, it seems incredibly simple to do.

[@unclejimbo2520]

Hey Seth! At 2:48 you did a mistake. You tightend the cable without going at the back of the curve in the hole. When you do that, the cable come out at the hole you can see in the video. Love your Vids! Greetings from Gremany!

[@xbigrgaux]

I remember as a kid reading about Eddie Van Halen boiling his guitar strings before installing to reduce the amount they would stretch once installed and to help keep them in tune. I wonder if that would help with shift cables

[@JoelSmithR1]

Tip for outer cables with internal frame routing: tape the new cable to the old one that is still in the frame. Then pull it through until the new cable is fully in place. Then insert inner.

[@nielstielemans152]

a little tip: grind a point on an old broken spoke to poke the little tube in the outer cable open! this works great

[@sept836]

Just what I needed. I've just done my front gears but my back gears only use 2 out of 7 gears

[@orionxavier6957]

2:18 Lol my Shimano shifter has these microscopic screws, not that nice big screw head. So they're completely stripped from trying to unscrew them. :(

[@HighVybeTribe]

Can we take moment to appreciate that clean @$$ cable management ! ! ! !

[@ChrisVideo33]

if you don't have any of the little aluminum pieces to crimp over the end of the cable cut then you can use a left-over spoke nipple. Works just as good!

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Very Very Cool!!! I sayings thanks for all who are using this demonstration.

[@ashjosh7185]

Can you do a p7 review video

[@CofFDnSnaps]

Great how to vid Seth. Only thing I noticed was the way you turned the barrel adjuster all the way in and then put a lot of tension on the cable before tightening the retension bolt and indexing. I have never done it that way. I've found putting that much tension will cause the derailleur to move and with the barrel adjuster all the way in, will not allow for any release of tension should the cable be too tight in the highest gear. If the stop screws are adjusted correctly that much tension is not necessary. I usually back the adjuster out one turn then tighten and index. It allows for micro adjustment both ways and puts less overall tension on the cable so it lasts longer. Just my 2 cents. Cheers

[@apnk6870]

What do you like better the Syncr pro or the P7?

[@arkahoot4985]

Great video! Trying to upgrade a 2001 Trek 6500 that I bought from a buddy! Derailleurs and cables are all jacked up!

[@cowtowndaddy]

Great vid man replacing cable Today. I know I can do this. Thanks from North Georgia Mtns.

[@JonathanvanZuijlekom]

Ha, just did mine a few hours ago! Only mine are routed internally, with just bare cable inside the frame. Needless to say it took some poking and a strong magnet to help it pop out. Also, invest in a good cable cutter or you'll fray the cables.

[@rascal1234]

Great tip! The last time I needed to adjust my derailleur, I took off the rear wheel. It made it a lot easier to adjust without the tension.

[@themountainsbros381]

This hardtail look so cool ! Please do more videos with it (like tricks or enduro riding)

[@williamt5359]

There's a new meme spreading with your 8 things anyone can do on a mountain bike video 😂 It's amazing

[@ketmax2805]

finally i could ride my bike again i waited for more than 1 year finally.

[@boriscidvidal1469]

just to clear things up: splined housings are for shifters. This housing gives more presition to the shifting. The hole is smaller because the gear cable is thinner than a brake one. coiled housings are for mechanical brakes. they are not as precise, but can stand hevavier loads, such as heavy braking. the hole is bigger, because break cables are wider. should be noted that brake cables will not fit in most derailleurs, due to its bigger size.

[@onilovni1234]

I feel you Seth, everything on my bike that isn't absolutely perfect is freaking me out as well, so that's why I can't wait to afford a DI2 setup!

[@TheEricBastian]

Hey Seth, it`s not about the cheapnes of the Housings. The housing with the Strands is for Shifting the other one is for Brakes only.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Bell sells a full set of cables at Walmart for $8, which have a coiled shift housing. Most of the bikes there also have coiled shift housings. It's pretty sad.

[@slimjimmypage]

You're right about the different uses, but cheapness comes into play as a reason for coiled shift housing. It used to be standard back in the dark ages, but then Shimano came out with splined SIS housing and changed the game. Big box stores still carry extremely stupid-cheap housing packs with coiled shift because it's cheaper to have only one assembly line.

[@codypennell6114]

This was just what I was looking for. Also a pair of fencing pliers will cut the sleeves plenty easy.

[@lyvolgs1697]

Please make a video on how to install gears in a non gear cycle

[@yetigrande]

@2:47 he routes the cable incorrectly. after the pulley it goes through that channel to the clamp bolt, not just pushed around it. that's something I catch our newer mechanics doing. easy to overlook. other than that, pretty solid video.

[@dustinsmartfishing]

I did the same thing while overhauling the bike this weekend! Bothered the heck outta me

[@edwardcolbert922]

Thank you for making this very helpful video. Great job!

[@mr.potatohead6138]

could u explain fixed gear bmx, pros and cons and whether or not just experienced guys should do it.

[@aestheticcruise8807]

I use vice grips for end caps. I personally think they are most effective. Don't clamp the vice grips on exposed cable or you will risk fraying it. Right where the end cap starts just before the cable is the best spot to clamp it down.

[@bert-the-cosh7493]

great Video thank yo. If yo have a problem with length Order cable for a Tandem. I managed to get a set of "Livewire" Tandem inner cables and they were 3m 60cm long x 1.5mm. A Packet came with brake and gear cables.

[@lcvenusaur2168]

Holy crap bro cable rubbing is SO COMPLICATED!!!

[@KennyMinigun]

I would say that it is better to bring the barrel adjuster all the way in and back off a few turns (before tensioning the cable). This allows you to deal with over-tensioning the cable. And overtensionsing the cable can cause rubbing on your smallest cog (or even unability to switch into it)

[@Bikeyid]

Nice video, brief, entertaining and too the point! Thanks! I know you are mostly a flat-pedal guy, but any chance you can do a video on how to tell when spd clips are worn out?

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Those fancy Teflon coated shifter cables work great for gyro cables. Especially if you do the v brake noodle mod for the bends. Use standard non linear brake housing. Figured it’d be worth mentioning since some mtb frames meant for street have u brake posts

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

But jag wire housing never have a problem cutting it with good cable cutter. Also stranded housing is linear housing. Works fine for brakes and prevents the issue of the brakes not working if you do a bar spin or tailwhip. It’s not as smooth however. For shifters it works fine. And is the best choice.nokon cables are overkill. They look super pretty though

[@TheNextFiles288]

Good, nice, tutorial. Better than some videos.. but this seems like it's a lot easier than doing the gear shifting adjusting tuning

[@TheNextFiles288]

I wanted to add to my initial comment because adjusting the gears is a whole another story! And I'll be watching thank you very much

[@darrengeorge9319]

As if it 2021 and am still going back this old video to be reminded how to do something been watching for years

[@Meirionatron]

You missed part of the cable guide on the rear mech, 2:48 it should go through the plastic before it goes to the pinch bolt.

[@Meirionatron]

Also the cable is clamped on the other side of the pinch bolt

[@lucywucyyy]

i always wondered if it would be possible to drill holes in the bike frame and feed the cables through the frame for extra sleekness

[@lucywucyyy]

oh wait that is a thing already

[@taylorrollins5576]

Seth, can you do an updated in-depth review on the Orange P7?

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

Seth, solid housing isn't really meant for indexed gears. The stranded cables are "compressionless" and don't change length when under stress. The solid spiral type will and it makes shifting into lower gears sloppy.

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

they work. They just suck.

[@tasdiq_1179]

Can you please do a video showing all your camera gears and your cameras...? i wanna start up with recording my rides so i want to know what you use...