Front Derailleur Cable Replacement: Road Bike Installation

[@ellengoodwin9452]

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

[@tony10speed]

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]

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]

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!

[@hwr965]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@davidchisholm4031]

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

[@tony10speed]

Your welcome. Regards, Tony

[@mark.bailey]

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]

Glad to help. Have fun. Regards, Tony

[@kieranbarry8193]

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]

Totally agree when replacing the rear derailleur cable and indexing the rear derailleur. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHSWhJ6IoKlrftU 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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXiWo6KEetJ3hbc Thanks for your observations and safe cycling, Tony

[@kieranbarry8193]

@@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

[@123johnking]

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

[@tony10speed]

Thanks. Regards, Tony

[@virkelie2]

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!

[@moshehollander]

הייתי צריך להחליף ידית הילוכים וכבלים. מכל סרטי ההדרכה שראיתי זה היה הכי פשוט והכי ברור. thank you

[@tony10speed]

Your welcome. Glad to be of help. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@michaelc7433]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@stevenfaulkner2038]

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]

Thanks. Glad to help. Regards, Tony

[@tony10speed]

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

[@marcomorana]

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

[@tony10speed]

Thank you. Regards, Tony

[@gillsb]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@bezhead999]

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

[@tony10speed]

Glad to share my experience. Regards, Tony

[@jpbassking]

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

[@tony10speed]

Glad it is helpful. Regards, Tony

[@brityn6514]

Very useful thanks, especially the pre stretching of cable

[@tony10speed]

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

[@glenangelos6025]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@TheMysteryG]

Thank you Tony, excellent clear demo.

[@tony10speed]

Glad to help. Regards, Tony

[@elijahlash7370]

Exactly what I needed Tony, thank you👌

[@tony10speed]

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

[@jacobpena4052]

short and sweet.. thank you sir very informative

[@tony10speed]

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

[@dillon1957]

Awesome, exactly what I was looking for.

[@tony10speed]

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

[@BarneyB123]

Thank you very much for the guide. Really helpful

[@tony10speed]

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

[@pablos6481]

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]

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

[@pablos6481]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@MSH3423]

Thank you so much for informative video.

[@sape100]

A very informative video! Clear and good tips.

[@shawnweed265]

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]

My pleasure to help out. Regards, Tony

[@briankillian5248]

I'm with Ellen below... Excellent video

[@tony10speed]

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

[@ccwweeman3385]

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

[@gordonsteele8668]

Super helpful, thanks a lot

[@tony10speed]

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

[@elephantarmy]

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]

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

[@MarkLeichtfuss]

thank you, very helpful.

[@williamkterrell]

Nice job thanks for your video

[@tony10speed]

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

[@januszkontador9063]

Sir Tony thanks a lot! 🤠

[@tony10speed]

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

[@Chazmataz0117]

Very nice and very effective

[@tony10speed]

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

[@Blades-fm6ck]

Great video, thanks.

[@maxhall1534]

Thank you.

[@tony10speed]

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

[@davidlittle7182]

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

[@tony10speed]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXiWo6KEetJ3hbc As with all maintenance, it's all about practice and patience. Regards and safe cycling, Tony

[@mc540flip]

Thanks! Very helpful

[@tony10speed]

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

[@systembve]

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]

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

[@dominiccooney5617]

Great video. Really usefull

[@tony10speed]

Glad it was helpful. Regards, Tony

[@kevindowney7983]

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

[@tony10speed]

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]

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

[@tony10speed]

@@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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3zFq416hq9pnsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqTgmyppMtjm9k 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.

[@neilfroggycrompton2466]

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]

+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]

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?

[@s1914]

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

[@tony10speed]

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]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@najdyahyaoui2540]

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

[@tony10speed]

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

[@najdyahyaoui2540]

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]

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

[@najdyahyaoui2540]

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

[@tony10speed]

Unfortunately, at this stage, it might have to be replaced. See videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXqagX2LpNZ_g9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJiwdIBpnJhsjMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5uZgHShh8Sjh6M

[@Steviewonderwhy]

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]

Let me know how you make out. Regards, Tony

[@twowheelpilot]

Thank you for the video

[@tony10speed]

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