Cables and challenges

[Slowbee]

Ok, so after the much spoken about 100 miler, I realised if I am to survive in this jungle of mountain biking, I am going to need some skills. No, not those skills, mechanical skills, I mean, I cant be stuck in the desert and not know how to fix something with duct tape, chewing gum and wire.

 

So here is the question.

 

Reading all the bits I can lay my hands on, it seems resonably easy to replace the RD cable on SRAM X9 triggers and X9 RD.

 

But theory and reality are VAAAASTLY different. Just how tricky is it? Is it difficult? No special tools required ?

 

 

Are there any tricks, nuances, problems that I should be aware of before I embark on this journey. Remembering I want to be cycling on the bike this up comming weekend again.

 

 

[Overlord]

Will have to teach you how do to these type of things correctly.

[Mr Haste]

I have x0 RD and gripshifters. Just gave it a bash on my own and was very easy. I have no bike mechanical know how at all... Shifting is perfect now.

 

 

[Capricorn]

mechanically fitting it to the bike is very straightforward . Setting up the indexing can be quite tricky. Sometimes the manual is a bit vague, and doing it on the stand is simply not an option. I did it on the floor once, but had to use two hands and a foot.. not cool.

[Slowbee]

thanks guys - so from an indexing point of view, rather take it to the shop this time?

 

 

[cat-i]

Slowbee i have replaced the cables before myself - had  a bit of trouble to get enough tension on the cable afterwards, so cycled around for a few days without the 3 biggest gears at the back, until someone showed me how to do it properly - maybe take your bike to the shop and let them show you how to do it? I only ever tried this at mike's bikes (asking to see what they do, and explain) and they were very helpful, even made me do some of the stuff myself to feel what it would feel like.

 

[vanniri]

thanks guys - so from an indexing point of view' date=' rather take it to the shop this time?

[/quote']

 

No, knowing how to adjust indexing is even more important than to replace cables. This is really easy - but only if you experiment enough. It will become second nature and (like with sram were the adjustment barrel is on the trigger) you will be able to do it while riding.

 

I would suggest to start with a perfectly working indexed gear. Then adjust the barrel up or down (from riding position) and take note of the effect, remember to count the clicks in order to return to previous setting. A quarter turn (usually one click) can be critical - so work in increments. Once you learn the basics, try to understand the mechanical effect: turning clockwise slackens the cable (lengthen the cable in relation to the housing) and vice versa. Depending on the deraileur (high-normal/low-normal) turning in a specific direction has an oposite effect. Do all this via trail and error and you?ll be good to go.

 

To replace cables - first get proper tools then work with someone who have done it before. or attend JB?s workshop alternatively.

 

Bicycle maintenance is all about confidence and persistence.

 

 

[Slowbee]

 

Slowbee i have replaced the cables before myself - had  a bit of trouble to get enough tension on the cable afterwards' date=' so cycled around for a few days without the 3 biggest gears at the back, until someone showed me how to do it properly - maybe take your bike to the shop and let them show you how to do it? I only ever tried this at mike's bikes (asking to see what they do, and explain) and they were very helpful, even made me do some of the stuff myself to feel what it would feel like.

 

[/quote']

 

cat-i, thats part of my frustration, the bike shop wants to charge me an extra R300 to watch them do the cables and have me ask questions.

 

I dont mind paying, because with me asking questions it will take longer than normal and they are passing on expert knowledge knowing that I might not come back - but R300 bucks is a bit much

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

Slowbee i have replaced the cables before myself - had  a bit of trouble to get enough tension on the cable afterwards' date=' so cycled around for a few days without the 3 biggest gears at the back, until someone showed me how to do it properly - maybe take your bike to the shop and let them show you how to do it? I only ever tried this at mike's bikes (asking to see what they do, and explain) and they were very helpful, even made me do some of the stuff myself to feel what it would feel like.

 

[/quote']

 

cat-i, thats part of my frustration, the bike shop wants to charge me an extra R300 to watch them do the cables and have me ask questions.

 

I dont mind paying, because with me asking questions it will take longer than normal and they are passing on expert knowledge knowing that I might not come back - but R300 bucks is a bit much

 

You refering to Ben I presume. The guy is good and R300 for I guess an hour of someones time is not unreasonable. Can you recover this expense in 1 year - then its worth it - but if this will take you 3 years to recover then its not.

 

Its like Johans Fork Service workshop - he charges the cost of one service for his knowledge. Thats value. But google is your friend too (and the Hub) - discovered that when I had to replace front disc pads on a car this week for the first time in my life.

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

FYI: Here are some pages I discovered on Friday:

 

http://www.mtbsa.co.za/Technical/rear_derailleur_adjust.htm

 

and

 

http://www.mtbsa.co.za/Technical/adjust_front_derailleur.htm

 

[Slowbee]

 

Slowbee i have replaced the cables before myself - had  a bit of trouble to get enough tension on the cable afterwards' date=' so cycled around for a few days without the 3 biggest gears at the back, until someone showed me how to do it properly - maybe take your bike to the shop and let them show you how to do it? I only ever tried this at mike's bikes (asking to see what they do, and explain) and they were very helpful, even made me do some of the stuff myself to feel what it would feel like.

 

[/quote']

 

cat-i, thats part of my frustration, the bike shop wants to charge me an extra R300 to watch them do the cables and have me ask questions.

 

I dont mind paying, because with me asking questions it will take longer than normal and they are passing on expert knowledge knowing that I might not come back - but R300 bucks is a bit much

 

You refering to Ben I presume. The guy is good and R300 for I guess an hour of someones time is not unreasonable. Can you recover this expense in 1 year - then its worth it - but if this will take you 3 years to recover then its not.

 

Its like Johans Fork Service workshop - he charges the cost of one service for his knowledge. Thats value. But google is your friend too (and the Hub) - discovered that when I had to replace front disc pads on a car this week for the first time in my life.

 

Errrm cbrunsdon .. a bit unlike you to make an assumption like that, and also mention the name. But no, its not Ben

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Okay.

 

But I should actually ask another techie (will withhold his name) how much he will charge for a show and tell. Might even get away with fixing his computer (again).

[Slowbee]

 

Okay.

 

But I should actually ask another techie (will withhold his name) how much he will charge for a show and tell. Might even get away with fixing his computer (again).

 

 

then we can both go and split the cost

 

[chuck]

Agree with vanniri. Get the indexing under your belt. Maybe you won't be a TdF team mechanic but if things start going grrrr grrr click click you will be able to sort it out on the fly. While you are at it replace your cables with teflon coated ones. Best thing since teflon coated frying pans 

[Slowbee]

thanks chuck, will do some homework on the indexing .... and by that I pressume you mean the changing gears part?

 

 

[chuck]

 

thanks chuck' date=' will do some homework on the indexing .... and by that I pressume you mean the changing gears part?

 

 

[/quote']

 

Yes right. This is the part where you select and stay in the gear you want without it jumping around. If you are not replacing any components then it should be mostly sorted since the upper/lower stops should still be ok as would the RD angle. SO it would be a matter of tweaking once the new cables are installed.