I inherited a hybrid bike last year which was full functional but in need of some TLC.

I've started stripping it down bit by bit de-greasing, cleaning, re-setting etc. To this end I ordered a
new universal gear cable, on line, for the rear derailleur set. It's arrived today and they have sent
me two in error.

The brake cables need replacing too, and before I order them I would like to know
if I can use a gear cable for the brakes, is there a difference ? Always assuming
it's long enough, that is.

I look forward to any help that's out there please.

Cheers.

It depends on the shape of the nipple.

Also you can click and collect cables from Halfords. I got a new rear derailleur cable for just £2.

karatekid wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:23 pm

Also you can click and collect cables from Halfords. I got a new rear derailleur cable for just £2.

I bought a universal gear cable, for the front derailleur, from Halfords, via click and
collect, and cost £7.99 !!! It's a Clarks stainless steel one. (Made in Chiiiiiiiinnnnnnaaaaaaa)

I fit that yesterday and it's fine, so the one I received today should be fine for the rear as it
too is a Clarks and the gears mechanisms are all of the same make and model. (Shimano)

I think the brakes are also Shimano, so I'm assuming there will be no problem with the nipple
(always wrong to assume, I know). If that's the case, am I in order to use a gear cable for the brakes ?

Just checked Halfords online and I bought one with the outer casing on, as mine was badly worn,
whereas you've bought just the plain cable.

Riddle solved.

All my cables are same gauge. Check for that and apart from length, which shouldn’t be a problem, I can’t see why not.

Most importantly - sunglasses, follow the central white lines and appear as aggressive as you can whilst riding in a carefree manner

As long as the nipple is the same then there shouldn't be a problem. Try it and see.

Thanks for all your help everyone. I will check the gauge as I have a vernier caliper.

If anyone knows of a reason why I can't interchange, please do let me know. I just wondered
why they label them as "brake cable" and "gear cable", that's all.

Cheers everyone.

The brake and gear cables are different and not interchangeable.

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 15, 2020 2:22 pm

The brake and gear cables are different and not interchangeable.

In what way Jamesy please ?

Brakes use a slightly thicker cable (and usually a different winding on the outer casing - bakes need to support a heavier loading).

They also use different "ends" at the bar end - depending on the manufacturer . Some have an alternative at t'ther end- you cut off the end you dont use

I am thinking of buying an E-Bike. Any advice would be welcome.

Road bike or MTB?

Just a normal road bike with low step in.

Some reviews here

https://www.tredz.co.uk/help-advice/gui ... s/electric

Bikes here

https://www.tredz.co.uk/electric-urban- ... t/priceasc

Many thanks karatekid. A great variety there. Have you any suggestions re. make etc. ?

Cube are very good bikes and Iv'e found a good bargain for you and it's a step through.

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/2004/prod ... -grey.aspx


https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/2859/prod ... -grey.aspx

jackmiggins wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:08 pm

Most importantly - sunglasses, follow the central white lines and appear as aggressive as you can whilst riding in a carefree manner

And a front/back camera on your helmet.

I never thought electric bikes would have caught on...

I've checked the gauge of the respective cables and the gear cable is 1mm and
the break cable 1.5mm. They are also different windings.

Clearly gear cable is not safe to fit onto brakes.

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:06 am

I've checked the gauge of the respective cables and the gear cable is 1mm and
the break cable 1.5mm. They are also different windings.

Clearly gear cable is not safe to fit onto brakes.

No sh!t Sherlock!

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:47 am

No sh!t Sherlock!

Well I did politely ask you to explain your earlier post, but there was nothing forthcoming.

All that remains is for me to thank you for your unhelpful nature and your cynicism.

If you're in any doubt, get it into a bike shop, preferably local rather than the big H, and let them do it. I've cycled years, can do all the adjustments but stripping it down and replacing stuff, nah. Things like brakes I leave to the experts.
Let us know how you get on.

evensteadiereddie wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:52 am

If you're in any doubt, get it into a bike shop, preferably local rather than the big H, and let them do it. I've cycled years, can do all the adjustments but stripping it down and replacing stuff, nah. Things like brakes I leave to the experts.
Let us know how you get on.

Or ask Jamesy..

Cheers mate. I'm holding off fitting the cables as I've ordered a quill handlebar extension
and/raiser so the cables will need to be cut to fit the new lengths.

In my old age, I was finding that the handlebar was a bit too low, giving me a bit of jip in
my back !! Here's hoping this extension does the trick.

tim_noone wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:23 pm

I never thought electric bikes would have caught on...

You don't need a very long extension csble Tim Bob

dougcollins wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:15 pm

And a front/back camera on your helmet.

I've seen that video

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:46 am

Well I did politely ask you to explain your earlier post, but there was nothing forthcoming.

All that remains is for me to thank you for your unhelpful nature and your cynicism.

No explanation was required pal. Quite simply I stated that they were not interchangeable.

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:58 am

Cheers mate. I'm holding off fitting the cables as I've ordered a quill handlebar extension
and/raiser so the cables will need to be cut to fit the new lengths.

In my old age, I was finding that the handlebar was a bit too low, giving me a bit of jip in
my back !! Here's hoping this extension does the trick.

For what it's worth funky...and Im in your age bracket. I've had a road bike a good many years now. Also when my backs bad..its bad.ive never felt a need to adjust anything though tbh.as regards maintenance punctures etc. I havent the patience or the nous.to Halfords it goes and it's done and dusted pretty quick by helpful staff I find. PS Your not old.......yet!

Maybe I'm not too old yet, but I'm planning for the future whilst there's bugger all else to do.
Besides, I like messing and learning new things - makes the world go round.

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:27 am

Maybe I'm not too old yet, but I'm planning for the future whilst there's bugger all else to do.
Besides, I like messing and learning new things - makes the world go round.

I did have you down as a messer tbf.