Reddit mentions: The best bike shift cables & housing

Sorry not get back to you sooner was really busy yesterday. The 96 model think would have had cantilever brakes as stock, V-brakes were brand new when this came out, and prety sure the Indy forks didn't come out on bikes until 97 model year.

So parts list of stuff to buy

Cassette:

https://www.amazon.com/SunRace-8-Speed-Nickel-Plated-Cassette/dp/B00DI65HGU

Chain:

https://www.amazon.com/X8-99-Bicycle-Chain-32-Inch-Silver/dp/B0013BV540

You might want to buy two you will want to carry a spare chain on tour

Tires:

https://www.amazon.com/Maxxis-Crossmark-Black-Fold-Tires/dp/B00GHTQ7Q4?th=1&psc=1 (might find cheaper elsewhere, but you want the dual compound/DC ones with the EXO casing ideally - there are cheaper options for tires that would work than these but I think it's one area it's not so good to cheap out on)

Shifters:

https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-SL-M360-Acera-Shifter-Speed/dp/B001ON6VIW

(or find some vintage 8-speed XT/LX ones from eBay, they are a little nicer)

Brake pads:

https://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Compound-Mountain-Linear-Threaded/dp/B001CLSWKQ

These should make a decent improvement to braking power especially in the wet, you could bring the old pads on the tour as spares/backups if they still work OK and have life left (always want to have at least a pair of spare pads)

New cables:

https://www.amazon.com/JAGWIRE-MOUNTAIN-SHOP-KIT-Derailleur/dp/B01DJGUEE8

You'll need at least new inner cables to install new shifters, and probably a good idea to replace the housing too, though you need either really good cable cutters or a Dremel/rotary tool with a cut-off wheel to cut housing, or get a bike shop to cut it to length. Not suggesting white colour that was just the first link I saw though it might look pimp.

Tools:

You could get a tool kit like one of these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CW911XW/ref=emc_b_5_t

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CW911XW/ref=emc_b_5_t

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nz/en/x-tools-bike-tool-kit-18-piece/rp-prod40997

Or you could buy a multitool that would be good for bringing on the tour

https://www.amazon.com/Vibrelli-Bike-Multi-Tool-V19/dp/B06XGWMGB9

And extra stuff like cassette tool and chainwhip and tire levers individually:

https://www.amazon.com/Oumers-Freewheel-Sprocket-Lockring-Maintenance/dp/B07GSRJGP3

https://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-1847-Bicycle-Tire-Levers/dp/B000UAQL6C

That might be the way to go.

That's not everything you'd need to go touring and stuff like the bars and saddle are a lot about personal taste but should be good to get you started.

Apologies for using amazon.com links I'm too used to helping Americans on here but hopefully can get them on the .ca site. Chain Reaction that I linked the toolkit from (would be confident that's the best out of those three kits I have some of the tools from it) in the UK can be a good place to order stuff from

OK, I'm thinking we do this in stages.

Stage 1 which will allow you to get it riding now and will be perfectly capable of a 4-5mi round trip.

Cable Cutters ($20) stick to the better units but probably no need to go for Park Tool. BBB make a nice one, although I currently have an IceToolz cable cutter because I can't find my good ones.
For the brakes you will need a 4th hand cable stretcher like this Pedros ($17) unit which is a third the cost of a Park Tool unit.
Will also need cables, easiest way is to grab a DIY Jagwire ($24) kit which has both brake and shift cables.
These Vittoria Zaffiro tyres are a good compromise of value, durability and performance. I use these a lot and they're on my training bike. Will also need tubes, and being a commuter, flats are not your friend so these Schwalbe tubes are a good idea. ($60)
Arundel cork bar tape ($20)
A new chain for your bike is probably the only way forward, and this KMC is perfect ($6)
The brake pads on your calipers will now doubt be old, and also a 30yo pad compound, so not overly efficient. Would strongly recommend these Kool Stop Continental brake pads as a starting point before we get to Phase 2 ($10)

Grease for the Bottom Bracket and Headset (and wheel hubs) is also needed, but there's absolutely no need to buy bike-specific grease, so this Valvoline tub as an example would be ideal ($10) .
The chain needs to be lubed, and in dry conditions I like Finish Line dry lube. Others will have their own preferences, but this is a good starting point.

Also should think about replacing the saddle, but this is very subjective and not something that can be recommended in terms of which saddle to buy. Maybe scoot around Craigslist for your area and see what comes up..

In terms of learning the skills, the Park Tool video channel is surprisingly good although heavy on product placement and endorsement although this is to be expected. There are lots of alternatives to Park Tool tools though, including Pedro's, BBB and others. None of the skills associated with your era of bike are all that difficult, and refurbishing this to be usable in your context is completely feasible in your garage.

May also want to consider buying one of the entry-level bike toolkits like this tool kit as a starting point ($40) although this is just an example however is the same kit as others sell just rebranded.

So phase 1 (not including the tool kit) is about $160-ish and watching a bunch of videos.

sorry for the essay, but once I started it just sort of kept going. Phase 2 is removal of existing driveline, and upgrading to a Shimano 2x8sp indexed group with modern dual pivot calipers and modern alloy wheels. But we can cover that later.

I've had the bike for a few weeks now and use it almost entirely for commuting. Here's what I've added since I got the bike:

• GoPro Hero3 Black
  
  
• NiteRider Lumina Micro 350 front and rear
  
  
• Nite Ize HandleBand
  
  
• Tektro CR720 Canti Brakes
  
  
• Ibera PakRak Bicycle Touring Carrier Plus+
  
  
• Avenir Excursion Rack-Top Bag
  
  
• SKS P45 Black Chromoplastic Longboard
  
  
• SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape (Black)
  
  
• Shimano Brake Cable and Housing Set
  
  
• Shimano Road Shift Cable and Housing Set
  
  The stock brakes weren't doing enough to stop me so I swapped them out for some Tektro CR720s. I dropped the yoke as far as I could to give myself as much leverage as possible. Braking is much better now and more reliable than the original set ever was.
  
  I added a rack and trunk bag that's big enough to hold my food and clothes for the day. The only modification I had to make here was filing away some metal from rack mounting leg. It was colliding with frame near the dropout and not allowing the leg to sit close enough to the braze on.
  
  Some of the original cable housings that came with the bike had some gouges in them so Nashbar sent me a new replacement cable set. I swapped out all the brake/shift cables and replaced the bar tape with some SRAM cork tape. The original cables from Nashbar were also a bit too long and were causing excessive friction.
  
  I added some SKS fenders per the recommendations of users on this sub. They were a little finicky to install but I got them on in the end. This particular frame doesn't have bolt holes in either of the two rear bridges so I had to resort to the classic zip tie approach.
  
  As far as the bike goes, it's been performing flawlessly so far. It weighs close to 30 lbs now so it's not the lightest thing in the world. However, the steel frame and the large tires really help smooth out the road quite a bit. The saddle is still the most uncomfortable part of the bike, but I'm hoping to swap it out sometime in the near future. Shifting is still very smooth and the 4 trim positions on the 105 front derailleur is a great feature.
  
  If you're considering getting a bike from Nashbar, I'd definitely recommend them. Their customer service was fantastic and everything they shipped usually got to me door in 2-3 days (even the bike!).

I just got a new bike myself. Layered security seems best on top of your insurance. Good locks and layers make your bike a hassle to steal.

1. Use a cover whenever you can. Not being able to see what you bike is exactly is or what security is on it help a good bit. Cost : 30-80 USD
   
   
2. Quality Disk Break with alarm and good lock. Abus Granit Detecto X-Plus 8077 was my choice. Cost : 180 USD plus $10 for a bright colored lanyard to run from the lock to the handle bar.
   
   
3. Quality lock and chain. I went with Abus again. ABUS 37RK/80 KD Granit Extreme Lock and ABUS 14KS 6' Maximum Security Square Chain and Sleeve, 9/16" Diameter Chain Link. Cost : 130 USD and 110 USD.
   
   I have a covered car port and I lock the bike to the steel support beam. I take the disk lock alarm with me where ever I go under the seat and leave the chain locked to the pole when not in use.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUKQHEG
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GE9H8W
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UMCCZO
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0022ZN6M0

I got a ton of bikes but my test build was a small folding bike I was given.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/d536sb/my_shop_hopper_giant_halfway/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

I then bought a 250w front hub motor from Amazon

YOSE POWER 20'' Front Wheel Electric Bicycle Motor Kit with LCD Display E-Bike Conversion kit 36V250W https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MTX98NQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pQjGDb1MSAYA5

An extension cable for the pedal assist

color tree Extension Cable for Bafang Electric Bike Motor Bicycle Ebike Mid Drive Conversion Kits Expand Gear Sensor/Thumb Throttle/Brake Lever levers Waterproof https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N78B175/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nRjGDb5P75MKW

A bag to hold the electrical components

BTR 5 Litre BLACK Handlebar... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RTL2XIA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

A holder for the battery

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273945584171

A battery

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F352784525406

Some new tubes

Kenda AV Tube, Grey, Size... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WF24VS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And tyres

Schwalbe Knobby Active Line Twin Skin SBC Wired Tyre-Black, 20 x 2.00 Inch https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E7RWADW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.UjGDbKMFVGR5

Pretty stoked on how it’s turned out!

Probably 3-4 hours in total to build and about £400 for the conversion.

From reading these replies I fear I may have spent too much on parts. Anyway, I bought new Shimano PTFE cables and housing for brakes and shifters on Amazon, I spent about $58 total on the parts. I absolutely had to have red housing to keep it true to the original look of the bike.

I was apprehensive about doing it myself but I REALLY want to be as self sufficient as possible with my bike and avoiding taking it in to the LBS unless absolutely necessary. After watching a bunch of Youtube videos, primarily the GCN How to's, I quickly discovered that it is pretty simple. The brake cables and housing arrived in the mail and it was insanely easy. Just remove the old housing, compare the length of what you had and cut off what you need from the new stuff and replace everything how you found it but with the new housing and cables, and cut the excess cable at the very end and crimp it.

I'm still waiting for the shift housing and cables to come in the mail but I'm way more confident about that job having done the brakes first and watched the helpful videos.

Buy tools as needed, no need to stock up with everything right away. Most park tools I buy on Amazon and get them within two days. Tools I would get right away though would be

• 1" Crescent Wrench
  
• Park Tool Cassette Remover
  
• Chain Whip, for removal of a cassette
  
• Park Tool 3-Way (in 4, 5 & 6mm)
  
• A chain tool of some sorts
  
  As for cabling
  
  Universal Brake Cables on Amazon, just make sure you cut of the correct end.
  
  Here is a shift cable set.
  
  As for cutting the cables and housing, do NOT use standard wire cutters. You need a parrot style nosed set of cutters, like this Pedros set. I bought a cheap set of cutters on eBay that work great. When I cut housing I use a little sand paper to flush up the ends.
  
  The 4th hand is not really needed, I get by fine without it.

Just remembered something else that you didn't have questions about, but that you'll want to know about: cables and housing. If you don't already have a set in mind, I'd recommend looking at a Jagwire Racer set--very good for the price.

Very clever, I like this idea a lot. I would also consider adding some sort of clip that could act like a parking brake.

As for the uneven braking, you could try a brake cable splitter or a dual cable brake lever so you only need one lever to operate both calipers.

Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:

Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)

Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)

> Disk locks are pretty effective the downside is youll inevitably forget its on and try and go with it on probably dropping your bike.

https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Bicycle-Security-Reminder-Cable/dp/B0022ZN6M0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=reminder+cable&qid=1562610368&s=gateway&sr=8-3

every time

You can buy just the cable pretty cheap

If your really fed up with the issue. I would recommend converting to a solid housing setup and using cable guides to hold them in place.

​

https://www.amazon.com/happybuying88-Bicycle-Holder-Clamps-Pieces/dp/B07DW5YZ4X

Edit: Saw the 9 speed. Nevermind about buying take off 105 stuff. Those Sora ones will work.

Go ahead and buy new brake and derailleur cables, as well as housings. A full kit will set you back $35: http://www.amazon.com/Jagwire-Complete-Brake-Derailleur-Black/dp/B001C4NJME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425568415&sr=8-1&keywords=jagwire+road+kit

Buy some new bar tape: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=road%20bar%20tape&sprefix=road+bar+t%2Caps

Then read up on youtube on how to do this. It's fairly straightforward. Your hardest part is going to be cutting the housing. The brake housing requires a diagonal cut, while the shifter housing is a straight cut. If you don't have a cable cutter, use a dremel, or find a friend with a cable/housing cutter.

This (brakes) plus this (shifts) comes out under $20.

I find it hard to imagine them any cheaper. A complete set of the black-coated inners costs pretty close to that at most LBSs.

While it's a new term to me, I'm inclined to agree with housing buttons. "Ferrule" refers to these

https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-Housing-Stops-Shift-Bosses/dp/B07LFKZWKM

It's a cable to remind you not to ride off with the !@#$ disc lock still on.

http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-340102-Disc-Lock-Reminder/dp/B0022ZN6M0

http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solvers-Cable-Doubler-Brakes/dp/B001CJVLRO


http://problemsolversbike.com/products/cable_doubler/


http://www.brakedirector.com/


http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Alloy-Mountain-Cable-Brake/dp/B000AO7H16/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1

Do i need to stick with Shimano or can I get away with a less expensive cable?
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Mountain-Bike-Shift-Cable/dp/B00510WHWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492853478&sr=8-1&keywords=shimano+mountain+bike+shift+cable

Or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013QV4KKK/ref=pd_luc_rh_spmrai?psc=1

Question 3
I think what you have is a 2x8 600 drive train. So new replacement shifters are https://smile.amazon.com/Shimano-Claris-ST-2400-Shifter-Control/dp/B014IBCWZM?sa-no-redirect=1

You could also go with barends maybe downtube shifters if there are brazeons.

I used a Shimano kit on my wife's bike and a Jagwire kit on mine - both came with boots.

Shimano:
https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-Dura-Cable-Sleeve-Black/dp/B01F1GYYU4

Jagwire:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C4NJME/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't already have one, you might consider a disc lock with an alarm. (And if you have a disc lock, don't forget the Disc Lock Reminder. Last thing you want to do is forget you have a disc lock on.)


If you already know all this, please disregard but otherwise:

Parking in Chicago has some advantages for being on a motorcycle. One is, all those Permit parking zones with the "you must have permit ### to park here"... Yea, we can ignore those and park there.

We're supposed to park 90 degrees to the curb.

Sometimes there is enough space between no parking zones, and metered parking zones that a motorcycle can fit an avoid paying for parking and not getting a ticket. Sometimes they get the ticket anyways and have to submit a picture to prove they weren't violating those areas. I've never done this, but seen plenty of examples here in Reddit.

The only little consumable I needed when building my Kilo was a brake cable tip. I guess you don't technically need one, but you are going to have to cut the brake cable to length and its proper to tip them with one of these little widgets so it doesn't fray.

I had a setup similar to yours. One day the link wire broke and I bought this set to replace it. The triangle cable carrier allows you to block the link wire in it, making it easier to adjust.

Edit: typo

The last time I went into a bike shop I paid a ridiculous amount of money for 4 feet of housing the guy cut from a big roll. The only reason I didn't walk out was because I didn't want to be a jerk. You can get 50 feet on Amazon for $17.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Lined-Brake-Cable-Housing/dp/B000AO9ZI4?th=1