Streeeetch That Cable
November 7th, 2007 by Arleigh JenkinsIt is a myth that cables stretch. At least the metal ones that are woven together by a machine (I’m not sure about the new nylon type ones.) The term “cable stretch” actually is the housing seating in either the ferrules on the end of the housing or in the cable stops.
To prestretch I grab the cable either on the top tube or down tube depending how it’s routed and pull straight down or up. Apply a good amount of force but body weight isn’t required. Make sure your cable is tight before you do this.
This post is part of my on going build up and review of the ‘08 Trek Fuel EX 5.5. Check it out.
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A lot of the “stretch” associated with brakes is actually the pads (disc or rim) wearing down. Has anyone actually measured the exact length of a brake or shift cable prior to installation and then measuring again after several months of use? Might be a good experiment / reference.
Good point!!
I know that when installing new mechanicals there is a seating period, normally a ride. From my experience you normally get all your “stretch” with in the first couple good rides.
Fatigue is not a myth…
i thought this was about derailleur cables… whos still uses mechs? u can get hydros for like the same price. i always find myself having to readjust my cables about a week or 2 after installing them
Michael, it was originally about derailleurs, but brakes were brought into the topic.
And I love mechanicals!!!
Yeah, I’m not so concerned about the price of hydros… it’s the ease of installation and maintenance which is 10x better in mechanicals.
Not many folks feel comfortable bleeding or replacing hose on hydro’s….
I’m a fan of either, I think it depends how your riding, where and what level of maintenance you are willing to do yourself.
I’ve seen top level riders pulled from 100 milers because they crash and their hydros go bust, but if that was a mechanical you could of replaced the cable and kept going. Is it worth it to you?
I love the feel of hydros, but I’m mechanic that thinks of the worst case scenario.
I’m with Tim on mechanicals. There’s some mechanicals that stop you good for not much cash. So why not? And yeah, if one cable blows on you, it’s quicker to get a mech. cable replaced or just a kludge to get you back.
It depends on which side of the pond you are from. Folks is the UK love their hydros. Folks in the States are fine with mechanicals. I love my Avid mechanicals. I love my Avid hydros. I love my Shimano hydros. But I really love my Avid road mechanicals with drop bar levers.
I think both have their ups and downs. I’ve both ran and bled hydro’s. They work.. I’ve also ran Avid’s ball bearing mechanicals and was greatly impressed. I still currently own both (on different bikes). When the hydro’s go out, I’ll be getting another set of Avid’s. They are amazingly adjustable (even on the trail, without tools. You can even adjust the pads distance from the rotor just with your fingers!!). For those of you who think that mechanicals don’t work, or get jammed, I’m guessing either, a.) you haven’t used them, or b.) you have only used crappy Walmart brand… Any name brand product will give good results, of course some more than others. ( I spend most of my time doing XC, DH or Freeriding, so this is from that point of view).
A Shimano tech at Interbike said that “stretch” was actually the cable cutting a grove into the housing.
I wish I’d taken pictures…
Cables DO stretch.
More specifically, they unwind a small amount.
i beg to differ on the installation issue. hydros will auto adjust which is why they are a necessity in aggressive riding. mechs need to be adjusted every few weeks where as hydros need to be bled only on rare occasion. finally, on the issue of bleeding, avid makes a great bleed kit that uses a syringe, quick and painless. i’ve used it on my hayes too, it seemed to work well enough
i’ve also seen downhillers boil their brakes and then place!
who needs brakes?
Stretch is not a myth, it’s measurable.
i remember hearing some import tire guys at interbike trying to tell someone pinchflatting was a myth.
They happen…