I’m changing out my base bar, and need to move my (dura-ace bl-tt79) shifters over to the new bar. First time I’m dealing with brake install/change…
I pulled the shifters off the old bar properly. Looking at the end of the cable housing (“sleeve” - the black plastic thing the true cable runs inside) there was a small metal cap on the end of one of them. With the cap on, however, the cable does NOT fit into the cylindrical opening on the back of the shifter. It would just butt against it. I tried everything I could do to force it in there, but no dice. If I get rid of it, like the other side already was, the cable sleeves fit right into the ass of the shifter. That said, there is nothing grabbing the sleeve or keeping it in there for perpetuity… which I could imagine that sleeve doing if it were engineered right. Also - because you can’t see the cable end/meeting until you remove the shifter, there is no way to know if the old sleeves were comfortably staying in there or just floating around… not sure it matters.
SO… I put the shifter in the new bar, without that metal cap on the one, and they were slipped in nicely when I installed them, and I guess I’m just hoping they stay put (or does it even really matter). I think I’m on the right path to getting it all together, but just feel a bit uneasy about having the ‘extra piece’. It might be what’s called the ‘cable holder’ in the diagram below, though again, I only have one, and it would mean the cable couldn’t fit in the shifter hole… which seems awfully important… at least until you get the internal cable routed… Any guidance?
Just to be clear - this isn’t about the end-cap on the braided actual cable, or threading it through the plastic cable sleeve. This is a small metal cap (not crimped) that slides over the actual plastic sleeve, and how that impacts the sleeves ability to enter the cylindrical opening on the back of the shifter itself. Pictures forthcoming…
Those caps are there to help prevent dust and debris from entering the cable housing. It will probably not hurt much if you leave it off but you might have to change out the cables more often. It is usually a good idea to replace old cables every one to two years anyway. A good set of cables has a teflon like coating to protect them from rust but that will only last so long.
They are called ferrules and I believe they come in different sizes. Depending on the size of your housing, you may be able to get a smaller ferrule that will cover the housing and still fit into your RD. Every bike shop has them and they’d prob give it to you for free. If not, the typical charge is something like $0.05-0.10 each.
…and now the photos. I hadn’t looked at these since taking them last night, and I gotta say they may garner some awards. Truly outstanding photography. Enjoy this compelling photo expose’
1: The enigmatic metal cap:
2: the sleeve with the cap, with an amorous eye toward the seemingly-willing shifter aperature…
3: REJECTED AT THE HOLE!!! it’s just not gonna fit folks.
4: All right… let’s give it a shot bareback:
5: Houston… we have landing! (but there is nothing holding it in there affirmatively… but I guess that’s fine?)
I forgot to put the ferrule on my front brake cable where the cable meets the caliper, but I didn’t notice for a couple weeks. I pulled the cable to stick the ferrule in and the plasticky outer sheath had stripped back about 1/2 in and the inner housing braid was exposed and all mangled. Those ferrules protect the cable sheath from getting pulled into the hole and keeps your cable end nice and neat. Same goes for derailleur cables.
Thanks guys… I guess what I really need to know is… do you guys have those caps on and, if so, are they magically fitting into that shifter hole nicely, or does it just mean the cable sleeve ends up not going into the shifter housing at all and the metal cap just bangs up against the outside of the shifter rear?
(I managed to resist indulging in all the double entendre that was available… somehow… )
You do not need the ferrule on the end of the brake cable that goes into the brake caliper or shifter - though it’s a neater finish and the cable (depending on the shifter brand) may seat better in the shifter. But the most critical element is the cable goes all the way into the shifter and the brake caliper. You must have ferrules on both ends of your shifter cable.
I’d recommend it on the shifter, at least on road bikes. trust me on this. nothing like being in the middle of a road race when your shifter jams because the braided wires “leaked”/“sneaked” where they were not meant to be
Perullo, in this case, the “outer casing holder” is simply where the cable housing fits into the lever assembly, it is not the ferrule. As you found out, using a ferrule will prevent the housing from seating all the way. Bottom line, don’t use a ferrule on those levers. (and always use a 4mm ferrule for the shifter housing where it seats into the bar end shifter.)
if they dont, you dont need those stupid caps. they just minimize the hole where the cable exits and also helps the cable to be centered upon its exit.
the system is sealed at that portion and the brake lever centers the cable itself.
