Originally Posted by Doug64

I broke a rear derailleur cable last winter while riding up a short , steep hill on the way home from the gym. Changing the cable was a only little bit more of a challenge than getting up the small section of 9-10% near the top. I had to walk it I also replaced it in a well equipped shop, but believe I could have done the job with the tools I carry on tours. I did find out that it isn't too hard if you remove a few parts. I used my "parking brake" velcro strap to hold the top of the brake lever where I could get at it, removed the face plate, and the black plastic covering which exposed the the working parts. I used a pair of needle nosed pliers, and a small awl to work the wrapped cable out. I've added a large paper clip to my tour tool box to act as a pick if needed. I've always carried spare brake and derailleur cables. My Leatherman type multi-tool has neeedle nose pliers, and a small phillips screw driver should be all that is needed. It also made it easy to clean the sand resulting from a crash out of the shifter.