Need New Shifter Cables
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Need New Shifter Cables
My levers are 1970's-era Campagnolo Nuovo Record.
Which shifter cables will fit (the barrel end)?
Who makes good cables these days?
Which shifter cables will fit (the barrel end)?
Who makes good cables these days?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,927
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1078 Post(s)
Liked 1,801 Times
in
655 Posts
honestly, there are issues with newer derailleur cables.
With today's technology, they are both thinner, stronger and less resistance.
The problem with that, is our vintage stuff was designed to take thicker cables with less "slick"
I go to the local co-op and grab from the bin. sometimes its $1, sometimes they say, "get outta here"
Bring a lever with you, but most cables come with two ends and you cut off the wrong one for your bike.
With today's technology, they are both thinner, stronger and less resistance.
The problem with that, is our vintage stuff was designed to take thicker cables with less "slick"
I go to the local co-op and grab from the bin. sometimes its $1, sometimes they say, "get outta here"
Bring a lever with you, but most cables come with two ends and you cut off the wrong one for your bike.
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 2,421
Bikes: Drysdale/Gitane/Zeus/Masi/Falcon/Palo Alto/Raleigh/Legnano
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 971 Post(s)
Liked 624 Times
in
399 Posts
I dunno; last time I needed a Huret-style end cable, at the LBS they rummaged around and "this is the last one". This won't impact the OP, as Campy/Shimano/Suntour end is prevalent.
__________________
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
So, the modern barrel ends do fit the old Campagnolo shifters. That's good to know because I was planning to order online but don't want to by incompatible parts.
The shifter cables I have do seem very thin. Several strands actually wore through or broke somehow and I am probably headed towards a broken cable (bad). I want to replace them before that happens.
We don't have any co-ops around here. We barely have any bike shops that aren't sales outlets for ebikes and beach cruisers. Performance is long gone. Bikecology is gone, Ted Ernst is long since gone,... The last brake pads I bought came from Europe (England, IIRC).
The shifter cables I have do seem very thin. Several strands actually wore through or broke somehow and I am probably headed towards a broken cable (bad). I want to replace them before that happens.
We don't have any co-ops around here. We barely have any bike shops that aren't sales outlets for ebikes and beach cruisers. Performance is long gone. Bikecology is gone, Ted Ernst is long since gone,... The last brake pads I bought came from Europe (England, IIRC).
#5
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,772
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2433 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,956 Posts
So, the modern barrel ends do fit the old Campagnolo shifters. That's good to know because I was planning to order online but don't want to by incompatible parts.
The shifter cables I have do seem very thin. Several strands actually wore through or broke somehow and I am probably headed towards a broken cable (bad). I want to replace them before that happens.
We don't have any co-ops around here. We barely have any bike shops that aren't sales outlets for ebikes and beach cruisers. Performance is long gone. Bikecology is gone, Ted Ernst is long since gone,... The last brake pads I bought came from Europe (England, IIRC).
The shifter cables I have do seem very thin. Several strands actually wore through or broke somehow and I am probably headed towards a broken cable (bad). I want to replace them before that happens.
We don't have any co-ops around here. We barely have any bike shops that aren't sales outlets for ebikes and beach cruisers. Performance is long gone. Bikecology is gone, Ted Ernst is long since gone,... The last brake pads I bought came from Europe (England, IIRC).
https://www.amazon.com/JAGWIRE-Slick...%2C177&sr=8-12
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
I'm looking forward to trying the Alligator 31 strand cables. They look to be of very high quality.
Likes For smd4:
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My shift cables are not inside a housing.
Does anyone know what wire diameter to look for and what to avoid as too thin?
Last edited by Bad Lag; 11-09-22 at 11:04 AM.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Stillwater, OK
Posts: 7,827
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1872 Post(s)
Liked 692 Times
in
468 Posts
I think we're over complicating things here. Campy shifters of that era used a slightly smaller barrel end on the cable. If you just buy a regular cable these days it'll likely have the larger Shimano barrel size, and then you have to file it. Look for Campy compatible cables and you'll be fine.
An example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/22391471451...3ABFBMpuP11Yth
An example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/22391471451...3ABFBMpuP11Yth
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
Likes For shoota:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1607 Post(s)
Liked 2,213 Times
in
1,103 Posts
I believe the shift cables today are 4 mm vs C&V at 5. Smaller housing too.
RD still requires a housing to get from the CS to the RD
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
I get that. And if you need to have the name brand, you just have to pony up. But the OP seems like he's looking for any cable that'll work. And there are many that are a lot cheaper than $30 for a single cable.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1607 Post(s)
Liked 2,213 Times
in
1,103 Posts
I would not pay $30 for a single cable regardless. My $s were for brake and shift cables with housings and ferrules'.
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
Oh, right, that makes sense. The OP says he doesn’t want to pay $30 for a single downtube shift cable, which seems to be out of the realm of reality—even including a foot or so of housing.
#15
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,601
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3869 Post(s)
Liked 6,454 Times
in
3,192 Posts
The shift cables I buy for my vintage Campy are $1/ea on eBay (shipped with tax).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17536390288...Bk9SR6D1uNeLYQ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17536390288...Bk9SR6D1uNeLYQ
Likes For SurferRosa:
#16
Just Pedaling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: US West Coast
Posts: 998
Bikes: YEP!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 328 Post(s)
Liked 516 Times
in
343 Posts
I'm not familiar with Campy gear, but I thought barrels were for MTB brake cables.
Note-I too buy in bulk from China and average a buck a cable for stainless- both shifter and brake. I get my housings in 3 meter lengths for around 5 bucks.
Note-I too buy in bulk from China and average a buck a cable for stainless- both shifter and brake. I get my housings in 3 meter lengths for around 5 bucks.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
Is there an accepted term for the bit of pot metal at the end of a shift or brake cable? I've never heard of "barrels." Lugs, maybe?
#18
Just Pedaling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: US West Coast
Posts: 998
Bikes: YEP!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 328 Post(s)
Liked 516 Times
in
343 Posts
I can't get the image to load w/pics and names of all the different ends. Campy's are slightly different though from Shimano
Last edited by SpedFast; 11-09-22 at 11:51 AM.
#19
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,601
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3869 Post(s)
Liked 6,454 Times
in
3,192 Posts
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392825985680
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,754
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3490 Post(s)
Liked 2,909 Times
in
1,766 Posts
Likes For smd4:
#21
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,777
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3582 Post(s)
Liked 3,394 Times
in
1,928 Posts
FWIW, I've converted standard "in-line barrel" cable ends to functional Huret disc-type cable ends by squeezing the barrel in a vise until it fits into the slot on the Huret shifter. Often, a little touch-up with a file is needed to get the proper fit. It seldom takes more than a couple of minutes altogether to modify the cable end.
Likes For JohnDThompson:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,989
Bikes: ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, ‘79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
Mentioned: 166 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
256 Posts
From my favorite source. Note the Campagnolo-specific shift cables in two lengths - $13 for 2.3m, $18 for $3.1m, plenty in stock:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=4385
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=4385
#23
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,772
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2433 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,956 Posts
From my favorite source. Note the Campagnolo-specific shift cables in two lengths - $13 for 2.3m, $18 for $3.1m, plenty in stock:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=4385
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=4385
For very old shifters you have to file a bit of the barrel even with Campy ones...I think.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
#24
Just Pedaling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: US West Coast
Posts: 998
Bikes: YEP!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 328 Post(s)
Liked 516 Times
in
343 Posts
Yesterday, I couldn't find brake cables that cheap on eBay. Got a link? I needed a couple and just bought a Shimano kit with housing for $10.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392825985680
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392825985680
#25
mycocyclist
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Monkey Junction, Wilmington, NC
Posts: 1,230
Bikes: 1964 Schwinn Paramount P-13 DeLuxe, 1964 Schwinn Sport Super Sport, 1972 Falcon San Remo, 1974 Maserati MT-1, 1974 Raleigh International, 1984 Lotus Odyssey, 198? Rossin Ghibli, 1990 LeMond Le Vanquer (sic), 1991 Specialized Allez Transition Pro, +
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 909 Post(s)
Liked 811 Times
in
448 Posts
Likes For machinist42: