Tensioning mech cables

[Steve vRS]

I am trying to re cable my front mech and failing to get enough tension in the cable. Is there a trick or knack to this?

Steve

[JEA1K]

Steve vRS said:

I am trying to re cable my front mech and failing to get enough tension in the cable. Is there a trick or knack to this?

Steve

Perseverance is the key! I tend to use a pair of needle nosed pliers and pull as much through as possible and then tighten the nut so it grips the cable but not enough to totally prevent from sliding through. I then pull the cable again so its slides through and the cable is under tension and just starting to move the mech but then tighten the nut with the allen key so the cable cannot slide. A 3rd hand would come in useful!

[WinstonWolf]

Shouldn't even need pliers, loosen the adjusters off, put the shifter in the position with the most slack and loose fit the cable so the pinch bolt just holds. Move the mech in by hand, slacken and tighten the pinch bolt and micro adjust with the thumb wheels.

[Abagnale]

^^^That. It's a misconception that the cables need tensioning to work. Finger tight on the longest setting of the mech changer & then use the adjusters to tune it in.

[JEA1K]

I always leave the micro adjusters to their lowest/inner most position as when the cable gives as its used, it will have plenty of adjustment left.

[Steve vRS]

Turns out it's not a cable or mech problem, the crank has moved due to the non drive side pedal working loose. Bugger.

[gazza285]

Better get it fixed before Sunday.