Replacing gear cables on external mech?

[Al Downie]

Hiya,

There's a very helpful video showing how to replace the cables on hubs with an internal mechanism, but I'm wondering if anyone can comment on any difficulties I might come across if I try to replace them on my hub with an ExBox?

Thanks in advance,

Al

[neil_p]

Hi,

Just to add some info to your question for those who might be interested...

I emailed Thorn to ask what cables I need for the external mech, and when to change them.  Amongst other things I learnt that:

The video is here on the Rohloff website (without sound):

http://www.rohloff.de/en/download/video/workshop/external_cableguide/index.html

The best cable to use is:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Thorn-Thorn-Teflon-coated-1.1mm-gear-inner-cable-wire-2200mm-long-11803.htm

You need two of those cables, and they are better quality than those found in most bike stores.

Thorn said it is easy to do (when just replacing the inners). If you want to replace the outers then you need:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Rohloff-Rohloff-Tandem-Shifter-Cable-Set-2.5m--2-x-1.1mm-inners-+-housing-8267-16487.htm

The advice is to change every 10k miles, rather than waiting for one to snap.

So, after all that, it would appear that it is pretty easy to do. I have not yet done it myself - maybe someone who has could advise.

[Al Downie]

Thanks Neil - I set about it today and it all went according to plan (shortened the outers too), with only one hitch because I'm a doofus. I trimmed the cables and attached them to the silver wheel, and then realised that I'd forgotten to fit one of the cable-tighteners! And when I removed the cable from the wheel, the end was too distorted by the grub screw to allow re-installation. I had to trim 1/4" off the cable end, but it all still worked.

The video is very helpful, even without sound. Sorted.

Cheers,
Al

[vik]

Having installed my Rohloff the procedure isn't hard. but there are two issues you'll have to deal with....

1) you need to measure the cables fairly precisely before you cut them...not so easy in the middle of nowhere without a ruler

2) you need to cut the cables cleanly with no frayed ends....again no big deal at home with some cable cutters, but it might be challenging in the boonies with a Leatherman multi-tool.

Beyond that it's pretty straight forward.