Wheel 1 on 1

How to Build a Road Bike #13 Connect Rear Derailleur Cable

 
This is Step 13 of a multi-part series on how to build a road bike.  There is a free eBook available that gives you instant access to the following:
  1. A FREE 43 page Full Color eBook – Available in PDF and iBook Format (iPhone/iPad)
  2. 15 FREE HD Step by Step Videos
  3. 110 FREE Full Color Pictures
NOTE*  All Park Tool pictures are courtesy of Park Tool.  Thank you Park Tool!
 
To download the free eBook and videos, please visit www.flocycling.com/buildabike.php and enter your email address.
 
To see Step 1, Installing your Bottom Bracket, click here.
To see Step 2, Installing your Crankset and Pedals, click here.
To see Step 3, Installing your Fork, Stem, and Handlebar, click here.
To see Step 4, Hanging your Derailleurs, click here.
To see Step 5, Installing your Saddle, click here.
To see Step 6, Installing your Shifters, click here.
To see Step 7, Installing your Cassette and Wheels, click here.
To see Step 8, Mounting your Brakes, click here.
To see Step 9, Aligning your Rear Derailleur, click here.
To see Step 10, Cutting and Installing your Chain, click here.
To see Step 11, Installing Cables and Housing, click here.
To see Step 12, Connecting your Brake Cables, click here.
Step 13 – Connecting the Rear Derailleur Cable
 
What You Need

Tools: 
  • Torque Wrench (TW-1 or TW-5)
  • Socket and Bit Set (SBS-1)
  • Hex Set (HXS-1.2) 
  • Cutters (SP-7)
  • Pliers (NP-6)
Tools
 
Parts: 
  • Cable Tips/End Caps
Parts
 
Before You Get Started
  • Make sure you have completely unloaded your right shifter and properly aligned your rear derailleur (follow step 9 if not).
Installation

 

1.  Begin by turning the barrel adjuster clockwise all of the way to the end of its range.  Then back it off one full turn. 
 
2.  To connect the rear derailleur cable, make sure you have completed running your cable through the last piece of cable housing and the rear derailleur barrel adjuster. 
 
3.  Pass the cable over/through the cable guide (if applicable) and under the rear derailleur cable bolt (see Figure 1).  
Figure 1
 
4.  Pull the rear derailleur cable tight removing all slack and tighten the derailleur cable bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value.
 
5.  If this is a new rear derailleur cable it will more than likely stretch after shifting through your gears the first few times.  After shifting through the gears the first few times, be sure to back off the rear derailleur cable bolt and repeat the above steps.
 
6.  Once complete, cut the excess cable and attach and end cap (ferrule) (see Figure 2).
 
Figure 2
7.  You now have a properly connected rear derailleur cable. 
 
This completes connecting the rear derailleur cable.
 
 
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Jon Thornham