Post by micawber on May 10, 2009 18:41:55 GMT 1
Hello again.
Here is an example of how routine maintenance can unearth unexpected problems. The other day I went to adjust my clutch cable which is one of those straightforward things that you do as a matter of course. The handlebar adjuster was already fully wound out so I screwed it right in and adjusted the cable at the bottom to give the handlebar adjuster a fresh start. When I looked at the bottom end of the cable I found a frayed strand just visible outside the casing. It worked fine, showed no sign of stiffness or failure but as I had a spare one I decided to change it anyway.
This is what I found when I took the cable off.
This is what I found when I pulled the cable through!
It was hanging on by one last strand.
Usually you get some warning -stiffness, stickiness, or noises when operating the cable, but in this case -nothing! It could have given way at some inconvenient moment such as when manoevering, or about to pull out into traffic.
Despite all the precautions discussed in the Bikesafe thread re other road users, here is another hazard to think about and be prepared for, especially with a used bike of which you don't know the history.
I've had this bike about a year, and who knows, that might be the original 16 year old cable. Or is there a Clutch Cable Issue known to long term NTV -ers?
The bottom end is certainly in a difficult place, exposed to the heat of the nearby downpipe and probably where the rainwater drains to when left outside. The fact that the spare cable came with it might suggest that the previous owner had had a problem, or was he just an organised chap who kept one handy?
Anyway, disaster averted, and just another thing to keep an eye on.
Happy riding!
Micawber.
Here is an example of how routine maintenance can unearth unexpected problems. The other day I went to adjust my clutch cable which is one of those straightforward things that you do as a matter of course. The handlebar adjuster was already fully wound out so I screwed it right in and adjusted the cable at the bottom to give the handlebar adjuster a fresh start. When I looked at the bottom end of the cable I found a frayed strand just visible outside the casing. It worked fine, showed no sign of stiffness or failure but as I had a spare one I decided to change it anyway.
This is what I found when I took the cable off.
This is what I found when I pulled the cable through!
It was hanging on by one last strand.
Usually you get some warning -stiffness, stickiness, or noises when operating the cable, but in this case -nothing! It could have given way at some inconvenient moment such as when manoevering, or about to pull out into traffic.
Despite all the precautions discussed in the Bikesafe thread re other road users, here is another hazard to think about and be prepared for, especially with a used bike of which you don't know the history.
I've had this bike about a year, and who knows, that might be the original 16 year old cable. Or is there a Clutch Cable Issue known to long term NTV -ers?
The bottom end is certainly in a difficult place, exposed to the heat of the nearby downpipe and probably where the rainwater drains to when left outside. The fact that the spare cable came with it might suggest that the previous owner had had a problem, or was he just an organised chap who kept one handy?
Anyway, disaster averted, and just another thing to keep an eye on.
Happy riding!
Micawber.
Luckily I still had the car then so jump in the car and got to work on time. 
