Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Folders => Topic started by: Winfried on 16 March, 2018, 11:26:49 am

Title: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: Winfried on 16 March, 2018, 11:26:49 am
Hello,

I'd like to replace the derailleur cable on a six-speed 2014 Brompton.

Problem is, even a 2mm Allen key is too big:

(https://s14.postimg.org/mikrtppyp/Brompton.derailleur.shifter.cable.end.jpg)

How do you loosen the bolt and remove the cable?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 March, 2018, 11:31:45 am
I don't recall any particular difficulty when I last replaced a Brompton derailleur cable. Are you sure of the tool's size and that neither tool or bolt are deformed?

https://trade.brompton.com/Uploads/QPart/QPart-Datasheets/ds-cabdr.pdf
Title: Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: grams on 16 March, 2018, 02:04:55 pm
As in the link above, it's definitely a 2mm allen key that's required.

(you'll want a high-quality one with sharp edges to tighten it, otherwise you'll just round it out)
Title: Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: andrew_s on 16 March, 2018, 02:19:53 pm
As in the link above, it's definitely a 2mm allen key that's required.
When I read it, it says:
Quote
Slacken the small grub screw in the threaded nipple TN where the cable is anchored (1.5mm
hex key needed), and withdraw the cable

A 2mm hex key is needed for the H & L stops
Title: Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: Winfried on 16 March, 2018, 02:22:19 pm
Thanks much for the PDF.

Yes, it turns out it's a 1,5mm hex key for that part of the job:

"Slacken the small grub screw in the threaded nipple TN where the cable is anchored (1.5mm hex key needed), and withdraw the cable: take care not to lose the threaded nipple, which can drop out the moment the cable is withdrawn."

(https://s14.postimg.org/7tdput9y9/Brompton.derailleur.shifter.cable.end.hex.key.jpg)
Title: Re: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: Winfried on 16 March, 2018, 03:03:07 pm
Lo and behold, the alternative Suntour shifter (https://www.ebay.fr/itm/222637391838).

(https://s14.postimg.org/fosun18v5/Brompton.Suntour.shifter.barrel.nut.png)

Since it's originally meant to lock/unlock a telescopic fork, I don't expect it to last as long as the original, but I didn't have much space left after adding bar-ends on a P handlebar.

Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 July, 2021, 11:53:29 am
Just to update this thread a bit, the new "integrated" shifter from 2017 uses a different length cable which is fitted the other way round, with the soldered nipple at the shifter.  The dogleg and chainstay stops are also different, with a short cable already present inside the dogleg tube.  Heath Robinson would be proud - it makes the old arrangement seem simple.