Making sure that you check your brake and gear cables on your mountain bike on a regular basis is very important. Worn out or dirty cables can seriously affect braking and also shifting. If they are only dirty you can clean them, but if they are worn or starting to fray then they should be replaced!
Inspecting Mountain Bike Cables
The first thing to do is take a look at the housing. Look for any kind of kinks or damage. Next take a look at the cable you can see and check for signs of fraying or damage. If you can see that either the cable or housing is damaged it really needs to be replaced.
Cleaning Cables
If grinding can be felt or heard when applying the brakes, or you are experiencing trouble shifting, it's probably time to clean the cables on your bike. First remove the housing and cable from the bike. Undo the cable clamp with an allen key and remove the cable end cap with pliers. Be careful! If the end of the cable gets frayed or misshapen it will be hard to put the cable back in. You may need a new one in that case.
Keep track of all the bits so you remember how to put it back together. Using an old rag give the cable a good wipe down. If there is a lot of dirt and grime you can use a bit of de-greaser. Once that's done, check the cable stops because they can really hold in the dirt. Squirt some light lubricant in the housing to clean out the grime.
Lubricating Cables
After you have completely cleaned the cable you should re-lubricate it. Make sure to avoid using heavy-duty chain lubricants as these can clog things up quickly. Use a dry, wax based lubricant and an old rag to rub it into the cable until it's smooth.
After putting everything back together be sure to apply the brakes and shift up and down through the gears to make sure everything is working well.
For more information on Mountain Bikes and all the Mountain Biking Accessories you need, visit http://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk.
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