Cables and Housing:
One of the most common issues with poor shifting or braking is usually due to cable tension. The most common cause is that the cable housing has started to corrode and is not allowing the cable to pass as easily as it originally could. This corrosion can be caused by the elements (water, sand, grit) or from the cable housing breaking down and pinching the cable. The easiest fix for this is to replace the cables and housing, however, you do not want to do this too close to your race as new housing will stretch and pack in a bit. There's nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of a race and your shifting is not as smooth as you need it. Here are a few tips on when it is best to replace your cables and housing.
In-Season:
If you need to replace these at any time during the racing season try to do it about 3-4 weeks before a race so that you have time to let the cables settle in. You can always get a slight adjustment a week before your race and then your shifting will be crisp and concise on race day.
If you are inside this time period try to get as little housing replaced as possible, or ask the mechanic if there is something that can be done to get you through the race and then replace everything after the race. It's better to know what to expect on race day rather than have to deal with a potentially stressful emotion during the race.
Off-Season:
It is suggested that you should replace your cables and housing once a year to ensure that you always are getting the best performance on your bike. With time the housing will crack and separate, as well as the metal coil that makes up the interior of the housing, the exterior is a nylon sheath that covers this coil t protect it as much form the outer elements as possible. As the cables pass through the housing they will carry small amounts of moisture and debris along with it. This moisture will eventually start to corrode and break down the inner coil, or worse, rust the cable to the inner coil and fuse them together.
The easiest time to do this replacement is at the end of a season before you store your bike for the off-season. If not at the end of the season then before the outdoor season begins. Always allow one-to-two weeks of riding for the new housing to pack in.
Happy riding!
