Internal Cable Routing Tools

Bike manufacturers use internal cable routing because of its durability, reliability and aesthetic appearance. Riders should replace the cable once a year, however, as they develop rust and experience constant stretching. The cables' condition directly determines how efficient the bike will shift from gear to gear; using them when stretched or rusted will cause breakage.

  1. Cable Cutters & Rotary Tool

    • A $35 pair of cable cutters or pliers with both a crimping end and a scissor-like end help you cut a bike's cable housing when removing the old metal cable router. Use the crimping side to set the cable into place after feeding the new cable through the linkage -- a series of connection joints that form a closed chain. Each chain link has two joints with spaces between them that allow the links to change degrees as the chain rotates. The mechanical linkages in bicycles produce a motion and create velocity and acceleration to what would be an otherwise immobile object.

      An electric rotary tool, which costs about $40 to $60 at most hardware stores, also will cut through cable. While more expensive than cable cutters, such tools save time and manpower, as they work smoothly and effectively.

    Hex Key

    • A hex tool -- also referred to as a hex key -- costs about $60, and loosens the bolt holding the shifting cable on the front derailleur, also known as the bicycle chain. A hex key's hexagonal cross-section sockets drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in their heads. The chain contains many bicycle linkage mechanisms, and should be cleaned periodically with kerosene or gasoline.

    Grease

    • Grease lubricates the cable linkage before it's placed back into the housing compartment. Any type of traditional lubricant will work when performing this type of maintenance on a bike.