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Adam G
Lv 4
Adam G asked in SportsCycling · 1 decade ago

Replacing my downtube shifter on a Vintage Bike?

I have a vintage 12speed bike, with down tube shifters. and I was wondering if the shifter and brake cables that are sold at Target (Bell, I think) would work for my road bike. If not, should I be looking for a specific type or brand?

3 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    if they are not indexed, they would work

    even if they are, chances are good

    wle.

  • Chef
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Yep, you'll be fine as long as you get cables that have the proper ends for your road brakes. As an alternative, cables from independent bike shops are inexpensive.

    If your cable housings are in poor condition, they'll need replacement. If they're in good shape, a shot of WD40 will clean the inside of the housings. A drop of light lube, such as Tri-Flow, can be applied to the sections of the cables where they travel through housings. Not mandatory, but it makes the cable move a bit more smoothly. Some people also like to place a dap of grease where the shifter cables travel through the cable guides at the bottom bracket.

  • 1 decade ago

    those are usually universal and will work.

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