Make brake cables?

[jimFPU]

Any way to do that from raw cable? Where would one find the ends, and the tool to crimp them on? Or is it just better to buy tandem cables?

[GregLWB]

Any way to do that from raw cable? Where would one find the ends, and the tool to crimp them on? Or is it just better to buy tandem cables?

My personal opinion is that cables, especially brake cables you are better off getting new. If you can have a run with no splices there is less chance of something coming apart at the wrong time. Of course I have built my bikes for commuting and I ride in traffic alot, so I may be overly safety conscious. YMMV. And yes if you buy new cables you will need tandem cables for a bike as long as yours.:)

I think that I remember Brad also saying that that is the one thing he always buys new and doesn't reuse old cables.

Greg

[dynodon]

Can you shorten cables? I bought two tandem derailer cables becouse Nashbar is out of brake cables.

[savarin]

Can you shorten cables? I bought two tandem derailer cables becouse Nashbar is out of brake cables.

Yes, check out your LBS for the ferrules that go on the end of the outer cable.
Cut the outer cable to size with a thin blade in the angle grinder.
Be carefull with the plastic outer coat so it doesnt fray.
Make sure the hole is clean with no flash from the cutting left behind.
Slide the ferrules onto the cable and place in position.
The inner cable can be cut with pliers, side cutters etc.
Be careful not to fray the cable.
Its difficult cleaning the inner cable sufficiently well to take solder but worth doing if possible.

[jgmahoney]

check out niagaracycles, they have bulk cables and housings, that you can cut to the lengths you need.