Replacing the cable on your Campagnolo Athena 11s [paid link] front derailleur is a crucial maintenance task to ensure smooth shifting and optimal performance. Over time, cables can stretch, fray, or become corroded, leading to poor shifting performance or even derailleur failure. This guide provides a step-by-step process to replace the cable effectively, so you can get your Athena 11s [paid link] derailleur shifting like new again.
Tools Required
- 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- 3mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- Phillips screwdriver
- Cable cutter
- Torque wrench [paid link] (optional but recommended)
- New derailleur cable (Campagnolo compatible)
- Lubricant (light grease or cable lube)
- Chain tool (if needed for chain removal)
- A rag or towel to catch any drips
Replacing the Cable on the Athena 11s Front Derailleur
Step 1: Prepare the Bike
Start by securing your bike in a workstand to keep it stable. Shift the front derailleur to the smallest chainring and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. This position will relieve tension from the cable and allow for easier removal.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Cable
Using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link], remove the bolt that secures the derailleur cable to the Athena 11s [paid link] front derailleur. Ensure the cable is not under tension before attempting to remove it, as this can cause unnecessary stress on the cable and the derailleur. Once the cable bolt is loose, carefully slide the cable out from the derailleur.
Next, trace the cable through the housing, ensuring it is fully disconnected from both the derailleur and the shifter. If necessary, use a cable cutter to trim any frayed or damaged ends of the cable.
Step 3: Prepare the New Cable
Take your new Campagnolo-compatible derailleur cable and cut it to the appropriate length. Make sure to leave a little extra length at both ends to allow for fine-tuning adjustments. Lubricate the cable lightly with a suitable lubricant—either chain lube or a light grease. This helps reduce friction and improves the cable’s longevity.
Step 4: Install the New Cable into the Shifter
Start by feeding the new cable through the front derailleur shifter, ensuring it follows the correct path as per the shifter’s design. Make sure the cable is seated properly within the mechanism. This step is crucial for smooth shifting, so verify that the cable moves freely within the shifter housing without resistance.
Step 5: Attach the Cable to the Front Derailleur
Feed the cable through the derailleur’s cable guide and pull it through until there is a slight tension on the cable. Using your 5mm Allen wrench, secure the cable in place by tightening the bolt on the front derailleur. Be sure not to overtighten, as this can damage the cable or derailleur.
Step 6: Adjust Cable Tension
With the cable secured, adjust the cable tension using the barrel adjuster located on the front derailleur or the shifter (if applicable). You want just enough tension to ensure the derailleur moves smoothly without excessive slack. To check, shift through the gears and ensure that the derailleur moves through its entire range without hesitation or skipping.
Step 7: Fine-Tune the Front Derailleur Position
At this point, you should fine-tune the position of the front derailleur to ensure accurate shifting. Use your 3mm Allen wrench to adjust the derailleur’s position on the seat tube. Ensure the derailleur cage is parallel to the chainrings and that the derailleur can shift cleanly between both the large and small chainrings.
Step 8: Test the Shifting
Once everything is adjusted, test the shifting by running through the gears a few times while riding the bike. Ensure the chain moves smoothly between the chainrings without skipping or rubbing against the front derailleur cage. If necessary, make additional adjustments to the cable tension or front derailleur position.
Step 9: Trim the Cable End
Once you’re satisfied with the shifting, trim any excess cable using your cable cutter. Be sure to leave a small amount of cable for potential future adjustments. Install a cable end cap to prevent the cable from fraying.
Step 10: Clean and Lubricate
After completing the installation and adjustments, clean any excess lubricant off the derailleur and chain. Lubricate the chain if necessary and check for any additional issues.
Conclusion
Replacing the cable on your Campagnolo Athena 11s front derailleur is a simple but important maintenance task that will ensure smooth and reliable shifting performance. By following these detailed steps, you can replace the cable with ease, optimize your drivetrain’s function, and extend the lifespan of your derailleur. Regular maintenance and prompt cable replacement will keep your Athena 11s shifting like new for years to come.