Replacing Bike Brake Line

[oldmannickels]

This forum has inspired me to try to do this myself instead of taking it to the bike shop.

My brake line broke and I need to replace it. I really don't have any idea where to start and I use this bicycle for commuting. It's my front brake so I've just been using my back brake for now, but it's not ideal or very safe.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

(A side note one bike shop told me I have a bent fork and I should trash the bike. I took it for a second opinion at a specialty bike shop and they said it would be fine because its an old steel bicycle. Any thoughts on this too? At this point should I just pony up for a new bike?)

[vhalros]

I would not recommend riding around with out a front break. The rear brake will take about twice as long to stop the bike, and you lack a back-up break if something goes wrong.

Any way, it is pretty easy to replace a break cable. Here is the first youtube video I found that appeared useful: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+replace+bicycle+brake+cable&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=36D82198D8B8F41DD47736D82198D8B8F41DD477

The cable it self costs perhaps $5. The kind for drop bars (on road bikes) is slightly different than the one used for hybrids, so you should make sure to get the right kind (your local bike shop can help you). You may also need to replace the cable housing.  Also be aware that you may need to adjust the tension on the breaks a little as the cable breaks in.

Not sure about the fork. To be cautious I would either replace the fork or the whole bike, because if it does break you are screwed. It might be possible to realign it if it is steel, but that if the bike is cheap that is probably not worth it (I don't think this is something you can DIY, it requires some precision).

[Russ]

(A side note one bike shop told me I have a bent fork and I should trash the bike. I took it for a second opinion at a specialty bike shop and they said it would be fine because its an old steel bicycle. Any thoughts on this too? At this point should I just pony up for a new bike?)

No fuck that, fork/stem/handlebars/fr. wheel are the things that will kill you if they break. You don't have to get a whole new bike, but get a fork that's in good shape. You should be able to get something brand new for $60 or so, or a used one in good shape for considerably less than that. What was the second shop you went to? I'd never go back.

[GuitarStv]

Replacing a brake cable is pretty straight forward to do, and cables are cheap.  There are plenty of videos online that will show you how, but if you're unsure I'd ask a guy at a bike shop to do it and show you how it's done.  It shouldn't take more than ten minutes, you'll learn a new skill, and I'd be surprised if they charged more than 20$ all in.

I agree with Russ regarding the front fork.  Imagine you're going down a steep hill at speed.  Now imagine your front fork giving out on you.  It's not a pretty picture is it?

[Jack]

Front forks are replaceable too, but unless it's a fancy, special bike it's not worth it.

I suggest removing the fork and throwing it out, then donating the rest to a bike co-op for use as spare parts. (Don't just get rid of the whole bike because then somebody might try to keep using the fork.)

[Thegoblinchief]

Is the fork bent? Yes/no

It should be easy to see if it is.

If the fork is good, replacing the brake line is easy, but it's worth going to a shop if you're unsure which specific cable you need.

If the fork is bad, then it becomes trickier based on how valuable the bike is, how much you like it, etc. But if you like it, a bike co-op can be a cheap/free source of a replacement fork.

[oldmannickels]

Based on this info I think I'm just going to replace the bike with a used one from craigslist. I think I can get $75 for the parts (cool internal 3-speed gear). So spending $65 on a fork and brakelines would be about the same as getting a whole new for me bike.

[capital]

Extensive repairs often aren't worth it on a cheap bike. Do note that you may well want to replace your brake cables and tires on a $75 bike, as they're often quite deteriorated after having sat for many years.

[Armer Student]

If your current bike fits you well (ergonomically), keep it.

If its fork is made of steel, please post a picture of the 'damage'. Most likely it will not fail, but you should probably get a replacement.

Replace the brake cable yourself. It's a new item on your list of DIYables. ;-)

For replacing the cable you need:
- cable shears (15...50$)
- bowden cable (2$)
- outer brake cable (2$)
- small cap for the bowden cable's end (or soldering iron) (free, if asked for nicely at the bike shop)