Old vs New shifter cable stop standards

[Drew Saunders]

I vaguely remember someone mentioning that some new shifter cables had ends that were too large for some older shift levers. I forgot what the consensus was, and didn't think too much, until I tried installing my left only Mavic 821 downtube shifter to replace a silver bar-end for the front (I'll still use the Silver for the rear), and discovered:

Oops! I suppose I could buy a new cable and hope that one end has a smaller diameter stop, or hunt for old shifter compatible cables, or figure out what size drill bit would bore it out to work. Hint, it's 11/64":

The last photo isn't too great, but the shift lever now works with all cables, and only the tiniest bit of metal was removed. Of course, unless the cable breaks, I may never remove it, so I'm set for a very long time.

It does work pretty well, too. Since I can't do any rides this weekend (work stuff), I'll test it out later and take it for a real ride.

The reasoning? With my 26-42, 11-28 11-speed friction setup, I only use the FD if I have a big hill to climb, so can go weeks without using it, and my left leg swings out more than my right, so I have bumped the left bar-end shifter with my knee a few times, so I decided to be a little different and mix bar-end with downtube shifters. 

11/64" is 4.37mm, so I'm guessing the old standard was maybe 4mm or so, and the new standard is 4.25mm? 

Drew

[Greg J]

Good work, Drew.  The Simplex-Mavic retrofriction shifters use the small diameter cable ends, which are the Campy- compatible cables.  But your solution is better!  No more stocking up on Campy cables!

Greg/Oakland