Bike components- the small bits! #6

Doffing the cycling cap to some of the less glamorous bike components.....

#6 Disc brake pad bolt retaining clips

These provide the final level of security. The disc brake pads are often held in the calliper by a bolt which might only be tightened to very low torque. A retaining clip fits around a smaller diameter section of the bolt to prevent it from coming out if it has worked loose.

A split pin is sometimes used instead of a bolt.

Maintenance tips

Keep a spare- they can be lively little fellas when being removed!

Bike components- the small bits! #5

Doffing the cycling cap to some of the less glamorous bike components.....

#5 Outer cable ferrules

These are used on shifter and brake cables to stop the cable housing from fraying and to help to keep out moisture. They are used on the ends of each section of outer cable although not usually where it enters the lever.

They can be plastic or metal and come in sealed and unsealed varieties (some also have an extended "noodle").

Maintenance tips

This is more of an installation tip really. Make sure that the cable outer is fully inserted into the ferrule. Otherwise during use, the outer will gradually get pushed into the ferrule. This will cause slack to develop in the cable resulting in poor gear shifting or a potential loss in brake power.

Bike components- the small bits! #4

Doffing the cycling cap to some of the less glamorous bike components.....

#4 Cable barrel adjusters

These are used to alter the tension in shifter cables to ensure smooth gear changes. They are also used on brake cables to take up "slack" caused by stretched cables and worn pads.

Maintenance tips

1. Put assembly grease on threads to prevent seizing

2. A drop of lube where the cable outer inserts into the adjuster should keep adjustments smooth

3. Sometimes easier to adjust with chain on smallest sprocket as the cable tension is at its lowest in this position.