Were brake cables thicker in the past? Brake setup problem

[garethrl]

Hi guys,
I finally got started on a long-delayed build last month, and came up against an unexpected problems when cabling the Campag brakes. I don't have the original brakes and so used modern ones from the LBS. The cable clamping assembly has a groove for the cable to run through, as you can see in this photo from Velobase:

but as a result I can tighten the pinch bolt right down until it bottom out, but without clamping the cable sufficiently. As a result, when I pull the brake lever I can pull the cable through the clamping assembly - which is not much good for braking performance!

So what's going on here? Were brake cables thicker back in the day? Or is this groove somehow to big now?

Cheers,
Gareth.

 

[Retro Spud]

Re:

I can only answer from an MTB prospective but real MTB's B.I.T.D came with 6mm outter and 2mm inner brake cable.

wouldn't surprise me if this was a passing trend on the road bikes as well

its for an MTB so the ends might not be applicable but there's still plenty out there
http://www.bikerecyclery.com/nos-oversi ... asell-etc/

 

[lewisfoto]

To answer the question first, yes cables were thicker in the 70s and 80s. But I have never had an issue with brand new cables on old brakes. Maybe you could shoot a couple of pictures of the actual set up you are attempting.

 

[raleighinternational]

Maybe Campagnolo had proprietary cables, which were thicker.
When ordering new (non genuine) cables for a rebuild was advised from supplier to get Campagnolo type cables for Nuovo Record running gear on the International.

 

[greencat]

Re: Re:

I can only answer from an MTB prospective but real MTB's B.I.T.D came with 6mm outter and 2mm inner brake cable.

wouldn't surprise me if this was a passing trend on the road bikes as well

its for an MTB so the ends might not be applicable but there's still plenty out there
http://www.bikerecyclery.com/nos-oversi ... asell-etc/

Yes, I remember it being touted as a noticeable upgrade - a bit before brake boosters IIRC.

 

[k-rod]

Re:

Hi there, I've got a couple pairs of the old 2mm thick Shimano XT brake cable inners on hand, in case you could use those (don't know if the end fittings are the same as what you need). I'll never be using them, so their available cheap (maybe $15.00 Can. a set, plus shipping)

 

[AndyMart]

Cables were thicker but I have those brakes with new cables and they work just fine, can you rotate the clamping part so there's no cutout?
Edit,
Just looked at mine, your groove appears to be bigger.