Shift housing need a refresh? Watch Park Tool talk you through replacing it

There comes a time in every bike's life when something needs refreshing. The most common parts of a bike that need replacing are, unsurprisingly, the ones involved in the drivetrain (and tyres, too), since they're subject to the highest amount of wear because they spend most of their time moving in contact with one another. But one other part of the bike involved in the shifting process will need replacing semi-frequently too, and that's the shift cables an housing. 

Unless you're running Di2, shift cables are what enable you to change gear. But they need to be encased, and that's what shift housing is. Without the housing it would be very difficult to maintain the required tension in the shift cable to actually shift the bike, but like everything the shift housing will gradually wear out over time and when it does, you'll have to replace it. 

In this video, Truman from Park Tool talks you through how to install cable housing but, just as importantly, how to size it to make sure your gears are running smoothly and seamlessly in double quick time. 

If you liked this video, then there are loads more like it on Park Tool's infinitely helpful YouTube channel. And, of course, if you're after some more tools to help you maintain your bike (or bikes) at home, then you can buy pretty much the whole Park Tool range right here on Freewheel.