Replacing the derailleur cables on your Campagnolo Super Record 12-speed rear derailleur is essential for smooth and precise shifting. Over time, cables can stretch, fray, or accumulate dirt, which negatively affects the performance of your bike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing the derailleur cables, as well as troubleshooting common issues and ensuring your bike is in optimal condition.

Tools Required

• 5mm Allen wrench
• Cable cutters
• 3mm Allen wrench
• Torque wrench
• Chain checker tool (optional)
• Lubricant (for cable housing)
• New derailleur cables and housing (Campagnolo compatible)
• A clean cloth

Preparation for Cable Replacement

Before beginning the replacement, ensure your bike is positioned securely on a work stand. A stable platform will make the job easier and safer. If you haven’t already, shift your bike into the smallest cog and chainring. This will relieve tension on the derailleur cables, making it easier to remove and replace them.

Step 1: Removing the Old Cables

1. Loosen the Rear Derailleur Anchor Bolt:
   Using a 5mm Allen wrench, loosen the anchor bolt securing the derailleur cable to the derailleur. Carefully remove the cable from the derailleur.
2. Remove the Shift Cable from the Handlebar Lever:
   Move to the handlebar and, using a 3mm Allen wrench, remove the shift lever’s clamp bolt. This allows you to free the cable from the shift lever. Pull the cable from the shifter and through the housing.
3. Remove the Cable Housing:
   Once the cable is detached from the derailleur and shifter, remove the cable housing from the frame. Pay attention to any bends or damage in the housing, as you may need to replace it if it’s worn out.

Step 2: Installing the New Cables

1. Prepare the New Cable and Housing:
   Cut your new derailleur cable to the required length. The cable should be long enough to reach from the shifter to the derailleur with a little extra slack. Next, install new housing along the cable path. Ensure that the housing is routed cleanly, without sharp bends that could impede smooth shifting.
2. Lubricate the Cable:
   Lubricate the new derailleur cable lightly to reduce friction and enhance performance. Be sure to apply lubricant only to the sections that will contact the housing.
3. Install the New Cable into the Shifter:
   Begin by threading the new cable into the handlebar shift lever. Make sure it’s inserted correctly and tightened at the clamp point to prevent slippage.
4. Thread the Cable through the Housing:
   Once the cable is secured at the shift lever, thread the cable through the housing towards the rear derailleur. Ensure that the cable runs smoothly through each section of the housing, avoiding any sharp bends.
5. Attach the Cable to the Rear Derailleur:
   With the cable fully threaded through the housing, insert it into the derailleur’s cable anchor bolt. Tighten the anchor bolt with a 5mm Allen wrench until the cable is securely attached.

Step 3: Adjusting the Tension

1. Initial Tension Adjustment:
   With the cable anchored at the derailleur, use the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur to set initial tension. Turn the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the cable tension, starting with a few turns clockwise.
2. Test Shifting Performance:
   Shift through all the gears using the shifter and observe the derailleur’s movement. The derailleur should shift smoothly across the cogset, without skipping or hesitation. If any gears are not shifting properly, adjust the tension further by turning the barrel adjuster in small increments.
3. Fine-Tuning Shifting:
   After testing the shifting performance, make fine adjustments to the tension if needed. Ensure that the derailleur moves smoothly from the largest to the smallest cog and vice versa. Fine-tune the tension to eliminate any lag or over-shifting.

Step 4: Final Checks and Cable Securing

1. Secure the Cable:
   Once the shifting is smooth, make sure the cable is properly secured at both ends, especially at the derailleur anchor bolt. Tighten the anchor bolt using a 5mm Allen wrench, making sure the cable does not slip under load.
2. Recheck Shifting:
   Shift through the gears one more time to confirm that the bike is performing as expected. If needed, fine-tune the adjustments once more. Afterward, trim any excess cable with your cable cutters, leaving just a small amount beyond the anchor bolt.
3. Torque Specifications:
   Using a torque wrench, check and tighten the rear derailleur anchor bolt to the recommended torque specification (typically between 6-8 Nm for Campagnolo components). This ensures that the bolt is properly tightened without over-stressing the frame or derailleur.

Troubleshooting Common Set-up Issues

1. Skipping Gears or Poor Shifting Performance:
   If your gears are skipping or shifting poorly after the cable replacement, check the cable tension. Improper tension can cause the derailleur to fail to align with the cogs correctly. Adjust the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the tension.
2. Sticky Shifting or Grinding Noises:
   Sticky shifting may indicate that the cable or housing is not properly lubricated, or the housing is kinked. Check the cable for any damage or fraying, and ensure that the housing runs smoothly along its entire path.
3. Shifting between Cogs is Sluggish:
   This may be caused by cable drag. Inspect the cable housing for tight bends or debris. Ensure that the housing is free of dirt, and re-lubricate the cable if necessary.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

1. Cable Housing Upgrade:
   If you’re looking for a smoother shifting experience, consider upgrading to higher-end cable housing such as Campagnolo’s own, or those with low friction properties like lined polymer or compressed plastic housing. These options can provide a slight but noticeable improvement in performance.
2. Use of Ceramic Bearings or Pulley Wheels:
   Upgrading your derailleur pulleys to ceramic bearings can help reduce friction and improve overall shifting speed. Ceramic bearings are lightweight and efficient, ideal for high-performance setups.
3. Fine-Tuning Front Derailleur:
   Optimizing the rear derailleur often involves ensuring compatibility and alignment with the front derailleur. Adjusting both the front and rear shifting systems can create a harmonious shifting experience across the entire drivetrain.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Super Record 12-speed rear derailleur is designed for Campagnolo’s 12-speed drivetrain, and it’s important to ensure compatibility with your other components, such as the shifters and cassette. The derailleur will work seamlessly with Campagnolo’s 12-speed cassettes, chain, and front derailleur. Using components from different manufacturers or mismatched generations may lead to poor shifting performance or incompatibility issues. Always ensure that all components in your drivetrain are designed for the same speed and model year for optimal function.

Conclusion

Replacing the derailleur cables on your Campagnolo Super Record 12-speed rear derailleur is an essential maintenance task that ensures smooth and efficient shifting performance. By following these steps carefully, you can replace your derailleur cables yourself, avoiding costly bike shop visits while enhancing your bike’s performance. Regular maintenance and cable replacement will prolong the life of your drivetrain and keep your bike shifting like new.