This falls under the “no detail is too small” umbrella. Almost every bike out there has a pair of derailleur cable adjusters and very little thought is given to them. Most are aluminum because the raw material is dirt cheap and the cost to machine them is also very low. This would seem to be a good thing but I just can’t stand aluminum adjusters. They can look OK I suppose but they leave more than a little bit to be desired in regards to function.
Most people will use the adjuster when the bike is first built up and then not spin them for a good long time. This can be a real problem with aluminum adjusters as they tend to corrode and freeze themselves in place. They can’t do you much good if if you can’t spin them. You can of course grab some pliers and give them a twist but you stand a very good chance of breaking them off and leaving part of the adjuster stuck in the frame. Removing a broken off adjuster is very low on my list of fun things to do.
Aluminum adjusters are also prone to breaking off if something hits them from the side which then leaves you trying to figure out a way to get the remaining piece out of the frame so it can be replaced.
These are a few of the reasons I have special adjusters made for me from the high tech, wonder-material brass. Brass is fantastic because it won’t corrode and get stuck in the frame and it’s also soft enough to that should you have an accident and hit them hard enough they will just bend and not break off. Should this happen, all you need to do is slip the cable out and spin the bent adjust out and spin a new one in. No damage to the frame and nothing needs to be drilled out. A beautiful thing in my opinion. That and they look really cool.
Every Kirk frame comes equipped with the brass adjusters and I always have them in stock should you need some. They will fit most brands of frames out there and if you want to upgrade you can click and buy a pair from the website.
Like I said, no detail too small.
Thanks for reading.
Dave
