10ch
welcome to TE...this is a great place to get info and talk. no hardcore advice for replacing cables except: be patient with yourself. I enjoy working on my bike(s)...I've got an old batavus bike (made in holland in the early 1970's). put racks on it like your raleigh has, fenders and am converting it to a single speed/fixed. Some stuff I got through yard saling...
I checked out your raleigh...sweet ride! don't get rid of that brooks saddle! those saddles are awesome!
it sounds like you've got a good group of friends you way to ride with.
what do you do at Duke?