XTR cables with SRAM?

scale20
scale20 Posts: 1,300
edited April 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi,

I have looked round for a post rlating to my question but none to be found!

I know you can't mix and match Shimano shifters ansd SRAM derailleur's and vice versa but my question is, I want to upgrade my gear cables to a better quality XTR set. Are the Shimano Cables compatible with SRAM mechs and shifters??

If not, are there any 'top of the range' SRAM I can get??

Thanks. :)
Niner Air 9 Rigid
Whyte 129S 29er.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    they can be used with no problems.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • scale20
    scale20 Posts: 1,300
    Thanks nick.
    Niner Air 9 Rigid
    Whyte 129S 29er.
  • Vegeeta
    Vegeeta Posts: 6,411
    Shimano make 2 different types of XTR level outer cable. SP41 and SP51 (4mm and 5mm outer diameter respectively). As far as I'm aware, the only difference here is the strength/stiffness to weight ratio as there's nothing specifically written anywhere that I can find.
    Shimano do, however only make their XTR inners in 1.2mm. But they are great because they're die extruded after production to make them uber smooth.

    A quick browse of the installation manual for X5/X7/X9/X0 shifters and derailleurs will accept both 4 and 5mm outer (provided the end cap is less than 5.8mm.
    Given that I'd suggest getting the 5mm cable just because I reckon SP51 ferrules might be a tight fit!

    Also, if you run full outers or have a full suspension bike that uses more than the usual amount of outer, condider getting the 10m box of outer rather than the kit because the kit is pre-cut and won't be long enough.

    Oh... and don't bother with Sram Pit Stop cables, we found they;re prone to splitting!
    Rule 64:

    Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • scale20
    scale20 Posts: 1,300
    Ta vegeeta,

    I fancy the idea of getting a 10m roll of outer, handy to have on the shelf. You know where I can get one? or is it a case of asking my lbs to order one in for me, you know a rough price on a roll? Can I buy the Inner cables separate too? Ive never thought of going round it like this, just bought the kits in the past.
    Niner Air 9 Rigid
    Whyte 129S 29er.
  • Vegeeta
    Vegeeta Posts: 6,411
    I vaguely remember the retail price for a 10 meter box being £20 and supposedly it comes with ferrules too although my new box arrived today without and I'm currently disputing that with Madison.
    Otherwise the ferrules are in boxes of 100 but I can't remember how much they cost. But then XTR/SP41 end caps are good because they're O-ring sealed.

    Inners are only availiable seperatly for XTR priced £4.99 each.
    Rule 64:

    Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • Vegeeta
    Vegeeta Posts: 6,411
    Oh, and yeah the best place to get it all is your local bike shop.
    Rule 64:

    Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • scale20
    scale20 Posts: 1,300
    Thanks for the info,

    I will pester my lbs at the weekend!! :lol:
    Niner Air 9 Rigid
    Whyte 129S 29er.

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