Which gear cables? Gore? Just any old cables?

Northwind
Northwind Posts: 14,675
edited December 2008 in MTB buying advice
I'm just about to transfer all the kit from my old bike to a new frame, and it's an ideal time to replace the cables... But there's so many! I don't mind paying a little over the odds for a really good option, but equally I don't object to buying cheapies and replacing them more often, I'm just not sure where the balance point is of cost v value... I don't mind maintenance but the bike does see some filth, so I can see that sealing could be good. Any recommendations?

(I'm not sure if it's relevant but for now it's X5 kit on a Scandal frame, but that'll all slowly upgrade over the next year, hopefully to X9 shifters and... Something else at the other end)
Uncompromising extremist

Comments

  • triop
    triop Posts: 49
    Get a set of xtr cables, it has been the best upgrade ive made at the price, the differance between standard cables and these are instantly obvious IMHO.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    o i c- xtr a? ok.

    Ah, sometimes I amuse myself, but nobody else :wink:
    Uncompromising extremist
  • singlespeedexplosif
    singlespeedexplosif Posts: 1,564
    I've used both gore and nokons on top of the usual suspects. Highly recommend them as an upgrade, but then I ride an awful lot in horrible wet gritty pennine muck. Can see how they might not provide such good VFM in more cable-friendly conditions! But personally, I'll only go back if these aren't made any more...
  • Stu 74
    Stu 74 Posts: 463
    I can also recommend the XTR cables. Didn't get on with the Gore ones but the XTR ones have been great.

    As well as the set ....

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 000000809/

    you may also have to buy some extra outer cable as, depending on your bike, there may not be enough with the set.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 360016356/

    Stu
  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    My standarrd Deore cables are just fine. Merlin said there's not really much difference between those and the XTR if you keep your cables clean and well lubed
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Goodridge here, similar quality to XTR but they have a braided outer rather than coil-wrapped or linear so they felx without compressing too much. Pretty impressed so far bu t given the current conditions round here I'll be upgrading to Gores when the time comes.
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  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    The best and only cables u should be using are Flying Snakes sealed cables, they're fantastic right from the off and stay that way with absolutely no maintenance at all.

    I had a set on my bike b4 it was nicked and they'd been on there for nearly 2 years and they were still as light action and crisp as the day i fitted them.

    They are by far the best cables u can fit to any bike, well worth the money.
    Remedy

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    Austria 2012
  • Surf-Matt
    Surf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    I got XTRs recently - the reason?
    I was told Gore cables last so long that you'll have ditched your bike before they wear out so the outlay is a bit OTT!

    Must say that my XTR cables are very good though - SRAM X-9 mech and shifters (LX mech) up front + XTR cables = amazingly precise gear changes.
  • Yeti Jon
    Yeti Jon Posts: 19
    Bog standard cables and middleburn cable oilers for me.
    CRC sell them and they work a treat in my opinion.
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Another vote for XTR cables. Just the right combination of crisp shifting, reliability and easy fitting.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    hmmm, ive just fitted xtr cables (literally about an hour ago!) i cnt see whats so different about them and any other cable set. it appears the outers are lubricated but thats nothing you cant do yourself.

    in my opinion, you should buy any cbles but run them without interuptions (ie one continuos outer). the xtr cables still have exposed ends and dont seem to be particularly better sealed than the rest.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    edited December 2008
    Cool, leaning towards the XTRs (just so I have at least one XCR component on the bike :lol: ) A friend recommends the Jagwire Ripcords, anyone got any experience of those? (They come in pretty colours :wink: )
    Uncompromising extremist
  • omegas
    omegas Posts: 970
    XTR cables has fully sealed ends, nothing can get in and nothing can get out. Bit of cable lube in the sealing caps and it will still be there 6 months later. Run them for over a year on one bike and they are still as good as the day fitted. For £15 the best upgrade you can do.
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1844902/
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  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Just paid out for some XTRs, at these prices I'm not going to angst over the decision ;) My natural instinct was to buy cheapies but these are hardly expensive after all. Thanks for all the help folks!
    Uncompromising extremist
  • Surf-Matt
    Surf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    That's what I thought about the XTRs - so little price difference yet a big leap in performance.

    I think it's called a "no brainer!"

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