Replacement cables for brakes and gears

Fru T Bunn

Hi,

I've a frayed cable and, after replacing some parts, have some ill fitting cable housings.

CRC have some Dura-Ace complete replacement kits for brake and gear which I am tempted by because they will have everything in one bag, but don't know if they will go with my Tiagra shifters?

They are a tad expensive though so does anyone have any advice on a decent replacement. It's not a top of the range bike but I would like something that will last and do a better job than the cheaper end of the market.

Many thanks and enjoy your weekend.
Andy

alfablue

I would go for Transfil Mudlovers. They are fully sealed (there is a very thin inner sleeve that goes from lever to mech, this means they are maintenance free, keep all water and gunk out, smooth shifting for years).

For a few quid more there are Transfil Flying Snakes, same idea, just a housing with some kevlar in it, claims to be 30% lighter. Not sure the weight or cosmetics are that important though.

Either of the above are a lot cheaper than Gore or other fully sealed cables, and having used them for over 2 years on long commutes in foul weather without having to touch them, I recommend them highly. Before this I was having to clean and lube the rear gear cable every couple of weeks in winter.

I am replacing cables on all my bikes with these as they require them.

Fru T Bunn

Thanks for the reply.

Please excuse my ignorance but are they for road of MTB? I ask because the ones you recommended have the word 'Mudlovers' in them, and I don't.

Cheers.

alfablue

They are for either - no difference

The main benefit was on my commuter as the cable outers, especially the last bit before the rear mech, would get wet and gunk in on a regular basis, causing shifting problems.

Whenever someone reports sluggish upshifts (to smaller sprockets) I think "gunked cable" first.