Which gear cables?

bwstokie

Hi all

I've been having some problems with my SRAM X7/X9 gearing and think it's probably about time I replaced the cables and was wondering what type to replace them with if any one has any thoughts/recommendations (make etc)?

Thanks in advance

Lee

supersonic

Shimano stainless inners, SP41 outer, and simply cut to size.

d3matt

I changed mine to these Jagwire Ripcord cables and very pleased with them. Easy to fit and sealed from the mud.

lesz42

XTR ( mtb) been on my hardtail for 2 years plus with NO maintenance ( onto its 3rd winter) and just getting a bit sticky on the rear, not dropping


maybe a bit of spray lube, washed down the last bit of cable near the rear mech will sort it till spring when i will replace them

done about 2700 miles i think

SavellM

I got a set of Power Cordz: http://www.powercordz.com/derailleur-ca ... -set-1-2mm
I use them with a set of Shimano Yumeya outers, to keep the White look...

Couldn't be arsed to fit them myself, so took them to a big Evans over here, and the mechanic called me up to ask what cables they were as he has never felt such smooth shifting and he wants to fit them to all his bikes...

Felt pretty good after that

.blitz

As above SP41 outers and stainless inners. Dont forget the o-ring tastic ferrules.

If you run full outers I guarantee you won't have to touch them for at least three years.

d3matt

SavellM wrote:

I got a set of Power Cordz: http://www.powercordz.com/derailleur-ca ... -set-1-2mm
I use them with a set of Shimano Yumeya outers, to keep the White look...

Couldn't be arsed to fit them myself, so took them to a big Evans over here, and the mechanic called me up to ask what cables they were as he has never felt such smooth shifting and he wants to fit them to all his bikes...

Felt pretty good after that

Those Power Cordz cables look interesting - a nylon cable rather than steel. I wonder if it stretches more or less?

SavellM

Nope, its supposed to never stretch at all...
Makes them maintenance free

SavellM

Just found this:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/power-cord ... -2010.html

supersonic

Steel cables don't stretch either. What happens is that the outers settle further into the stops.

d3matt

supersonic wrote:

Steel cables don't stretch either. What happens is that the outers settle further into the stops.

Are you sure?
So why does fitting a new inner in the existing outers need adjustment after a while? Or is this still just the stops again?

jayson

I used to fit Flying Snakes sealed cables to all my bikes but at around £25 a set they're not cheap even though they do work fantastically well.

These days i get a long length of shimano outer cut from the reel and run a full length run from shifter to mech and use cable ties to secure it in place along its routing. It has the exact same fantastic light action feel as the sealed cables but around £20 odd quid cheaper.

d3matt

jayson wrote:

These days i get a long length of shimano outer cut from the reel and run a full length run from shifter to mech and use cable ties to secure it in place along its routing. It has the exact same fantastic light action feel as the sealed cables but around £20 odd quid cheaper.

I wondered about doing this, but on the rear cable that would virtually double the length of the outer and I was wondering if that would add extra friction.

.blitz

d3matt wrote:

...wondering if that would add extra friction.

No it works fine. SP41 is filled with silicon grease and the o-ring ferrules help to keep the grease in and water out. A full-length rear is virtually un-noticeable I have no idea why some bikes still have interrupted outers.

d3matt

I've used SP41 outers before and they were good, but of course I cut it down to my three sections.
When my Jagwires need replacing, I'll try a full length outer.