Gear and Brake cables

FishFish

Are these just commodity items or are more expensive ones 'better'?

nicklouse

Go for stainless steel and you can't go wrong. Inner and outer.

Jay Morgan

As with most bike parts - and indeed bikes themselves, more expensive often equals better quality, although that in turn doesn't necessarily equal a better buy or a necessity for everyone. Sluggish gear changes can be down to cables rather than issues with mechs, but do you need Teflon coated cables (indeed, do sluggish gear changes matter to you)? I certainly think cables need as much consideration and attention as any other part, but whether you well-lube stainless ones, or use Teflon (or other) coated cables, is a matter of personal preference/budget.

cooldad

Forget coated. Shimano SP41 outers, bought by the metre, and (Shimano)(any) stainless inner are a perfect combo.

FishFish

Thanks for the advice folks - I'd thought that cables were more important than they appear to be - good tips here.

The Rookie

Once a cable is 'good enough' any better is no advantage.

I use coated cables as both my bikes have BB routed cables and I believe the teflon coated ones carry less muck into the outer, supported by not having had to replace (or do anything else) to either bikes cables in 2 years, of course plain stainless may have been as good, but for the minimal cost I think I'll stick with (Jagwire) coated.