Polymer wrapped gear inner cables

_jon_

Are polymer wrapped gear inner cables worth the extra cost? They have Shimano ones for £10.99 on CRC but I could get 5x clarks gear cables for that price. I'm just wondering if they really do provide smoother shifting and require less mainenance or if it's just a marketing gimmic. I can't find any reviews.

cooldad

Avoid galvanised, use stainless. Apart from that it sounds crazy to spend that much on a bit of wire.

drlodge

I use Jagwire slick stainless which are £3 each. Normally the cable outer will have some kind of polymer/Teflon/PTFE lining on the inside so the inner cable will move freely. Just get normal (decent quality) cables.

_jon_

Thank you both for your replies. Normal cables it is then.

Giraffoto

Also weird coatings on the inner mean that you can't solder the ends, if you're old-fashioned enough to want to do that.

cooldad

Not too old fashioned, but too lazy. Good idea though.