Ultegra 6800 Gear Cable

carl_p

Is anyone running standard stainless steel gear cables on their 6800 setup?

I did push the boat out once and got the polymer coated cables but I didn't notice any improved shifting and in fact they went "fluffy" where the cable enters the outer casing caps. No better than any other cable I've used. Also the price is extortionate for a piece of wire. I did replace those but I can't remember what with.

What combo of inner and outer cables work well on 6800 and can be had at a sensible price.

Many thanks.

marin_maniac

I'm running stainless steel Jagwire cables with Jagwire outers on 5800. It shifts crap.

I had 6800 Cables and SP41 outers before and it was miles better. I'll be changing back soon!

mamba80

cable routing and set-up are the determining factors in gear shifting, get that right, then polymer cables can make a difference,
on an internal routed LOOK, i found DA 9000 cables improved shifting.

6800 comes with polymer as std.

smoggysteve

As mentioned above. The routing of the cable is key. Avoid any tight loops in cables especially at the rear derailleur. I have always just bought whatever my lbs use in the workshop and a decent length of prelubed outer I cut to length as I go. Never had any issues with shifting or braking.

paul1000

I use normal stainless cables on 5800, they work great, the trick is to use this lube called cable magic. Brilliant product.