Brake and Gear Cable Question

[Hacienda71]

Is there a significant difference between brake and gear outer cabling? Thinking of buying a 20 metre roll of outer cable but there seem to be separate gear and brake offerings. Would prefer to have something that is universal if possible.

 

[adscrim]

Brake cables and housings are thicker than gear. I think the structure of the housing is different too.

 

[User33236]

Brake cable outers are spiral wound to resist compression. Gear cable outers are made up of a bundle of wires that run the length of the cable.

 

[pclay]

Brake cables are 5mm diameter, gear cables are 4mm.

 

[Hacienda71]

So in short separate brake and gear cable required. Thanks people.

 

[fossyant]

Yup...

 

[I like Skol]

DO NOT be tempted to try using SIS gear cable outer for brake cableing. The lay of the metal strands are such that under pressure the outer will burst and you will lose all braking function.

 

[raleighnut]

So called 'universal' cable is fine on up to 6 speed set ups but the indexing will never stay 'sweet' on 7spd and above.