Brake and Gear wires

[broady]

How much benefit do you get from more expensive cables? Both brake and gear?
Also, what about the outer cables (not sure on their names).
Thanks

 

[Rob3rt]

I'd say, IME

Brake cables & outers, not much difference from one to the other in terms of performance or longevity.

Gear cables, it is definitely worth buying a good set of outers as this will have the biggest impact on gear indexing, the inner, not sure how much of an effect it has tbh. I have never run a cheap cable with a good outer to find out, if I bought a good outer, I'd buy a good inner to go with it.

 

[Globalti]

Dunno about outers because I change mine fairly often at the rear derailleur where it's stressed and wears out fast. Inner cables: limited experience tells me that yes, Specialized cable is shinier, smoother and more supple than the cable you get from the LBS bulk box.

 

[broady]

I've generally fitted clarks all round and just put some gt85 on the exposed wiresevery now and again.
Might look at better gear wires in the future then.

 

[broady]

I've only ever replaced the whole lot of outers rather than just one section.
When you say it wears out, what do you mean?
I only replace when they are a bit rusty and don't just slide through

 

[Big_Dave]

I can tell you from experience gear outer cables make a lot of difference, cheap cables affect shifting dramatically, I use Shimano SP41 outer gear cables everytime.