brake cables - inner or outer?

[BigAl68]

Jagwire outers and then just replace the inners as and when you need. I picked up a bunch of the shimano PTFE coated ones at a bike jumble a while ago and fitted new gear cables to my best bike last weekend after almost a years use. This was due to cable fraying from readjusting the cables a few times.

I think when you have good quality outers then leave them as @slowmotion already said.

 

[migrantwing]

Jagwire outers and then just replace the inners as and when you need. I picked up a bunch of the shimano PTFE coated ones at a bike jumble a while ago and fitted new gear cables to my best bike last weekend after almost a years use. This was due to cable fraying from readjusting the cables a few times.

I think when you have good quality outers then leave them as @slowmotion already said.

I agree, but over time the outers, good quality or not, will become rough and worn inside. I change mine once every 12 months due to the UK's wonderful weather. £20 once year isn't exactly extortionate.

 

[slowmotion]

You can get a reasonable idea of the state of the outer when you slide in a new inner. The end of the new cable will be reluctant to negotiate the bends if the outer is worn. It's not a perfect test but it's a start. Always use a freshly cut end on the new inner BTW.