Can I use shifter housing for brake cables?

Can I use shifter housing for brake cables?

It’s really not recommended. Brake cable housings have a coiled metal spiral embedded in them, while compressionless shift cables have a series of tiny round wires running parallel along the length of housing. If you were to use brake cable housings on shift cables the result can be very poor shifting.

Should I replace shifter cable housing?

Housing most commonly needs replacement when the lubrication in the liner has washed or otherwise worn away, or if contaminants have worked their way inside. Either of these is difficult to see, but will affect the movement of the cable within the housing.

Does Compressionless brake housing make a difference?

The compression in traditional brake housing is often one of the factors that give your brake levers a spongy feel. Changing your brake housing to a compressionless system will help eliminate part of that spongy feel.

Are shift cables and brake cables the same?

One major difference in MTB vs road BRAKE cable is the different sizes and styles of head: road cables have mushroom like ends where as MTB brake cables have barrel like ends. Shifter cable ends are the same. Brake cables are thicker, typically 1.5/1.6mm in diameter.

How long is shifter cable housing?

Sizing Housing The less drag on the cables, the better the shifting performance. Housing that is too short will kink and bind, creating even more friction. As a rule of thumb, try to size the housing so it is as short as possible but it still enters the stops and barrel adjusters in a straight approach.

How long should a shifter cable last?

With that being said, your shift selector cable doesn’t have a specified lifespan. It lasts as long as it lasts. In most cases, you should get at least five to eight years out of it, but premature failure isn’t uncommon.

When should I replace my shift cable?

It really depends on the amount of use. Every 2 years sounds good. My rear usually fails in that amount of time. If you are looking for durability, sealed cables are known to last a long time.

Do you use brake cable or shifter housing?

Such housing, due to less compression, can also be used for shifters. Though, for shifters, it is still a bit better to use shifter housing. Their main downsides are somewhat higher weight and a lot higher price. This sums it up. In case I’ve forgotten to mention something, or you have any corrections, or additions, use the comment section below.

Why are shifter cables built the way they are?

Shifter cables see different forces so the housing is built differently. Shifter housing is built around many length-wise running cables that make the housing ‘compressionless’ which aids in the crisp feel of shifting – especially needed on today’s 8/9/10/11 speed cassettes.

What kind of housing do you need for a shifter?

For shifter housing there are two standards: Shifter housing with 4 mm outer diameter. Shifter housing with 5 mm outer diameter (the same diameter, but not the same type, as brake housing). All the shifter cables will run with no problems through housing by any of the above noted standards.

Which is better braided or regular brake housings?

There are special, braided brake housings that compress a lot less than “ordinary” brake housing, which is good – leaves more lever play and allows for more precise brake modulation.