Bike Forums - What cables to use with GRX

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What cables to use with GRX

Does anyone know which shift cables is recommended for GRX? I’m running GRX 810 brifters with an RX 810 front and rear derailer. I’m using the Shimano Polymer coated cables on my Ultegra and Dura Ace equipped bikes and am inclined to use the same unless it is not advised.

thanks in advance

Their suggestion in the specs is polymer coated cable.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...T-RX810-R.html

Did you buy these used or are changing out worn cables? Usually a set of Shimano shifters comes with the needed cables.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iride01 (Post 22110247)

Thanks! I couldn’t seem to find that. Although my GRX equipped bike is still fairly new I am planning to buy a set to have on hand for when it is time to replace them.

If you have the bike and they used Shimano cables, then likely the model of the cable is written on the side of the housings somewhere.

If you buy your cables now, then you'll miss out on whatever the latest greatest new technology is when you finally need to replace your original cables. But I only ride road, so maybe being in the mud and grime you should keep a spare set.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghazmh (Post 22110372)

Thanks! I couldn’t seem to find that. Although my GRX equipped bike is still fairly new I am planning to buy a set to have on hand for when it is time to replace them.

Don't just buy cables, that doesn't do you any good. If you're replacing them because it's been a year or whatever ALWAYS do the housing as well. The inside of the housing is where the wear takes place. The outside of cables don't 'wear'...they do fatigue inside the shifter but that has no effect on shifting until they actually start to fray. If you just run new cables in old housing you're not going to notice much improvement if any.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iride01 (Post 22110377)

If you have the bike and they used Shimano cables, then likely the model of the cable is written on the side of the housings somewhere.

If you buy your cables now, then you'll miss out on whatever the latest greatest new technology is when you finally need to replace your original cables. But I only ride road, so maybe being in the mud and grime you should keep a spare set.

No, the model/type of housing is written on the housing, not what cable is inside of the housing. GRX comes w/ Shimano Optislick cables. You can replace them any cable you want to use. Shimano, SRAM, Jagwire...it doesn't matter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghazmh (Post 22110372)

Thanks! I couldn’t seem to find that. Although my GRX equipped bike is still fairly new I am planning to buy a set to have on hand for when it is time to replace them.

That's not a bad idea, I'd recommend being proactive and changing the cables way more frequently than you are accustomed to. These new shifters eat cables; my first cable lasted about 6 months before shifting started to feel off, then it felt like a bent derailleur hanger and then: snap in the middle of a ride. I'm running Optislick cables FWIW.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...496813f224.png

Thanks all for the replies.