gkamieneski

I'm looking for replacement shift and brake cable sets for my 10sp Shimano 105 drivetrain. There seems to be 2 levels at the top of Shimano's hierarchy, the Dura-Ace polymer coated sets and the stainless PTFE sets. I have internal cable routing on my CF frame and would like to reduce as much friction as possible.

Anyone care to comment on the comparative value of the two Shimano cable sets? Is the Dura-Ace version just the best and worth the slightly higher price?

delbiker1 

IMO, this is all you need. https://www.ebay.com/itm/255580019410? Obviously, lots of places to obtain these.

smd4

I tried the Dura Ace polymer coated cables, but didn't like that the polymer eventually shredded into a brown lint. I have since discovered what I consider to be the best cables available--the Aligator 31s.

I also use Rock 'n' Roll Cable Magic oil.

anga

Does Shimano have a 5mm brake housing like the 4mm OT-SP41 shift housing? If so a model number and link to Shimano's site, please. ​​​​​

Crankycrank

I didn't have a very good experience with my Aligator 31 strand cables. Bought 2 of them thinking they would keep from fraying longer than any Shimano or Jagwire cables at the shifter of my 6600 Ultegra STI's. They ended up fraying much sooner and the thin strands are more fragile when getting kinked or ??? from some mishap of some sort that happens to most of us at some point. These were properly installed with new Jagwire housings and ferrules, no rough spots.

smd4

I think I read that from you previously. I'm using downtube shifters, so I don't have to worry about tight bends. What do you think about using them for brakes?

Crankycrank

Probably not much worry about fraying then with the DT shifters. I haven't used their brake cables as I really like Jagwire top tier kits with the housing that's much less compressible giving a firmer feel than anything else except for the solid link types.

smd4

Totally. I'm using the Aligator31s with compressionless housing. The responsiveness is insane. The housing is about 30% lighter than regular housing. Clearly a win-win-win.

jimc101

No, what your asking for is compressionless brake housing, Jagwire (and probably others, you will need to research that), the Jagwire model / name for it is KEB-SL

Pro Compressionless Brake Housing | Jagwire

smd4

Aican makes the stuff I use.

anga

Is OT-SP41 shift housing compressionless?

jimc101

Have seen no reference to that being compressionless, the OT bit seems to refer to the outer casing being pre-lubed with a silicone grease over the regular SP41

SP41 Shift Outer Casing | SHIMANO BIKE-US

veganbikes

I would not recommend any coated cables, polished stainless steel is the way to go. I like the Jagwire Elite Link it is very smooth and doesn't get gunked up in the housing and also has the lovely benefit of being pretty lightweight and cool looking. Shimano is what I go for, for groupsets and bigger things but cables and housing are Jagwire and brake pads are SwissStop or Kool Stop because I think it is much better performing and doesn't cost much but provides a significant upgrade. Plus the kits that Jagwire sells have most of the bits you might need and I usually end up with a little extra for next time.

biker222

I've been using Aligator 31s shift cables for about 3yr and had good luck with Ultegra 6800 shifters. The rear works for about 1.5yrs (6K mi) and front still good after 2yrs.
I use OT-SP41 housings from bulk roll.