Where do you usually buy your road bike brake cable?
#26
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eBay for me for basic cables. There are brick and mortar stores selling stuff at great prices. If I want fancier stuff my neighbors at Universal Cycle are great.
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There are several methods of reducing wear and increasing fatigue resistance in a wire rope. Wear resistance can be increased by changing how the wire stands are wound. In the picture above the individual wires are horizontal (parallel to the axis of the rope). This is called "right regular lay" and is the standard lay. Another method of winding the wire stands is so that they form an angle to the axis of the rope. This is called "lang lay". Lang lay increases fatigue strength and abrasion resistance without any decrease in ultimate strength. Another method of changing the wire characteristics of fatigue strength,. abrasion resistance, and flexibility is to use wires of different diameters. For example, Douglas-Specification DMS2192 calls for a Warrington Seal (IWRC) construction. This type of wire rope has larger wires on the outside and and smaller wires on the inside.
There are other wire rope designs that the engineer can call for to optimize specific performance goals. This is why when we replace wire rope we should make sure that the replacement meets the original manufacturer's specifications.
There are other wire rope designs that the engineer can call for to optimize specific performance goals. This is why when we replace wire rope we should make sure that the replacement meets the original manufacturer's specifications.
- Stainless steel is more corrosion resistant.
Last edited by miamijim; 09-11-22 at 02:22 PM.
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#30
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If you have a long run of housing to the rear brake or rear derailleur, you might benefit from a coated cable. I have just used up my stash of Delta Aztec Duracote cables that I got on clearance from REI years ago. The price on them now is about $5 a pop - too high for liking. You will definitely benefit from good quality lined housing like Jagwire or Shimano. As mentioned earlier, drawn cables have a slicker finish.
I just saw that JensonUSA sells Foundation Brand brake and shifter kits with PTFE coated cables, housing, ferrules, and end caps for $11.99 and $13.50 respectively. Not bad. They also sell Shimano brand zinc shifter cables, 10 for $23. I'd say that's a pretty strong endorsement for zinc cables if Shimano sells them under their brand name.
The problem I see with zinc cables is white zinc oxide corrosion developing on the surface of unprotected sections of cable, which increases friction. A well lubed zinc cable in a sealed housing should be OK,
I just saw that JensonUSA sells Foundation Brand brake and shifter kits with PTFE coated cables, housing, ferrules, and end caps for $11.99 and $13.50 respectively. Not bad. They also sell Shimano brand zinc shifter cables, 10 for $23. I'd say that's a pretty strong endorsement for zinc cables if Shimano sells them under their brand name.
The problem I see with zinc cables is white zinc oxide corrosion developing on the surface of unprotected sections of cable, which increases friction. A well lubed zinc cable in a sealed housing should be OK,
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Once a young engineer maintaining cables we called wire rope in underground mining skips, smelter aisle cranes, man lifts, etc. I assure you the application as Jim says is paramount.
#32
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I finally got tired of scrounging up individual cables and bought a file box of SRAM slick stainless brake cables on sale. I also bought shift cable and shift and brake housing file boxes. Each file box has 100 cables, the housing comes in 30 meter boxes. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it to not think about it anymore.
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I USUALLY get mine through my not so LBS. I used to wrench there and I still get an employee discount. Because it's a forty minute Ural ride to get there since I moved sticks, the cables are near the bottom of the list when I go to the shop.When I don't have a valid reason to go, it's through Bezos.
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I bought a bunch of clearance kits/singles from REI when they phased out their Novarra brand, vintage Raleigh double ended when Ben's cycle had a "rummage" sale, a few Bell kits for BSOs somewhere on clearance. I'll buy bulk housing locally for specific colors if needed. I've also bought inner cables locally from their bulk stock as well.
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https://jagwire.com/products/inner-w...ake-inner-wire
This is not something unique to Stainless cables
If you ride in a climate where cables rusting is a problem then by all means get stainless. Otherwise galvanized cables is intrinsically better because of the self lubricating properties and because it's not as stiff as stainless.
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Bicycle cables are not subject to bending, only tension. (being "pulled" around a cable guide is still tension).
#38
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And guess what? Galvanized cables also come in that type of 'slick' flattened outer strands configuration:
https://jagwire.com/products/inner-w...ake-inner-wire
This is not something unique to Stainless cables
And I clearly said early "Unless you have a specific problem with your cables rusting....."
If you ride in a climate where cables rusting is a problem then by all means get stainless. Otherwise galvanized cables is intrinsically better because of the self lubricating properties and because it's not as stiff as stainless.
https://jagwire.com/products/inner-w...ake-inner-wire
This is not something unique to Stainless cables
And I clearly said early "Unless you have a specific problem with your cables rusting....."
If you ride in a climate where cables rusting is a problem then by all means get stainless. Otherwise galvanized cables is intrinsically better because of the self lubricating properties and because it's not as stiff as stainless.
W. Go for it.
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#40
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I finally got tired of scrounging up individual cables and bought a file box of SRAM slick stainless brake cables on sale. I also bought shift cable and shift and brake housing file boxes. Each file box has 100 cables, the housing comes in 30 meter boxes. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it to not think about it anymore.
Sorry I’m going off topic, that was just to say I’m back to square one with my bulk purchases
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I bought Aican cables and compressionless housing through eBay. Pretty much the same as Jagwire.
I would never recommend anything other than compressionless for anyone still running brake cables.
I would never recommend anything other than compressionless for anyone still running brake cables.
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Engineering terms for bending
Bicycle cables do NOT have the load applied to the center to create the bend. The cable is under tension (as mentioned) therefore is mutually exclusive to the engineering term of bending as referenced on this page.
All of this is a moot point. The crash of that airplane was caused by a cable rubbing against a cable guide, combined with an inspection and lubrication schedule that was not increased, despite the excessive duty cycles of the elevators.
I will continue to use smooth stainless cables when I have the option, and will sleep like a babe.
Link to references.
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Regardless of where the load is applied, the bicycle cable is bent and furthermore it flexes as it bends and unbends in its travel. As it flexes, the strands are rubbing against one another which adds to the friction. With enough rubbing the strands will break.
#45
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I only buy Campy and Shimano brake and shifter cables. They cost more but they will last for many years. Not worth trying to save a few dollars on a bike with off brand cables.