djdelarosa25

Longevity aside, is there a noticeable performance difference between the two?

delbiker1 

I have noticed no difference between the two. I use both types, with the stainless going on my nicer, often used bikes. I stay away from all of the coated type cables.

daniell

There is one advantage to galvanized cables. I was able to solder the end after cutting. This was better than a cap.

hydrocarbon

I would say that not having your cables turn into rust makes for a pretty significant performance difference.

Also, stainless ones tend to have a smoother finish so they work better even when new.

Jeff Neese

Why would you even consider anything but pre-stretched and drawn stainless steel cables? Is this a cheap department store bike that you're just trying to flip?

djdelarosa25

Rear derailleur shift cable snapped at the bends in the shifter and all the bike shops in my area only carry galvanized cables smh. Third-world country problems

shelbyfv

If you don't have a choice, why are you asking? Also, you can't use the term "Third World" on BF.

djdelarosa25

I already bought a galvanized one and put it on my bike, but I could buy a stainless one online if they're really that much better. I don't ride in the rain and I've never had cables rust on me before.

shelbyfv

Whichever you decide on you should buy a spare or two so you don't have to shop next time it breaks.

tkamd73 

Actually, I think he can, great sense of humor!
Tim

shelbyfv

You may be right, perhaps another prohibition that applies only to me.

Jeff Neese

Well then it depends on how soon you need to get the bike on the road. You can always put a cheap galvanized cable on it, and then swap it when the good one comes from Amazon. It's not just rust, it's how smoothly it works, also the cheap ones will stretch and you'll be adjusting your derailleur before long.

I'd have to believe there are cables on Amazon with one-day shipping.

freetors

Do some research and don't just act on the assumption that stainless steel = better. You'll find that galvanized control cables are actually longer lasting, operate with less friction, are more tolerant of tighter bends, and are less likely to fray. The aviation industry has been moving away from stainless steel cables and moving more and more to galvanized.

pdlamb

Ride with what you have until it rusts or breaks.

FWIW, I get caught in the rain fairly frequently, so from my standpoint stainless cables are better. Also the stainless die drawn cables seem to be higher quality (smoother, less drag) than galvanic. From my First World perspective, they're not too expensive. I've got a small stock of replacement staibnless cables that were tossed into an online order when I already had tubes but needed to spend a bit more to get free shipping.