Excessive arguing in another thread about cables has me curious. Does anyone ever add more of this? It’s supposed to be the pre applied lube on sp-41 shift or bc-9000 brake housing/cable sets. I’ve always found applied lube attracts too much dust in dry conditions.
Has anyone noticed a major difference in fuzzing and peeling between the bronze shimano cables and any of the other polymer coated ones?
I see enough praise about the optislick cables that makes me think shimano has changed something since the bronze. Need a tune up on my road bike and tempted to try them.
by BBMTH
5 Comments
I do not use any lube on my cables as I have had the same sort of experience as you; it’s a dirt magnet. Plus it does seem to add some additional “friction” via viscosity.
I ride mountain in the PNW and have had excellent luck running either the optislick or polymer coated. FWIW, I can’t say I’ve ever noticed much difference with the polymer coated, but I do replace them once a year since mountain bikes get so filthy.
Personally, regardless of what anyone says, I haven’t lubed a cable since I discovered lined housing 40 some years ago. I live in the desert though, where dirt and dust is the problem.
I don’t stress over cables, any issues and they get replaced.
My rear Dura ace polymer shift cable didn’t last very long before shifting became hard-ish. Maybe 4 months of use before I changed it and the housing. It was the brown one and it was awesome new. The Optislick I replaced it with has lasted all year and it has been great. I did spray it with Triflow prior to installing it. Have never tried the shimano cable grease.
Slick stainless cables wiped down my a vinyl protectant like armor all or meguiars m40 has worked perfectly for me. Non stainless gets either triflo or a LIGHT coat of slick honey..
Don’t lube new cables/housing from shimano.
Lube shitty China cables/housing.
Lube already corroding cables and or housing (rust or white oxidation in some).
Lube with chain oil. Under lube.