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Bicycle Mechanics - Friction Shifting Cable Housing

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rollinghills

11-11-07, 11:01 AM

Sheldon Brown

11-11-07, 01:16 PM

I am looking to replace the brake and gear cables/housing on an older bike. The bike is white and currently has white cable housing which looks really sharp. But am having problems finding white gear cable housing. I found some white brake cable housing that is sold in 50' lengths as well as individual cables.

Does anyone know where I can score some white gear cable housing?

Also, is it ok to just use brake cable housing for a friction gear shifting system?
http://harriscyclery.com/cables

"Brake" housing is fine for friction shifting. In fact the distinction between "brake" and "shift" housing didn't exist until indexed shifting became popular.

Good quality lined housing and die-drawn cables will make for superior shifting with any system.

Also, see my article on Cables for tips on installing the cables and housing:

http://sheldonbrown.com/cables

Sheldon "Teflon" Brown

driveshaft_bass

11-11-07, 04:57 PM

"Brake" housing is fine for friction shifting.

Does that only apply to housing or can you use brake inner wire for friction shifting as well?

Sheldon Brown

11-11-07, 05:12 PM

Does that only apply to housing or can you use brake inner wire for friction shifting as well?No, Brake cables are significantly thicker than shift cables.

They also have different shaped, larger, moulded ends that won't fit shifters.

Sheldon "Cables" Brown