actually, seems like overkill to me and I am basically a goof when it comes to my own repairs. I only do basics like brakes, shifters handlebar tape etc... I wonder if its just my local bike shop but if I buy shifter cables, they always ask if I also need casing. so it seems that for a little more you can get the casing which you can cut to size. its less than a 10$ difference (I think it was more like 2$ difference but don't remember what it was exactly...)