Originally Posted by
hobkirk
I decided to keep my triple, so I am upgrading from 105 levers (20K miles, LOTS of shifting, at least 6 RD cables snapped). I bought a new 6703 lever set from Ribble ($253), have assembled them at my desk, and have questions (as always).
Does the RD cable last longer than those in the older design?
No. Shifters with an internal 90 degree bend eat rear derailleur cables.
I used to get 4000-4500 miles with older Campagnolo levers with the bend in the cable. New Ultrashift levers including a 90 degree guide fray rear cables in 2000-2500 road miles.
The issue is fatigue. Additional bending (not just around the shift drum) means more of it with shorter life.
I.e., should I plan on replacement every six months?
Base it on miles, or notice when shifting degrades - shifts to smaller cogs get a little sluggish before the cable breaks all the way. If you need to reduce tension in the cable look at it ASAP because you've gunked a housing, frayed a cable, or bent the derailleur/hanger so it's closer to the spokes and may break things when it goes into them.