Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,762
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
You have to watch out for the ends. Typically they incorporate both Shimano and Campy or they are opposite ends and you cut off what you don't need. I have not found that length is an issue.
Check what you have against what is provided for the ends of the cables. Those are the only compatibility issues I have run into.
In terms of cable diameter. Don't use the smaller for brake cables. You can use the more current smaller diameter shift cables with older shifters and deraileurs.
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.