Filament technology's come quite a long way since wire rope was first invented then used so widely. I'm aware that modern sailing tech has become quite fond of replacing steel rigging with synthetic fiber that's far stronger than the metal stuff it's replacing while also being lighter and virtually corrosion-free.

I've not seen any mention made of whether this stuff (Dyneema, specifically) has seen any bicycling applications.

Friction and fatigue are the two material dynamics affecting these skinny metal cables where they're forced to perform dimensional changes in tight confines. I'm wondering if synthetics would offer any solutions albeit at some increase in expense?