Originally Posted by
Classtime
I've come to the conclusion that with 5 or 6 speed friction shifting with 70s brakes and 70s derailleurs, well lubed vintage cables and housings that are in decent shape work as well as modern. I even prefer some of the shift cables on the nice bikes I've come across. They are quite beefy and I don't know why but they resist fraying at the ends which often makes a modern cable single use.
I'm not in disagreement. That's why I didn't already order new. You'll notice from the picture there isn't much of it anyway. I'm only going to replace them if they feel spongy or sluggish after service