Should I lube cables?
03-22-16, 02:34 PM
#1
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Should I lube cables?
I've heard lubing some cables is not recommended, that they have a teflon (or something) coating/liner and the dirt attraction of lube is a net negative. But I wonder if that's the case for my cables, which are the stock cables. They're Jagwire cables but probably a lower grade (not the Pro line).
Lube cables or no?
Lube cables or no?
03-22-16, 02:45 PM
#2
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I use Jagwire Lex shift housing. It has some sort of slick liner. At less than $1/foot, I cant imagine its the best they make. I havent ever lubed it.
For brake housing, I use generic Sunlite housing with a liner. Havent lubed that either.
Cables are simple stainless cables. Not the slick type.
Shifting is always quick and accurate. Braking is easy.
I have seen older unlined housing get the lube treatment before, but I havent ever seen the need for lined housing...at least what I have.
For brake housing, I use generic Sunlite housing with a liner. Havent lubed that either.
Cables are simple stainless cables. Not the slick type.
Shifting is always quick and accurate. Braking is easy.
I have seen older unlined housing get the lube treatment before, but I havent ever seen the need for lined housing...at least what I have.
03-22-16, 03:13 PM
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I lube.
Some cable housings come with a heavy shot of grease inside. I clean that out, and put some BreakFree CLP on the cable.
It's really a light lube and safe for plastics.
Some cable housings come with a heavy shot of grease inside. I clean that out, and put some BreakFree CLP on the cable.
It's really a light lube and safe for plastics.
03-22-16, 03:17 PM
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Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
If I'm using unlined cable housing, perhaps trying to breath some life into old, abused equipment, then I'll lube.
If I'm using unlined cable housing, perhaps trying to breath some life into old, abused equipment, then I'll lube.
03-22-16, 03:22 PM
#5
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I do, you can make your choice .. Zn Treated steel I especially do for my own bike , (Zn steel solders easier)
Shop repairs thats Optional ... they get cut and capped.
Shop repairs thats Optional ... they get cut and capped.
03-22-16, 05:24 PM
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You'll probably find us divided on the issue. I run stainless cable and lined housing, and no lube.
03-22-16, 05:25 PM
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03-23-16, 11:10 AM
#9
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It all depends. On my beach cruiser I lube. On my dry pavement road bike I don't lube.
03-23-16, 11:25 AM
#10
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Finish Line makes Extreme Fluoro grease which is repackaged DuPont Krytox, in a needle syringe applicator which fits nicely in the end of cable housing. This is basically pure PTFE dry grease so shouldn't attract dirt.
I only rarely use it for lubing cables, however Krytox is about the best stuff you can get for lubing o-rings and threads in some applications such as bike lights and handheld flashlights, so I keep a syringe around. It's the only way I've found to get it in small quantities.
I only rarely use it for lubing cables, however Krytox is about the best stuff you can get for lubing o-rings and threads in some applications such as bike lights and handheld flashlights, so I keep a syringe around. It's the only way I've found to get it in small quantities.
03-23-16, 12:00 PM
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I lube. I dip the cable into a tub of Slick Honey and go with it from there.
