I am working on a friend's bike.
It has stem-mounted Suntour Power Shift levers.
These apparently were designed for the Suntour X-Press cables, which
have a barrel end similar to MTB brake cables, but smaller in diameter.
I have found a couple on ebay, but they are not inexpensive.

Can other cables be used to replace these, or adapters available in order to use
more modern cables?
Newer cables will fit the gaping holes, but I don't know if they will hold up.

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https://www.amazon.com/Jagwire-Galva.../dp/B002NL8YCU

I have seen those cables.
Jagwire shows the cable ends here:
Jagwire Basics Shift Inner Cables | Jagwire

The ends are the same as any other Shimano shift cable.

I know the ad specifies that these cables are "X-Press" compatible, and I know
that Jagwire is a respected manufacturer.

There are significant differences between the Jagwire cable end and that of the original Suntour cable.

So,do I conclude as an answer to my original question, newer cable designs will work acceptably well with the old shifters?

I guess what I am looking for is anyone having experience substituting Shimano shift cables in the Suntour X-Press type shifters.

You say modern MTB cable ends are just larger in diameter, so if those jag wire are too large to fit in the receiver, you can just file them down, no?

It's been a while but... some of the ST levers have enough space for the cable head so a common Shimano (or Campy, don't forget that their heads are even smaller then Shimano's) will fit. Also the Huret head shape might be an option as it sits crossways compared to the Shimano/campy standard.


But I have subbed shift cables more then a few times and the "holding up" issue is a non issue. The only real possibility is that the "wrong" head shape will have the inner wire leave the head at an angle which will promote a bit more fatigue at the head's edge. Worst case is that the inner cable might need replacement sooner they usual. Andy.

Modern MTB BRAKE cable ends may be filed down to fit.
However, since brake cables are thicker than shift cables, I am uncertain if the thicker cables
would fit in the cable grooves of the shift lever, and would require the larger brake cable housing.

I will investigate that.

I may have a few of those that I'll never use. PM me if you're interested; If I can find them in the garage, I'm sure we can work out a trade or something.

I picked up a set off mother ebay............... if they don't work out I'll let U know.Thanks!!