Cable housing - please explain differences
01-30-10 | 12:49 PM
#1
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 424
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From: Long Beach, CA
Bikes: 2020 Veego 750, 2011 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 08 Trek 7200, Very Old Schwinn Cruiser
Cable housing - please explain differences
I have been looking around to stock up on cable housing. I like to keep spare parts around.
I see 4mm and 5mm housing. I see lined and unlined. I see some are "non indexed".
I assume that 4mm is for shift cables and 5mm for brake cables. Right?
Advantages to lined cable are? "non indexed" cable housing means????
Any specific recommendations for brands and or types would be appreciated.
Thanks
I see 4mm and 5mm housing. I see lined and unlined. I see some are "non indexed".
I assume that 4mm is for shift cables and 5mm for brake cables. Right?
Advantages to lined cable are? "non indexed" cable housing means????
Any specific recommendations for brands and or types would be appreciated.
Thanks
01-30-10 | 01:31 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
There are two basic types of housing.
Traditional spring wound, or low helix, which was the standard for almost 100 years. This remains the correct choice for brake cables because the steel on steel support, isn't dependent on the plastic to hold it together. It housing comes lined and unlined, but today all quality housings are lined. There are also some with kevlar or other type of reinforced covering as opposed to simple plastic.
So called "compressionless" or "index" housing which is a high helix with the metal strands running almost lengthwise. This is the preferred style for index gear sysems because the length down the center remains constant when the housing flexes. This style comes in 4mm & 5mm, (and also 4.5mm for Campy), though the inside diameter and the wire it's made for is the same for all three. it's only produced as lined housing & both 4mm and 5mm usually use ferrules with the same outside diameter, so they can be substituted freely. Generally 4mm is a hair lighter, 5mm a bit more bulletproof. Like the brake housing it's available with reinforced covering
Beyond the basics, there are quality and cosmetic differences.
As long as you use low helix for brakes, and high helix for gear, you won't go wrong. How much you spend for premium quality is up to you.
Traditional spring wound, or low helix, which was the standard for almost 100 years. This remains the correct choice for brake cables because the steel on steel support, isn't dependent on the plastic to hold it together. It housing comes lined and unlined, but today all quality housings are lined. There are also some with kevlar or other type of reinforced covering as opposed to simple plastic.
So called "compressionless" or "index" housing which is a high helix with the metal strands running almost lengthwise. This is the preferred style for index gear sysems because the length down the center remains constant when the housing flexes. This style comes in 4mm & 5mm, (and also 4.5mm for Campy), though the inside diameter and the wire it's made for is the same for all three. it's only produced as lined housing & both 4mm and 5mm usually use ferrules with the same outside diameter, so they can be substituted freely. Generally 4mm is a hair lighter, 5mm a bit more bulletproof. Like the brake housing it's available with reinforced covering
Beyond the basics, there are quality and cosmetic differences.
As long as you use low helix for brakes, and high helix for gear, you won't go wrong. How much you spend for premium quality is up to you.
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FB
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 01-30-10 at 01:35 PM.
01-30-10 | 01:39 PM
#3
cab horn
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28,353
Likes: 30
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
I have been looking around to stock up on cable housing. I like to keep spare parts around.
I see 4mm and 5mm housing. I see lined and unlined. I see some are "non indexed".
I assume that 4mm is for shift cables and 5mm for brake cables. Right?
Advantages to lined cable are? "non indexed" cable housing means????
Any specific recommendations for brands and or types would be appreciated.
Thanks
I see 4mm and 5mm housing. I see lined and unlined. I see some are "non indexed".
I assume that 4mm is for shift cables and 5mm for brake cables. Right?
Advantages to lined cable are? "non indexed" cable housing means????
Any specific recommendations for brands and or types would be appreciated.
Thanks
https://jagwireusa.com/index.php/products/road/housing/
Product BHL200 - It's 4mm, 5mm lined is also available. This is the most economical way of purchasing shifter housing.
02-01-10 | 07:03 AM
#4
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 424
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From: Long Beach, CA
Bikes: 2020 Veego 750, 2011 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 08 Trek 7200, Very Old Schwinn Cruiser
Thanks for the replys.
Then I assume something like this is pure junk....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
Then I assume something like this is pure junk....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
02-01-10 | 08:10 AM
#5
Senior member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,368
Likes: 886
From: Oakville Ontario
Thanks for the replys.
Then I assume something like this is pure junk....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
Then I assume something like this is pure junk....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
02-01-10 | 11:08 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 177
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