I'm building a touring bike, and while looking for some new ferrules for the cable outers I hit a few problems.

I really want some silver/chrome coloured ones. I can find some nice metal ones in 5mm, but only plastic in 4mm unless I want to spend (relatively) silly money.

So, my questions:

1. Can I use 5mm metal ferrules on gear cables?
2. If not, where can I get 4mm metal ferrules that aren't crazy expensive?
3. I've heard that plastic ones are actually better anyway (something to do with making a more watertight seal). Is this true?
4. Do I need to crimp metal ferrules?

It's a small part of the bike, but I want to do it right....


Thanks in advance!

1. If that's a big deal for you, why not use 5mm shift housing? Shift cable housing terminations are important because otherwise your shift cable housings can self-shorten and screw up your index shifting.
3. Sounds like baloney to me.
4. I crimp mine lightly with a side cutter. I can't say for sure if it's necessary, but why not?

2. What is "crazy expensive" and how many of these things do you need, 4? If you want them for appearance, splurge. BTW, the plastic ones work fine.

I try to solder cable ends, on my bike, the end cap is added then after cutting ,
just for not poking yourself with the cable end.

soldering keeps cut ends from fraying , so I can pull and re grease the cable..

housing is the 5mm the cable itself is closer to 1,5mm

I use small heat shrink tubing. You can get it in a bunch of colors if that is your thing. If you want to take it off you just slice up the tube along the cable with a razor knife. Roger

https://www.huskybicycles.com/Merchan...Store_Code=hbs
10 for $3.00
https://www.yokozunausa.com/yocafe.html - At $10K for 150, regular price. I assume this is a typo, but amusing

or use 5mm cables as suggested

Didn't know shifter cables came in 5mm. Learned something new today. Think that's what I'll be going for.

Also, the best deal I can find in the UK for 4mm silver/chrome metal ferrules is £5 for 6 from Taiwan, or £110 for a jar of 150.