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-   -   Shift/brake inner wires, which to get... or avoid? (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1308386-shift-brake-inner-wires-get-avoid.html)

tiger1964 06-24-25 09:33 AM


Originally Posted by smd4 (Post 23526653)
Alligator Cables Only if you want the best.

I spent time on the Alligator website, selected what I wanted in both shift and brake cables, recorded the part numbers. Then an internet search using those numbers, got about zero hits. Went back and did a search for Alligator cables, at least found some, descriptions do not indicate if I am getting the exact items, but I ordered some anyway. Time will tell.


Steel Charlie 06-25-25 01:34 PM

I have never been disappointed by any Jagwire or Shimano product.

tiger1964 06-25-25 01:43 PM


Originally Posted by Steel Charlie (Post 23549711)
I have never been disappointed by any Jagwire or Shimano product.


Agreed on Jagwire. Have not used Shimano yet. Let's see if the Alligator cables are worthwhile.

The Golden Boy 06-25-25 03:23 PM

Jagwire is my preferred stuff.

Aubergine 06-25-25 03:42 PM

I skimmed through this thread but did not see an important bit of info. Campagnolo shifters (and thus cables) use a smaller head. The cables for Shimano, etc, have a head that either will not fit into the shift lever recess or will jam in so tightly as to be hard or impossible to remove. I always keep a few genuine Campagnolo cables on hand for that reason
.

randyjawa 06-26-25 01:49 PM


Originally Posted by Aubergine (Post 23549795)
I skimmed through this thread but did not see an important bit of info. Campagnolo shifters (and thus cables) use a smaller head. The cables for Shimano, etc, have a head that either will not fit into the shift lever recess or will jam in so tightly as to be hard or impossible to remove. I always keep a few genuine Campagnolo cables on hand for that reason
.

I agree, the size of shifter cable heads can be an issue. None the less, I always go with my bulk choice. Not all that hard to file the transmission heads down to fit nicely, in case that matters to anyone - takes less than five minutes to do so.

As for the not seeing an important bit of info. Not sure I would agree with that, considering that you did just share an important piece of information. Tough many Bike Forum members have seen/hear/read this or that, time and again, there will always be the first time user who does seek information. Wish I had know to use nylon lined casings coupled with teflon coated stainless steel cables when I got started. That said, the old school cable/casings did not last forever. More than once, a vintage road bike has reached me with cables so corroded, inside and out, that they were seized into place. Just something to consider even though it does not happen often.


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