Hi All, long time reader first time poster.
Just picked up an 80s Yamaguchi road bike, its in good shape just need new pads, cables and a good clean.
Since this is my first bike with down tube shifters and the cables are looking a little stretched and gross I'm just wondering if run of the mill modern shimano gear shift cables will fit in old shimano downtube shifters?
(yes I've tried google, but having a little trouble finding what I need)

Yes, any "shifter" cable should work. Nice looking bike by the way. Welcome to the forums.

Thanks man I did find a nice image for anyone digging this thread up that illustrates the size differences if you're eyeing it off.



A. Shimano Brake Cable
B. Campagnolo Brake Cable
C. Mountain Brake Cable
D. Shimano Shifter Cable
E. Campagnolo Shifter Cable

Nice bike indeed. Since Shimano uses a larger barrel, you can use either shift cable (which is nice), and you'll notice right away if you accidentally try to use a brake cable.

FWIW, downtube shifters seem to be really easy on shift cables, so there isn't much urgency to it unless the cables are already fraying. I'm morbidly curious to see how long I can make the rusty ones on my '91 Bianchi last. They might be original, for all I know!