I've already used the search function and I'm still confused and a bit overwhelmed.

Are there any shifter and brake cable kits that are good and do not cost an arm and a leg. Man I never imagined cables costing $40 or more.

I've seen sets of cables with housing on PBK relatively inexpensive, but from looking at them they don't look like they have and ends on them that I've seen used by the brakes and shifters or the ends that keep them from fraying.

Is there some where that I can get quality ready to install cables except for the end caps of course so that I can cut them to the proper length.

Sorry I'm not even sure if what I've written makes sense

You can get some none prepackaged cables at your LBS for a much cheaper price.

the pbk cable set comes with end caps. It's a full set, with a few spare parts.

you can also get end caps from your LBS, they practically give them away.

You can get some good generic teflon coated cables and housing at your LBS for much less. They usually charge $2 a foot for housing, but if you invest in a good pair of cable cutters, you can get 25 feet for less than $1 foot, and in a variety of colors. Also, you can cut to size instead of by the foot. Not at all hard to DIY.

The key item is the cable cutter. Housing does not cut easily.

dremel tool works well, if yours isn't burnt out.

the complete kit comes with all ferrules, crimps, etc. if you are buying housing, buy extra. never hurts to have some around. it has been my experience that OE cable sets shift best (at least w/campy), so that is what I use.

the dremel actually works better for housing, it results in a cleaner cut that is easier to fit into a tight ferrule. the cable cutters are fairly necessary for the cable, though (duh).

As for prices, just shop around. sometimes you can score good shimano (real) cable sets for cheap. get a few while you are at it, change every 5-7k or so. I ride campy, so I have long since giving up on anything being cheap.

I paid 34 at my LBS for a complete set of Dura Ace cables/housing, and crimps...and the shifter housing was precut

Cool idea. Do you just use a standard cutting disc? I never get really clean cuts in housing using a cable cutter.

standard disc works fine, just have a firm grip and don't be surprised when you get through the plastic and hit the actual housing. You may still need/want to open it up with a nail, but the cut is usually pretty nice.

REI and my LBS has teflon cables for 3-6 a piece depending on sales. LBS has shimano generic cables for 2.50. Both brake and shifter, both road and mountain.

cable housing by the foot at LBS for 2 bucks or 25 feet from REI for about a buck a foot. Im sure there is better cable housing, but both seem to be fine.

I use cable cutters, but need to fiddle once I cut to open up the housing. takes an extra minute, but Im happy and dont feel the need to buy more pricy sets.

cheap-o sets on nashbar for cables plus housing for 1 brake+derailleur is like 3 bucks for everything. got that once, its functional, but for your BD bikes.

PBK cable set. best deal around. work mighty fine