Are all MTB shifter cables the same?

No, all shifter cables are not the same. If after inspecting your shifter cables, you discover they are frayed, bent, or rusted and need to be changed, you can’t just buy any shifter cable you see out there. Different bikes have different shifters, which determines the type of shifter cables to be used on them.

What size is shifter cable?

Most shift cables are 1.1 or 1.2mm, galvanized shifter cables are 1.3mm.

Can I use brake housing for shifter cables?

It’s really not recommended. Brake cable housings have a coiled metal spiral embedded in them, while compressionless shift cables have a series of tiny round wires running parallel along the length of housing. If you were to use brake cable housings on shift cables the result can be very poor shifting.

What size are Shimano cables?

Others (Shimano, SRAM…) – around 1.2 to 1.3 mm cable diameter – with end barrel a bit larger than Campagnolo one.

Can you use brake cable housing for derailleur?

Can you use shifter cable housing for brakes?

Shifter housing standards For 5 mm shifter housing ends, the same (metal) ends can be used as for brake housing (even though those are two different housing types!).

Are Shimano and SRAM cables the same?

Shimano designed their housing to be used with their polymer-coated cables and SRAM has a similar system. Otherwise, I use 4 and 5 mm polished stainless steel cables, often in 3,300 mm length since most bikes have internal routing nowadays.

Do I need to replace cable housing?

Housing most commonly needs replacement when the lubrication in the liner has washed or otherwise worn away, or if contaminants have worked their way inside. Either of these is difficult to see, but will affect the movement of the cable within the housing.

Does cable housing need new?

Cable housings (when damaged) always show signs of wear, rust, or fray, if it isn’t the case with yours, then reuse them. To be sure it is reusable, slide a new cable into the cable housing, if it goes in easily and smoothly, then you can reuse it.

Can you use Shimano gear cables with SRAM?

Compatible with Shimano®/SRAM® MTB Thumb-Shifters and Twist-Grips, Shimano® STI™ Ro. Flexible, corrosion-resistant stainless steel inner cable. Compatible with front and rear derailleurs. Single anchor eliminates cutting and possible fraying prior to installation.