Shift Cables & Housing \

Listing Results Shift Cables & Housing \

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are shifter cables and housing?

  Shifter cables and housing are what connects the shift levers to their respective derailleurs. Shifters use a 1.2mm diameter shift cable and a 4mm diameter compressionless shift housing. They might seem uninteresting at first, but the type of cable and housing you use can affect your bike's shifting performance.

• What are the best shift cables for road bikes?

  Thanks to the friction-reducing OPTISLICK coating, this cables set is an excellent option for riders who often find themselves pedaling in inclement weather. Finally, Shimano's DURA-ACE Polymer Shift Cable Set is the absolute best shift cable and housing upgrade available for your road bike.

• What color shifter housing should I get?

  After you're done cutting the housing, don't forget to add Ferrules when possible. Shifter housing comes in several different colors which provides a great opportunity to add some style to your ride. Add a little blue to an all-black frame for a cool color combination or go with black housing for the black on black stealth look.

• What do Shimano's new cables and housings mean for your bike?

  “With new cables and housings, your bike’s shifting will have a lighter action and more precision,” confirms Shimano North America’s Road Brand Manager Nick Legan, who’s also a former WorldTour level mechanic. “This means that the force required to perform a shift is lower, and each shift will occur more seamlessly.”

• What is the standard size of a shifter cable?

  For shifter housing there are two standards: Shifter housing with 4 mm outer diameter. Shifter housing with 5 mm outer diameter (the same diameter, but not the same type, as brake housing). All the shifter cables will run with no problems through housing by any of the above noted standards.

• What is the difference between shifter housing and brake housing?

  Shifter housing is constructed to compress and elongate as little as possible with shifter cable tension change (while shifting up and down). But it can not take large force – pull cable strong enough and it will split! Brake housing is made to sustain very high cable tension forces without splitting, but slight compression is not as detrimental.

• What is shifter housing made of?

  They are usually constructed using a layered combination of longitudinal steel wires and spiral steel, or kevlar lining to give more strength, so the housing doesn’t split when high braking force is exerted. Such housing, due to less compression, can also be used for shifters. Though, for shifters, it is still a bit better to use shifter housing.

• What are the advantages of a good shifting cable?

  1. Made of high quality material, which is very durable and reliable. 2. 2m shifting cable or brake cable is great for your bike. 3. Corrosion and not easy to rust. 4. Shifting and brake cable for you to choose from. 5. Strong slick cable for more braking power and smooth operation.