[unusualpunk]

I was wondering if it is ok to run normal cable, and housing with cable disc brakes? I have been told to run teflon cables and lined housing. But is this really necessary? Would I notice a BIG difference if I was to use normal cable, and housing?

Thanks

 

[gorgechris]

I've not heard of a reason why you HAVE to run it this way. I just think you'll get much smoother actuation from the levers if there is less drag and resistance, as you'd find with coated cables and lined systems.

I run full housing and teflon cables on my Avids, because I want a smoother feeling brake lever. Nothing in the Avid literature that I saw mandated such a setup, however.

The other way to maintain the smooth feel of fresh cables is to just change them and the housing frequently.

 

[Fredzilla]

I agree with what Gorgechris has to say... you don't HAVE to do it, but I think it can make a big difference. When I had regular cables/housing, I'd sometimes have problems with the calipers having enough spring power to reset into the correct starting position. I used cable lube, and replaced the cables frequently, but it really didn't seem to help that much... then I went to teflon cables.. the teflon cables made things smooooooth.

 

[RITFreeRider]

Like the two above me said there is no reason why you have to run teflon cables and lined housing. They work great when they are new, but after time the teflon will wear off and the cable with stick in the housing and your brakes will feel like $hit. If you change your cables every year like most people do regular cable and housing will work just fine. Never had a problem with it, I don't use anything special just whatever the bike shop has for cheap. But again there is no reason you have to run teflon cables.

 

[Repack]

Originally posted by RITFreeRider
Like the two above me said there is no reason why you have to run teflon cables and lined housing. They work great when they are new, but after time the teflon will wear off and the cable with stick in the housing and your brakes will feel like $hit. If you change your cables every year like most people do regular cable and housing will work just fine. Never had a problem with it, I don't use anything special just whatever the bike shop has for cheap. But again there is no reason you have to run teflon cables.

Same experience here. I always use stainless cables. Galvanized sucks, and most shops don't stock them anymore. I use a little Ice Wax to keep them sliding smooth, and replace them as soon as things stop feeling smooth.