[mellow_sparky]

Picked up a set of XTR shifter cables. They have these funky endcaps with a "tail" on them and a rubber boot. I've never seen these installed at the LBS before. So, two questions:
1. does the end cap go on one side of the cable stop and the rubber boot on the other side?
2. do these work well? i know the intent is to keep the cable clean, but it seems like this would just introduce more friction.

Thoughts?

 

[Racebike]

On question number 1: Yes that's correct.

On question number 2: Yes they will produce more friction, but last longer. The overall performance of the XTR set is really good, and the rubber boot will not make a very big difference compared to the well sealed SP41 endcaps.

You will have less friction with the non sealed variant from Shimano, but then grit gets into your housing and that makes it quite a pointless exercise. Go ahead with the rubber boot option.

 

[mellow_sparky]

Thanks for the info - when my bike was built up, the shop didn't even use regular shimano cable - it's some generic stuff. So this should probably be a big step up based on what you are saying.

Thanks again

 

[zebrahum]

The generic stuff is probably jagwire and is, for most applications, just as good. The big difference is the XTR comes with the black coated cables which are more slick and stay that way for longer. The coated cables are probably more noticeable than using the rubber boots. I often use the rubber boot on the housing piece going into the derailleur loop because it has a tenancy to collect crud.

 

[mellow_sparky]

whoa - just installed new shift cables - man what a huge difference that makes. I can practically just look at the shifters and the gears change. Totally amazing - I strongly recommend an annual changing of the cables!

My only complaint is that the XTR cable set didn't include enough housing pieces to do both the front and rear on my bike - so if you buy XTR cables (and they seem to be really great) - you may need two sets to do your whole bike.

 

[4xBoy]

Yeah the XTR Kit is a joke in the housing department, sp41 housing can be purchased for $25 for 33 feet, but it seems everyone is out of stock on it right now.

 

[FullMonty]

I've taken a lot of bikes from un-usable to perfect just with a change of cables. Beat up old Deore derailleur, cracked up Alivio shifter, and it'll shift just fine with new cables and housing.

 

[oldfart]

You have just discovered what probably accounts for 99% of all shifting woes. Old dirty cable and housing. And you don't want to limit changing the cable and housing to an annual thing unless that's all you need. It might be far more frequent than that. Often as soon as you think you need a to adjust something it is really evidence of fouled cable and housing.