How to choose your mountain bike cables and sheaths?

How to choose your mountain bike cables and sheaths?

Cables in poor condition are often the first reason for malfunctions in the mountain bike. mountain bike transmission transmission or V-brake brakes or disc brakes mechanical.

Cable and sheath types

Reminder The cables and sheaths for brakes and derailleurs are not identical. They differ in head shape and diameter, and are therefore not interchangeable.

The cable can be made of steel or stainless steel: the former is less expensive, while the latter is more resistant to corrosion and therefore lasts longer. In addition, to reduce friction and thus improve the operation of your equipment, it can be coated with a polymer. A polymer (usually called PTFE or Teflon®).

The sheath can be fitted withwatertight ends B to improve service life and/or offer a liner C to further reduce friction with the cable.

Which cables and sheaths for my practice?

You already know, but we insist: you can't use a derailleur cable or casing on a braking system, or vice versa. As the dimensions and diameters are different, you won't be able to fit them.

The choice depends on your use. For occasional use, a kit comprising a steel cable and a conventional sheath will suffice.

A regular user will opt for a steel or stainless steel cable, with a polymer coating, and sheaths with watertight ends for maximum reliability.

Competitors will opt for polymer-coated cables and lined sheaths to optimize transmission performance.

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