2mm brake cable.

[XTSTIMAN]

After getting some early 90s bikes, was interested to find they had 2mm brake cables.

They seem better as they do'nt stretch, snap and feel more powerful.

Anyone tell me why 2mm died and 1.6mm stayed :?

 

[No Longer Registered]

I remember having some Tioga brake cables that were ridiculously thick and interwound like rope on my P7 years ago. They lasted for ages and the brakes were noticeably more effective using these items.
It may be worth contacting a company such as 'Venhill Engineering' to see if they can still supply cables. They still produce cables for motor bikes and automotive applications and may still have some old bike stock about.

 

[P20]

Shimano will claim it was phased out because the 1.6mm was lighter. I suspect it was phased out because it didn't wear out and the 1.6mm therefore increased their sales.

Cynical i know

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Shimano will claim it was phased out because the 1.6mm was lighter. I suspect it was phased out because it didn't wear out and the 1.6mm therefore increased their sales.

Cynical i know

Cynical? Probably not. My 1990 Kili Flier Comp is still running the original rear brake cable, both inners and outers. It is an internal design which may have helped prolong it's life. I do check it every now and then and it still seems solid. You cannot begin to estimate how much use it has had! If anyone sources some, let me know!