Why use retro cables and housing?

[Decan]

Most likely showing my ignorance here but this question is really bugging me. Hope you guys can help.
Whats the benefit of using old or NOS cable and/or housing on shimano m732 or m734 brakes or gears? Are modern cables and housing not very bit as good?
Please put me out of my misery )

 

[drystonepaul]

Re:

New cables are functionally just as good.

However for some people it's all about authenticity and period correctness. It's also true that oversize cables and outers are no longer available and, just like skin wall tyres, massive quill stems and splatter paint jobs, were all part of certain periods in mountain bike history.

 

[Decan]

Very helpful,thanks!
So from what you say I take it that the originals were oversized compared to the modern ones? Does that go for both the inner and the outer?

 

[drystonepaul]

Re:

Only with the oversized Shimano SLR brake cables. The inner and outer are both wider in diameter.
I can't remember the dimensions off hand nor can I find an image either.

Normal diameter brake cables were also available at the same time and gear cables haven't changed.

 

[paddy311]

Re:

The old SLR brake cables were 2mm inner and 6mm outer. You'll find too, that a lot of late 80s frames have brake cable stops designed for 6mm cable. 5mm cable and ferrules flap about in the cable stops.

It probably sounds a bit dull...... but on a bike from the late 80's that is really tidy - the proper 2mm/6mm cable looks the bollocks when you look close up. Just my opinion - but I'm sure I'm not alone thinking that

 

[Decan]

Makes a lot of sense! Delighted to finally know. Guess I now know what I'm after next ha ha. Cheers guys!

 

[Decan]

One final question so... What's the general market price for a complete NOS set - brakes and gears, inners and outers ?

Bought plenty back in the day, and have never bought the modern size - yet ... What break the habit of a lifetime as they say...

 

[drystonepaul]

Re: Re:

The old SLR brake cables were 2mm inner and 6mm outer.

That's it! 'Modern' brake cable tends to be 1.6mm inner with 5mm outer, while gear is generally 1.2mm with either 5mm or more commonly 4mm outer.
Plastic end ferrules are more normal now too.

I agree that oversize cables and metal cable ferrules look great on bikes designed for them. I just wish they were more widely available.

 

[paddy311]

Re:

There's a guy on ebay.de who usually has NOS 2mm/6mm SLR brake cable for sale for very reasonable money.

 

[Decan]

Delighted to have found your forum.. Put me out of my misery with that question, thanks.

Fitted countless numbers of the old ones back in the day when I worked in a shop. Then dropped out of it all until the current rebuild. Haven't been corrupted by the new stuff ha ha