I am one of those guys who has not replaced any cable on the bike since it was purchased (2000). I know, I am bad, bad, bad. I have taken out the inners and lubed them at least every 6 mo. though and shifting has been great.
Well, shifting performance had deteriorated recently after a cadence magnet got stuck in my drive train- uggh! I had have a relatively new chain and cassette too. Although I fear I will need a new cassette and chain- I am looking to replace the cables (overdue and cheapest things first). As long I am taking of the tape from the bars- I will do the brakes too.
Should I replace the inners and housings, or just the inners? What are folks thoughts on the best options? I have Campy Chorus (circa 2000- last year it was still 9sp I think). Should I stick with Campy or will anything do? Are the Nokons / Aztec power links worth while? I think I have one Gore derailer cable sitting in my tool box since 1996- worth using it or is it junk by now?
You have to use derailleur cables spec’ed for Campy only. The cable heads are smaller than Shimano and will jam your shifter. I recommend using only Campy cables…they are stainless and will last very long if you care for them.
Replace the cables if shifting and/or braking performance is suffering. If shifting and braking is still smooth, and you are anal like me, just replace the inners. If performance is questionable, replace both inner and outer. Make sure you get stainless, not galvanized(they will rust)…don’t worry about teflon…their performance doesn’t justify the price, unless you are getting a system, like Nokon or Aztec. I do it once a year, regardless of shifting and braking performance…it’s relatively cheap, and a good way to guarantee consistent performance.
Nokons and Aztecs are good… I have installed both. They are both sealed systems, but less fragile that Gore. Aztecs are easier, since the housing is inside of a clear tubing. Nokons are a real pain…it’s like putting together a jigzaw puzzle…you have to put each individual link on…about two hundred links it seems like. Just make sure they are Campy compatible.
You usually have to replace the cassette and the chain at the same time. If it is relatively new, try just the chain first…if any gears skip under load, replace the cassette.