General Question. The brake cable for Vision aero brake levers use a different end/stopper than the standard STI shift brake cable stoper. I noticed that a shimano compatible DERAILLEUR cable end actually fits in the Vision aero brake lever. The only difference between the Shimano derailleur cable and the vision brake cable is the thickness of the brake cable.
My question is, is it safe to use a shimano compatible derailleur cable as the brake cable using vision aero brake levers? Has anyone done this?
I think the Vision levers use the other end of most brake cables that you buy these days. It's the same as an MTB lever uses, and new cables have the disparate ends so they can market just one cable that will do either. As far as using a derailleur cable instead, you'd probably need to use the derailleur housing, but I'd stick with brake stuff. Consequences can be a little greater if you lose brakes than shifting. :)
Wow - how timely! Just did this last night. Works just fine. The Visiontech brake cable is basically the larger brake calbe with the smaller head of the shifter cables. To work, you must use the Shimano shifter cables as brake cables. Not ideal, but I recable my bikes every winter anyway and don’t brake much on my tri bike. Don’t forget the little nubbin that goes just behind the aero brake lever (if you are using the skinny little Visiontech ones) and to thread the housing from the back first with the lever out of the hole to make the internal routing easier.
For the front brake, yes (very short). Rear, I’m using the Visiontech cable. I’d use both, but only had one (LONG story). I did all last year with no issues. I’ll probably order a new set if I remember I would not likely do this on my MTN bike or road bike though
Using the derailleur cable is not safe. Due to the smaller diameter of the cable the brake caliper may not clamp properly. This could result in the brake not holding the derailleur cable. I have seen derail. cables used with these levers and I have seen them slip at the caliper when the lever is pulled hard. The other factor derail. cables do not have as many strands as a brake cable since they are never pulled as hard. I often see derail. cables that have broken or become frayed and break. Very,very rarely do brake cables break, the extra strands equal a greater degree of backup. Vision tech sells the replacement cables through many different parts suppliers. There cost is no greater than a Dura Ace or any other high quality replacement. It is to great of a risk. You can finish a race or ride with a derailluer cable failing. But what happens when a car pulls out in front of you and you brakes fail?
I’ve been using der cables as brake cables for years without a hitch. I’ve done hard braking to avoid hitting cars and extreme braking when descending large mountains. I have Zipp 2001 frames that require internal cable routing. The der. cables are tons easier to thread and return much faster then the fatter brake cables. I still use the brake housing though. Again, I’ve never had a problem. I replace all cables every 6 months so there’s no real threat of the cable breaking since they look like new when I remove them.
I would not likely do this on my MTN bike or road bike though