Brand new garbage chain

[fossyant]

I've never had a problem with cables, other than the one I put a very light smear of petroleum-based grease on. The housing had some kind of plastic lining, and the grease caused it to swell so bad that I couldn't change gears, especially changing up where the spring couldn't move the cage. My 2-years old Izip step-through bike has 3,600 miles on it and the cables are like new. I don't ride in wet conditions, so that may be a factor in them being in good condition.

If you aren't running 10 speed and above, and riding all weathers then you are fine. My CX bike runs on SP41 shimano gear cables as the standard stuff just didn't last but the bike is used off road. Same with my MTB. Needs quality cables due to the conditions it gets used in.

 

[AlBaker]

If you aren't running 10 speed and above, and riding all weathers then you are fine. My CX bike runs on SP41 shimano gear cables as the standard stuff just didn't last but the bike is used off road. Same with my MTB. Needs quality cables due to the conditions it gets used in.

I used to run a 20-speed Specialized Fatboy, and never had a cable problem with it. I ran that for about 4,000 miles before I sold it.