Cables-lube them or not.

[rockdude]

I am about to do a new Campy build. I have always lubed my cables but I have friends that don't. So, is it right to lube or not?

[johnnymossville]

I don't, but I suspect a little lube can't hurt.

[djg21]

I don't, but I suspect a little lube can't hurt.


I use the grease that Shimano sells for cables.

[Oakely-Erik]

Shimano calls it "special grease" (the official name)

any LBS should have it

[-dustin]

No, I don't. I think it's a band-aid fix.

[SHOCK]

I do. But be careful because it can cause dust and debris to stick to the cables, so wipe them down periodically and then re-lube. Some housing has grease injected from the beginning. I prefer either motorex grease or shimano slippery spit lube.

[Steve in SLO]

Campy says "do not" so I do not.

[jennifer]

The best lube for modern cable housing (with plastic liners) is silicon grease. This is what is in Shimano high end SP-41 derailleur cable housing. Shimano makes many kinds of so-called “Special Grease”; you need to find the one labeled “Shimano Special cable Grease”. It’s hard to find as very few outlets stock it. Regular petroleum based lubes are not anywhere near as slippery as the silicon ones, are not compatible with the plastic liner material, and get stiff in cold weather. Silicon grease keeps moisture and contaminates out better than other so-called waterproof lubes.

If you’re afraid your older sister will kill you for raiding her stash of silicon based sex lubricants, just stop by an auto parts store, as they carry a wide selection of Silicon Grease. Buy a low viscosity Silicon Grease; in addition to cables, it’s perfect for lubing rubber seals and sealing electric contacts.

[rockdude]

If I understand it, I should use Silicon lubricants. I am skipping the bike shop and the auto parts store and heading to the nearest Adult Love shop. This is going to be fun. Maybe I can find some cable lube that taste as good as it lubes.

If you’re afraid your older sister will kill you for raiding her stash of silicon based sex lubricants, just stop by an auto parts store, as they carry a wide selection of Silicon Grease.

[cdimattio]

I don't, but I suspect a little lube can't hurt.

I have experimented, and Rock-N-Roll Cable Magic is my preference for non coated cables. More of a liquid lubricant than a grease. Distribution and availability are not exceptional.

[weaponsgrade]

I used to, but haven't in my last two builds. So far no problems. The one thing I noticed when I did grease is that the RD cable/housing loop would get really sticky after a bit.

[Ahneida Ride]

I have a SRAM nightcrawler ( a rubber protective worm) on my chain stay
just before the "C" cable for the rear derailleur.

This keeps dirt outa the "C" cable. My LBS guru claims the dirt in the
"C" cable is a major soure of shifting problems.

[jemoryl]

The sheet that comes with a Campy cable set indicates that the housings are pre-lubricated and "do not require any additional lubrication". I have never greased them and have had no problems, but don't ride in extreme condtions very often.

[Viper]

Jamie Swan adjusted my brakes once. He took the cables apart and sprayed lube through the cable. I don't doubt the Obi Wans of the universe:

http://www.centerportcycles.com/

http://www.centerportcycles.com/pages/Thumbnail%20Pages/CharliesBike/CharliesBike.html

http://www.centerportcycles.com/pages/Thumbnail%20Pages/Colossus/Colossus.html

http://www.centerportcycles.com/pages/framebuilding/framebuilding1.html

:beer: