These are the basic economy-level shift cables from Shimano. They are made in China, but still a great product... especially at their much lower selling price. The only significant difference between these cables and the mid-level stainless steel Shimano version is their rust resistance. When bought in the ten pack however, they cost approximately one quarter the price of individual stainless shift cables from the same make... and are quite adequate if not ideal for many bikes. It's also easy to keep spares on hand.
The cables themselves are no less slick or smooth than the regular stainless ones, and their dimensions are identical (1.2 x 2100mm). They won't stretch any more than the dearer ones (in use), and their ends are sealed down just the same for easy threading. The appearance of these cables can actually be a bit deceiving, because the zinc plating does not resemble the lighter colour of typical zinc plated cables at all (and Shimano shy away from using the word Zinc on the packets). If you get them muddled, a magnet will stick to these cables more than the stainless ones (from Shimano). Each cable is individually packaged anyway, making it easier to just break them open as required and know you have the correct item (remembering that SUS on the packets means 304 stainless, otherwise they are zinc plate). These particular (zinc) cables are also sealed in plastic bags within their cardboard covers, to keep them looking fresh before installation. A single (cheap) cable end crimp is also inside each bag. The ten cable packets are supplied inside a cardboard carton, which is also a nice touch, and means the cables won't be damaged in transit whatever happens.
It's normally best to lubricate these cables (since typically they won't be installed into expensive silicone filled housings ;-). Any number of products can be used, IMO a small amount of Rock n Roll 'Cable Magic' dripped into old cable housing usually frees things up, or just a good smear of regular clear grease like Pedros 'Bio-Grease' along new cables is often all that's needed (new shift cable housings are all different, some are dry, some are greased inside at one end, some are silicon filled their whole length, some come in kits with inner cables supplied while others are cut from bulk length blah blah..).
I've installed a lot of bike cables, and for high end bikes the cabling can vary in performance and in price quite considerably. But it's also not worth wasting $50 worth of cabling on a bike worth $100, especially when the rider won't know any difference! These shift cables are great for repairing cheaper bikes, kids bikes, the neighbours bikes, utility bikes etc; and are actually every bit as good as the generic zinc cables on brand name $400 new bikes. Shimano cables, even the cheapest ones, are dependable and trouble free. Stay away from acme branded crap, not worth the trouble.
Highly Recommended.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 5.35 x 4.13 x 2.76 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.3 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.75 x 4.75 x 3 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Brand Name | SHIMANO |
| Color | Gray |
| Material | Zinc |
| Suggested Users | mens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
| Part Number | Y60098100 |
| Size | 1.2x2100-mm |
| Sport Type | Cycling |
| Skill Level | 1.2mm x 2100mm |
