Unpopular opinion: I think brand-name cable housing is overhyped

I was rebuilding a Trek road bike last week and used the cheap generic housing from my parts bin instead of the $40 Jagwire kit. The shifting felt exactly the same after a test ride. Am I missing something or is it all just marketing fluff?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles58110d ago

Ha! I saw a mechanic on YouTube test this same thing with a fishing scale and there was basically no difference in drag. Seems like the expensive stuff just looks prettier in the toolbox.

gonzalez.vera10d agoTop Commenter

Respectfully, I think those YouTube tests often miss the little details like how the line lays on the spool under real fishing pressure. A smoother drag can make a big difference when you've got a big fish making those sudden runs, even if it doesn't show up on a scale.