Wondering if anyone has found cables that match or exceed Shimano's quality or if it's better to stick with whatever my local bike shop is using?

I've seen a few mentions of cables (often times noting the gold ones are best) but can't find a thread with definitive recommendations.

Shimano polymer shift cables are the best. I wouldn't use anything else.

Better than jagwire?

Yokozuna

Quote from: Ludo on October 10, 2024, 09:27:57 AM
Better than jagwire?

If we're talking about the shift wires, the Dura-Ace polymer wires don't fray, are rust resistant and I can straighten them out for reuse. I use them exclusively on my gravel bike which is now my only mechanical setup I have left.

Quote from: jonathanf2 on October 09, 2024, 07:11:35 PM
Shimano polymer shift cables are the best. I wouldn't use anything else.

Well.. in my feeling they are the worst. If new they are super but the polymer coating peels off super fast and the polymer coating advantages are just gone. I used the greyish optislick as well as the brownish Dura ace.quality.

I use Jagwire uncoated but polished .. they are indeed golden.  I don't know if they are the best that you can buy... most importantly for good function is a good maintenance interval.

Jagwire sta-el ultra slick