cable outers

[Parrot of Doom]

Will cable outers for Shimano gears work ok with cable brake discs?

I'm having problems with the front brake, I think its the 'full metal jacket' on the front that's making things chafe, so I want to remove it and all I have is shimano shifter cable.

[neil_bolton]

Nope, completely different type of outer (look at how the outer is bound - gears are parralel to the cable, and brake is 'wound' round as it were.

You need to use proper brake outer - of any sort for cable brakes

[mk1fan]

Gear cable outers tend to be 4mm in diameter, brake 5mm. This is because brake cables are thicker than gear cables. Any LBS (good or bad) should be able to supply it fresh cut by the metre. Don't forget to get the end ferruls too. Shouldn't be any more than a couple of quid, for that money it's not worth trying to bodge something together.

I'm surprised you're having problems with Avid's FMJ's though. Although faffy to fit / set up correctly they should run smooth and trouble free a lot longer than regular cables and outers.

[Parrot of Doom]

No matter, I found some brand new Shimano brake cables.

The FMJ on the front keeps moving around, the little guide isn't strong enough to withstand the mud that gets chucked at it and ends up losing it's stickiness, and moving around no matter how tight I clamp it. What sometimes happens is that the brake cable above pushes the FMJ around, which moves the caliper.

I've gone back to a full length of cable. Meh, in a few years I'll probably spend a wedge of money on an expensive new bike anyway so not too worry