Gore Ride-On cables have just introduced two new cable systems, the highlight of which is the incredibly lightweight housing shown above.
Called Ultra Lite, the cable housing is made of fiber optic materials and weighs next to nothing. For a road bike it would weigh under 40g for two meters length versus about 80g for standard housing. For mountain bikes, there’s no metal in the system, so it won’t rust. Gore says it won’t compress any more than regular housing. Pricing TBD.
UPDATE: First impressions, real weights and pricing posted here.
I had the chance to handle these at PressCamp and a full length spool felt feather light. I expect to start seeing these on manufacturer’s dream build show bikes by next year’s NAHBS.
Gore Ride-On is now lubricating their fully sealed cable system, which is intended for mountain bikes. They tested using 180 degree bends with 20lb weight on one end of the cable, then introduced mud and simulated 30 days of continous riding. Up to now, the liner wasn’t lubricated, and the Professional System for road with the partial lining and lubricated housing had lower total friction. Now, the liner in the MTB system has light lubrication in the actual liner, and Gore says the friction for the fully sealed system is equal to the Pro system for road. In bullet point form, here are the upgrades from the PR:
- Full length liner is now completely lubricated, reducing friction by more than 20%, improving shifting feel and precision
- Stainless cable enables use of an advanced version of the Gore coating, further reducing friction and reducing chance of corrosion
- Redesigned, shortened GRUB seal, ensures compatibility with all new derailleurs
- One year limited warranty
- Easy to install
- 5mm housing, compatible with all major mountain bike shifting systems
- MSRP TBA
