I am facing a major problem; one not easily solved. One of our principal Keepers – Brett – had made mention of the most important element of cycling: the Rules. While the Rules are ambiguous, they are also very clear. Not so much “clear” in the sense that any of us really know what they are or what they really mean; more “clear” in the sense that it’s pretty fucking obvious when a rule has been broken.
I have it on the excellent authority of a man down the shop that Nokon cable housing makes a noticeable difference in shifting performance. (I haven’t explicitly asked the question, but I assume this “difference in shifting performance” is a positive one.) In fact, it appears this opinion is held almost universally. Even Brett rides a set of them. I had them on my XLEV2 back when it was my primary racing machine, but I was unhappy with the crooked path the cables took from the shifters to the downtube. Being a man of obsessive/compulsive qualities, this proved to be too much for my already feeble mind to deal with while riding – especially given Shimano’s STI cable setup at the time. The Nokon cables went.
But, in the six or so years since, Nokon has come to the forefront and people seem to like them. Not only do they not compress – leading to improved shifting – but they are apparently lighter due to a lack of rubber or plastic or whatever cables are coated in. This is an easy sell. Every rational cyclist craves performance enhancement – even the legal kind – not to mention the added bonus that, given the weight savings, I should be able to add an extra noodle to my weekly pasta ration. (Cyclists only “eat” about once a week, on account of our strength-to-weight ratio. The rest of the time we fantasize about “food porn” while preparing our daily EPO/HGH cocktail.)
On to my problem. It appears Nokon now comes in a variety of colors, several of which would look absolutely dashing on my R3. The obvious relevant color choices are Red, Black, or White – with the possibility of running a silver set. Black is understated and simple. It would not call attention to itself and simply serve the purpose of shifting improvement and extra noodle rations. However, red and white would provide an additional stylish twist, accenting the detail colors of the frame. There is more red on the frame than white, but the handlebars and the frame’s text are white. Red would provide a certain “grounding” effect, while the white would continue the “accent” theme already present in the frame.
If I choose the white cables, do I then need to switch to black bar tape, allowing the white cable housing the freedom to rock it? Or would I stick with the white tape? Are red cables too…well, red? Silver is an option, but I would need justification. Something like, “I really wanted to match my cables to the titanium bolts.” But I feel funny just writing that explanation – even after the several glasses of wine I’ve already consumed tonight. I struggle to believe I’ll feel good defending my choice while I’m sober and on the bike.
This is going to take at least another couple weeks to decide. Any input is welcomed. See below for current configuration.
I envy you your simple lives.
[album: http://filemanager.dutchmonkey.com/photoalbums.php?byfile=yes&file=01_R3.jpg&currdir=/frank.dutchmonkey.com/personal/Pictures/Bikes/|height=500]
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I wouldn't recommend the Nokons to anyone. They shift ok, but not great - they have nothing on a well set up Shimano SP41 system, or Jagwire's ripcords, and if it's ultimate performance you're after it all seems to point to Gore cables (now offered by SRAM) - I'm waiting on a set to go on the mtb.
While Brett reckons he hasn't had "issues", I wouldn't classify the shifting on his bike as outstanding, just OK. My mtb ones were only just satisfactory; they worked, and the performance wasn't any worse in muddy conditions; it's more a case of them always feeling like they had more drag than they should, even when freshly fitted up. Pretty much all the mechanics I know agree with me on that one.
The Nokons may look cool - if you like that kind of thing - but they're overpriced and won't do anything for your bike's shifting performance.
Oh, and if creaks bother you, the Nokons are prone to that too (especially when used in foul weather a lot) unless you keep the contact points of the pearls lubed up.
@Josh
I've wondered about Gore cables, and - I'm ashamed to say - I'm not very familiar with the Ripcords. Must check them out.
My Nokon setup on the ol' Bianchi also seemed to creak, although I ultimately blamed other elements after removal of the cables didn't resolve the creaking. Maybe I'm not as crazy as I thought. I guess it does seem sensible that you'd have dozens of cable linkages that could all get creaky. *shiver*
Me thinks I fixed it. tightened bottle cage, removed, cleaned, remounted fdh. didn't have a chance to ride for very long so we'll see but i'm doing the bike leg of a team duatholon this weekend so that will be telling. Thanks again for the idears.
@Josh
Shouldn't we be drinking pints discussing this? My two cents on Jagwire housings, not so different than the original campy housings but the first six inches on the gear cable housings are thinner and more flexible so it hunkers around the bars better. They should have done that with the brake cable too. Color choice is decent and not expensive.
Red tape and housings!! White gets dirty too fast.
@Marko
Awesome. Your optimism is adorable.
@john & @Josh
I use the K-Wing bar, and routing the standard Campy cables through there is a biyatch. That is one very appealing point about Nokons. But the Jagwires seem interesting. Must investigate.
I find people are generally really down on white tape. Very strange. I'm using the Fi'z:k: white bar tape - the coated stuff, not the tacky stuff. It is impervious to dirt. So far.
Gotta love the k-wing. I see you wrap yours all the way up. I only wrapped mine up to where my hands sit while riding on the hoods and of course down the drops. I couldn't bring myself to wrap that sweet looking carbon. besides, the flat profile is comfy enough for as little as I ride on the flats of my bars.
@Marko
I really deliberated over what to do back when I first bought them. Ultimately, bar tape is more comfy for me than carbon, so that's what I went with. Interestingly enough, the white tape also accentuates the scalloping on the bars which I think looks beautiful.
Lots of climbing in Seattle and in the surrounding area, so I spend a considerable amount of time on the tops. It's a close call for sure, though.
@john
Incidentally, Michelle rides red bars on her R3 SL, it looks great:
I would probably have to register a request with the Couples Who Have Bikes That Look Too Much Alike Regulations Committee for a variance to also ride red bars. (Michelle is the Chair and holds a controlling portion of the votes).