W.L. Gore & Associates, the makers of GORE-TEX, have recently announced a lighter version of their RideOn cable system. With the upcoming release of the Gore RideOn Ultralight Sealed Shift Cable System, cyclists will enjoy a 42 percent reduction in housing weight and shifting friction reduced by 20 percent. Along with the diet, the new RideOn cable system will feature 100 percent non-ferrous housing (no rusty housing); improved flexibity to aid in cable routing; full length, lubricated housing; and a new GRUB seal which is designed to be more compatible with new derailleurs.
The original RideOn Cable System was introduced back in 1993, and even though it was expensive, became a favorite for mountain bikers. I personally used RideOn cables in the mid-90’s when racing in the mud and muck of the East Coast, but to squeeze our meager racing budget, we only used it with the rear derailleur. We saved the cable and casing that was intended for the front derailleur for use later in the season with the rear derailleur. Gore stopped producing the RideOn Cable System in 2003, but resumed after relentless requests from cyclists.
After moving out to Colorado, the real need for a sealed cable system was greatly reduced. I was recently reacquainted with the Gore RideOn Cable System during the installation of new Sram Red shifters on my road bike and was pleasantly surprised by the buttery, smooth shifting. The new Gore RideOn Ultralight Sealed Shift Cable System is designed for mountain bikers, and should be a real treat for those needing to replace their shifter cables and casing.