Polymer coating on shift cables works by creating microscopic tube-shaped structures around the stainless steel wire. The Shimano OT-SP41 Polymer Coated Shift Cableset uses this coating to reduce the surface area that actually contacts the housing liner, which cuts friction and allows the cable to bend through curves with less resistance. Shimano introduced this technology with the Dura-Ace 9000 series, and it remains the company's specification for mechanical shifting systems where light lever effort and precise indexing matter most.

The kit includes 1700mm of 4mm OT-SP41 housing pre-lubricated with silicone grease, plus two polymer-coated stainless steel inner cables at 2100mm and 1800mm lengths. Shimano packs in all the necessary termination hardware: five black cable ferrules, one metal ferrule for the rear derailleur connection, two crimp end caps, and a nose cap that protects against cable fray at the derailleur adjuster. Two of the black ferrules have a lengthwise ridge that indexes them properly in the shifter bodies.

One critical note for anyone running R9100, R8000, RX800, or R7000 rear derailleurs: this kit does not include the 240mm segment of flexible OT-RS900 housing required for the final loop into those Shadow-style derailleurs. That piece uses a different, more flexible construction to handle the tight radius, and you will need to source it separately. If you are building a bike with older derailleurs that use a standard housing loop, this kit covers everything.... Read More