Asai here, lately buzzing around Lake Biwa, riding gravel, and all over the place!
Are you all aware that new colors have been added to the SimWorks by NISSEN cable outer housing?
I abused my position of authority and installed them on my own bike before they were released. The way the new Blue Steel color pairs with my red frame is just superb. I’m tooting my own horn here, but I’m super excited and riding with a spring in my step.
I feel like I’ve heard you all asking, "What exactly is NISSEN wire?" so I’d like to unpack that for you.
How is NISSEN wire different from standard wire?
NISSEN wire has been produced for over 70 years since its founding by Nissen Cable Co., Ltd., a long-established domestic manufacturer based in Kishiwada, Osaka.
They are a valuable wire choice for refreshing various bicycles due to their wide range of colors, but I strongly recommend switching from standard cables more for their superior performance.
Extremely "supple" for effortless cable routing
The standout feature of NISSEN’s outer and inner wires is that they are "supple."
Being "supple" means they are easy to handle and allow for stress-free cable routing. This optimal routing makes lever action lighter and extends the life of the entire system on your bike.
Furthermore, their stainless steel construction adds weather resistance, making them perfect for bikes that see heavy use.
The suppleness of inner wires made by spinning 1.7x more steel strands
The inner wire is constructed by spinning together even finer wires.
While standard wires are made of 19 thin strands, NISSEN inner wires are made of 31 strands—about 1.7 times more.
They are manufactured using a method called Warrington braiding, where thin wires of varying diameters are spun together at high density.
By twisting many wires together at high density, it reduces the gaps between the strands, increasing stiffness against elongation while simultaneously creating higher flexibility. It’s the same principle as how a rope made of fine threads is more supple than one made of coarse ones.
This supple wire translates directly into better braking and shifting feel. Being able to move the levers with light force also reduces fatigue from operating them, which I think is a huge benefit.
Thorough quality control that creates high reliability
High reliability doesn't just mean high durability. It lies in things that are hard to see from specs alone, such as the commitment to "not shipping anything with low durability."
In other words, defects inevitably occur during the manufacturing process of wire (or any product, for that matter). These are checked and removed before shipping, but for items like wire, which are long and dense, that check is quite difficult.
The reliability of Nissen wire comes from their established system of repeated testing and tireless inspection of every inch. When you hear about the massive difference in the defect rate of shipped products, it’s clear that while it sounds simple, it is truly extraordinary.
Nissen Cable's focus never wavers from the accumulation of efforts to support your daily rides with safety and peace of mind.
How is a lifeline that must never snap manufactured? When you unpack the reasons why and the technology used, you can see that the passion of Mr. Sadotani, the representative of Nissen Cable, to ensure "everything is for the sake of safety," is infused into every single coil. The fact that they have the everyday performance that anyone can use with confidence is why we at SimWorks trust them.
As a side note, I hear that the bicycle used in the live-action movie "Whisper of the Heart" actually uses NISSEN stainless steel outer housing. It’s thrilling to think I’m using the same parts as Seiji Amasawa. haha