Cables/ Housing Lubrication

I forgot to mention, when installing new cables fit in some Middleburn cable oilers, that way you can continue to lubricate them and have them friction free for their massively extended life.  A fraction of the cost of good cables and will last many sets of expensive cables.

I generally use something like GT85 to flush through the outers before fitting, yes. i've also used wet lube on bikes where the cables are likely to get contaminated anyway, it seems to keep them running a bit longer, possibly because it's a bit more difficult for the water to penetrate?

I lube my nokon's with Finish Line Wet lube, same with my XTR cables with middleburn cable oilers.  Bit thick for some but I do ride though filth.

When setting up my rear cable the last time I used Rock and Roll Cable Magic, seemed slick and light.  I will be using it when I set up my new Nokons.

Only cables needing lube are Nokon. Precisely which lube, I don't know, and can't recall what I used last time...

New cables shouldn't need any additional lubricant. Grease etc will usually attract contaminants. I've used GT85 to get a sluggish shift cable working better but it's only ever a temporary measure.

Fibrax (excellent UK manufacturer) say that teflon-coated cables are worse than uncoated ones. From a recent factory tour by Bikebiz:

"we found that Teflon isn't as good as we thought it was. It can rub off and degreade, and when it does it can gunk up the outer casing. Then you get increased friction that significantly affects the shift."

Die-drawn or 'slick' stainless inner wires are the best. I buy my wires direct from them on ebay.