It comes with a set of grey cables, the shift cables has plastic ferrules attached except the RD side, but then came with a bunch of 4mm metal ferrules too.
So are you supposed to use the metal ferrules if you feel like it? But I think the plastic ferrules inserted to the downtube stops is quieter when you are out of the saddle twisting the bike alot on a climb.

Is the brake cable included pretty good as well?

The cables are Shimano SP41 and they are high quality, both shift and brake.

You should use the alloy ferrules on the shifter housing where it inserts into the shifters. At the downtube stops you could use either alloy or plastic, but I think Shimano is only supplying alloy now. I agree that metal ferrules can be noisier at this location. For the chainstay to rear derailleur loop, use the plastic ferrule from the chainstay and an alloy ferrule into the rear derailleur. One of the alloy ferrules is slightly longer, that is the one to use at the rear derailleur.

Thanks, that is what I plan to do. (metal-plastic-plastic-metal)


I have a question about the rear brake cable, on the stops along the top tube should I be adding my own ferrule to protect what looks like a thin-carbon wrapped stop, pretty sure the diameter there can accept a ferrule.

I know Shimano brakes and levers does not accept brake ferrules..

Yes, I always use ferrules on the brake stops on the top tube. No ferrules into levers or calipers.