I have been interested in the grease / no grease discussions elsewhere.
On a similar theme, my Ripio has a long brake cable going to the rear V brake - I think the frame was designed with hydraulic discs in mind, so it has mountings for a hose rather than stop lugs or whatever they are called, which reduce the outer cable run and probably make the brakes feel 'tighter' and more responsive - mine certainly feel a bit spongy - the brakes are XT but the cables are pretty basic I think.
I am happy with V brakes and have no wish to move to discs.
The outer cable is clipped onto the length of the top tube with black plastic clips.
I doubt if XTR or expensive cables would make much difference?? Or am I wrong? I like to keep things simple but don't mind paying for quality if it makes a difference.
Or does anyone know of stop lugs that can be fitted into the hose mounts, so the outer cable run can be reduced quite a lot??
Lewis