Red Cables

Today I installed a new brake, and shifter housing.  This was done for aesthetic reasons.  The original ones are still in good condition. 

The new cables were cut 6" shorter than the original to make the cable routing tighter.  I used a Dremel with a cutting wheel to make smooth flat cuts without crushing the housing.

I applied a light coating of Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube (for bicycle chain) on the cables before inserting it into the cable housing.

This could all be in my head but it's shifting smoother/easier.  Is it because of the shorter cable?  The lube?  I dunno. = /