Best Bike Cables of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Bike cables are essential components of a bicycle's control system. They are responsible for transmitting the rider's input from the handlebars to the brakes and gears. Bike cables are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and coated or uncoated wires. They are also available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to fit different types of bicycles. Properly installed and maintained bike cables can provide reliable and smooth operation of a bicycle's control system, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set Cover #TOP 1
Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Vitel Cycles Universal Bike Brake Inner Cables Cover #TOP 2
Vitel Cycles Universal Bike Brake Inner Cables
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHIMANO Universal Brake Cable Set for Bicycles Cover #TOP 3
SHIMANO Universal Brake Cable Set for Bicycles
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bike Cables

Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set

Black
Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set Cover
Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Front and Rear Set with Black Housing for Shimano/Sram Mountain | Hybrid | Road Bike

The Vitel Cycles Brake Cable Kit is designed to enhance your braking performance. As your cables deteriorate, they can become stiff and less effective, but this kit helps restore a smooth and responsive feel. It is compatible with Shimano and SRAM levers, ensuring versatility for various bike types. The corrosion-resistant inner cable and lined outer housing work together to reduce friction, making your brakes more efficient. With this complete kit, you have everything you need to replace your current brake wiring system.

What We Like
Restores braking performance
Compatible with various levers
Corrosion-resistant inner cable
Reduced friction for efficiency
Complete kit for easy replacement

Vitel Cycles Universal Bike Brake Inner Cables

Silver
Vitel Cycles Universal Bike Brake Inner Cables Cover
Vitel Cycles 2 X 2000mm Universal Bike Brake Inner Cable Wire for Shimano/Sram Road | Hybrid | Mountain Bike with 3 Cable Crimp Ends

The Vitel Cycles Brake Cables are designed for exceptional performance, featuring a corrosion-resistant galvanised stainless steel inner cable that ensures precise braking. With two cables included, you can easily replace both old and worn-out cables, enhancing your bike's safety. The universal cable ends are compatible with Shimano and Sram systems, making it simple for you to find the right fit. Additionally, these cables work with various brake types, including calipers and mechanical disc brakes, ensuring versatility for your biking needs.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant material
Easy installation and replacement
Universal compatibility
Works with multiple brake types
#TOP 3

SHIMANO Universal Brake Cable Set for Bicycles

Y80098022
Black
Universal
SHIMANO Universal Brake Cable Set for Bicycles Cover
SHIMANO Universal Standard Brake Cable Set, For MTB or Road Bikes

The SHIMANO Brake Cable Set is a versatile option for both mountain and road bikes. Its universal design ensures compatibility with various bicycle types, making it a convenient choice for any cyclist. The stainless steel inner wires provide smooth movement, enhancing your ride's performance by ensuring that your brakes respond effectively. Additionally, the included black cable housing measures 2200 mm in length, offering ample size for a neat installation. With two steel cables of different lengths, this set guarantees you have the right fit for your bicycle.

What We Like
Universal fit for all bikes
Smooth movement with stainless steel
Ample cable housing length
Includes multiple cable lengths

Yosoo 10pcs Stainless Steel Bike Shift Cables

Yosoo Health Gear7p3kcby01g
Silver
Yosoo 10pcs Stainless Steel Bike Shift Cables Cover
Yosoo 10pcs Stainless Steel Bike Shift Cable, Cycle Stainless Steel Gear Cable Inner, Bike Derailleur Cable Road Shift Cable Inner Shift Cable Universal for Common Bikes Mountain Bikes City Bikes

The Yosoo Bike Shift Cables provide a convenient solution for your cycling needs. With a suitable length of approximately 2m, you can easily customise the cable length to fit your bike perfectly. Crafted from durable stainless steel with zinc plating, these cables ensure longevity and reliability for your rides. Their superior performance allows you to adjust speeds smoothly, enhancing your overall comfort and safety while cycling. Additionally, they are versatile, compatible with mountain bikes, road bikes, and folding bikes.

What We Like
Customisable cable length
Durable stainless steel material
Improves speed adjustment
Compatible with various bike types
#TOP 5

Boao 4 Pack Bicycle Cable Kit

Boao-Bike Brake-B031
Black
Boao 4 Pack Bicycle Cable Kit Cover
4 Pack Universal Bicycle Change Cable Kit, Bike Shift Cable and Transmission Cable, Bicycle Cycling Shifter Cable Housing Kit for Mountain Road Bike Repair (Black)

The Boao Bicycle Cable Kit is an excellent addition to your cycling accessories. Made from stainless steel and coated in durable PVC, these cables are designed to enhance the smoothness of your ride, ensuring a better experience. The quality material is resistant to extreme temperatures and oxidation, making it reliable in various weather conditions. With a variable speed cable length of up to 2 metres, you can tailor it to fit your bike perfectly. The included components help maintain effective gear shifting, providing safety and comfort during your rides.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel cables
Weather-resistant material
Customisable cable lengths
Includes essential installation components
Improves shifting performance
#TOP 6

SHIMANO Standard Inner Gear Wire 2100mm

Y60098070
silver
13cm
SHIMANO Standard Inner Gear Wire 2100mm Cover
SHIMANO Gear Inner Wire Y60098070 Shimano Standard Inner Gear Wire 1 2 x 2100mm, silver, 13cm UK

The SHIMANO Inner Gear Wire is an original shift cable designed for both front and back gear systems, making it versatile for various bike types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and city bikes. With a diameter of 12 mm and a generous length of 2100 mm, it ensures easy installation and smooth shifting. Crafted from durable steel, this wire offers reliable performance and longevity, allowing you to enjoy your rides without interruptions. Upgrade your bike's gear system effortlessly with this practical addition.

What We Like
Versatile for different bike types
Durable steel construction
Easy installation
Smooth shifting performance
#TOP 7

Vitel Cycles 2 x 2100mm Gear Shift Cables

Vitel Cycles 2 x 2100mm Gear Shift Cables Cover
Vitel Cycles 2 x 2100mm Bike Gear Shift Inner Cable Wire Shimano/Sram Road | Mountain | Hybrid Bike with 3 Cable Crimp Ends

The Vitel Cycles Gear Shift Cables are designed to enhance your cycling experience with their corrosion-resistant galvanised stainless steel construction. This ensures precise performance, allowing you to shift gears smoothly and confidently. Each cable is pre-lubricated and pre-stretched, which means you'll enjoy optimal performance right from the start. With a universal fit for both Shimano and Sram systems, these cables are compatible with most bikes, giving you the convenience of easy installation.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Includes 3 cable crimp ends
Universal fit for various bikes
Pre-lubricated for easy use
#TOP 8

Universal Bicycle Brake Cable Set Kit

WangLaoWu
Universal Bicycle Brake Cable Set Kit Cover
Bicycle Brake Cable Set, Universal Bike Brake Shifter Cable Kit, Bicycle Inner Cable Set with 90 Degrees 2 V Brake Manifolds, for Mountain/Road Bike Bicycle Shift Cable and Transmission Cable

The WangLaoWu Brake Cable Set features exquisite materials that ensure high strength and durability, making it resistant to extreme weather conditions. You will appreciate the practical design, as the rust-resistant high carbon steel wire provides excellent braking force and smooth operation. Its easy-to-use double-ended universal brake inner cable allows for a comfortable riding experience. This versatile set is suitable for various bicycle types, including mountain, road, and electric bikes, making it an ideal choice for all your brake cable repair and replacement needs.

What We Like
Durable materials for long-lasting use
Excellent braking performance
Easy installation and adjustment
Compatible with various bike types
#TOP 9

Jagwire 1.2mm Gear Cable for Bikes

JGC000
Silver
Jagwire 1.2mm Gear Cable for Bikes Cover
Jagwire Inner Road or Mountain Bike Gear Cable 1.2mm 2300mm

The Jagwire Gear Cable features a 1.2mm diameter, making it compatible with all standard Shimano, Sram, and Suntour shifters. With a generous length of 2300mm, it is suitable for both front and rear bike use. This cable is designed for all types of bikes equipped with indexed (click) gears, ensuring smooth shifting. Its stainless steel construction adds durability, giving you peace of mind during your rides.

What We Like
Compatible with various shifters
Generous length for flexibility
Durable stainless steel design
Suitable for all indexed gears
#TOP 10

20 Pcs Bicycle Brake and Shifter Cables Set

Futuhada
Silver
One Size
20 Pcs Bicycle Brake and Shifter Cables Set Cover
20 Pcs Bicycle Derailleur Shifter Cables Brake Cables Set, 10 Pcs 1.75M Bike Brake Cables with 10 Pcs Road Bike Shifter Cables, Mountain Bike Brake Line Bicycle Gear Cable Wire Cables

The Futuhada Bike Cable Set includes 20 high-quality cables, designed for various bicycle types, including mountain bikes and BMX. The superior material ensures durability, giving you confidence in your bike's performance. With 10 brake cables measuring 1.75m and 10 gear cables at 2m, you'll have the right specifications for front and rear brakes as well as gearboxes. This value package provides ample supply for replacing worn-out parts, enhancing both speed and safety while cycling. Remember to choose a length slightly longer than your original cables for optimal fit.

What We Like
High-quality durable materials
Includes various cable lengths
Suitable for multiple bike types
Value package for replacements
Enhances speed and safety
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are bike brake cables universal?

Are bike brake cables universal? - Quora. No. If you find that the cable physically fits in the cable housing then you can consider the cable and housing to be compatible.

2. What are the wires on a bike called?

Cables are used for braking on bikes with cable-pull brakes. They consist of two parts: an inner cable of braided stainless steel wire and an outer cable housing, and work by transmitting force using a combination of tension on the inner cable and compression to the housing.

3. Is it hard to replace bike cables?

However, cables do become worn, sticky and frayed with use (especially if you're not too keen on cleaning your bike), and then it's time to replace them. This job is well within the capabilities of any amateur home mechanic, you just need some basic tools, new cables and ferrules, and an hour of your time.

Editor's Notes

During our bike cable research, we found 306 bike cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,297 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike cables list. We found that most customers choose bike cables with an average price of £6.45.

The bike cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike cables, including Vitel Cycles, SHIMANO, Yosoo, Boao, WangLaoWu. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 71 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.