Best Rear Bike Cables of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Rear bike cables are an essential component of any bicycle's shifting system. These cables run from the gear shifter to the rear derailleur, allowing the rider to smoothly shift gears while cycling. Made from durable materials such as stainless steel or polymer-coated steel, rear bike cables are designed to withstand the rigours of daily use and provide reliable performance. Whether you're a recreational cyclist or a serious athlete, investing in quality rear bike cables can help improve your riding experience by providing smoother, more precise shifting.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Clarks Universal Galvanised Rear Brake Cable Cover #TOP 1
Clarks Universal Galvanised Rear Brake Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set Cover #TOP 2
Vitel Cycles Universal Brake Cable Kit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Clarks 2m Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes Cover #TOP 3
Clarks 2m Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rear Bike Cables

Clarks Universal Galvanised Rear Brake Cable

Clarks Cycle Systems
5095MTB
Black
One Size
Clarks Universal Galvanised Rear Brake Cable Cover
Clarks Universal Galvanised Rear Brake Cable - Black Brake Wires with Standard Outer Casing and All Fittings for MTB, Hybrid & Road Bikes

The Clarks Rear Brake Cable is designed for easy replacement of your bike's control cables. Made from durable galvanised steel, it ensures the longevity of your braking system. With a long brake wire housed in a standard black outer casing, it provides a sleek and functional look. This comprehensive kit includes all necessary fittings, making it simple for you to install and maintain your bike, whether it’s a mountain, hybrid, or road bike.

What We Like
Durable galvanised steel construction
Compatible with major brake systems
Easy installation with included fittings
Long-lasting performance
Value for money

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

Clarks 2m Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes

W6053
Silver/Red
200 cm
Clarks 2m Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes Cover
Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire - 2m Universal Stainless Steel Brake Cable for Front and Rear Brakes for Mountain Bikes (MTB), Hybrid and Road Bikes

The Clarks Brake Wire is a reliable solution for replacing control cables on your mountain, hybrid, or road bike. Crafted from durable stainless steel, it ensures your brakes maintain their performance over time. With 2 metres of wire and crimp-on end covers, it prevents fraying and enhances longevity. This comprehensive kit is compatible with all major brake systems, making replacement simple and convenient for you, whether for regular commuting or leisurely rides.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Easy installation for all bikes
Prevents fraying with covers
2m length for versatile use
#TOP 4

Clarks PTFE Gear Wire for Bikes

W6021
Black
227.5 cm
Clarks PTFE Gear Wire for Bikes Cover
Clarks PTFE Gear Wire - Black Universal Teflon Gear Cable for Front and Rear Gears with Standard Outer Casing for MTB, Hybrid & Road Bikes

The Clarks PTFE Gear Cable is an excellent choice for replacing your bike's control cables. Its PTFE coated construction ensures durability, protecting against wear and tear. You will appreciate the Teflon coated inner wire that significantly reduces friction, enhancing the longevity of your gears. This comprehensive kit fits both front and rear gear systems, making installation straightforward with its crimp-on end covers. Compatible with mountain, hybrid, and road bikes, this cable provides a reliable and maintenance-free solution for your cycling needs.

What We Like
Durable PTFE coated construction
Reduces friction for longevity
Easy installation with crimp-on covers
Compatible with various bike types
Maintenance-free service
#TOP 5

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 6

Clarks Stainless Steel Gear Wire for Bikes

W5057/120SS
Silver/Red
305 cm
Clarks Stainless Steel Gear Wire for Bikes Cover
Clarks Stainless Steel Gear Wire - 3060mm Tandem Universal Steel Gear Cable for Front and Rear Gears for Mountain Bikes (MTB), Hybrid and Road Bikes

The Clarks Gear Wire is an excellent choice for replacing control cables on your bike. Made from durable stainless steel, it ensures the longevity of your gears, providing a reliable performance. With 3060mm of gear wire, it offers ample length for more complex setups, making installation easier. Additionally, the crimp-on wire end covers prevent fraying, enhancing durability and maintaining your bike's performance. This gear cable is compatible with all major gear systems for mountain, hybrid, and road bikes, making it a versatile option for your cycling needs.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Ample length for complex setups
Prevents fraying with crimp-on ends
Compatible with all bike types
Trusted Clarks quality
#TOP 7

Aarnav Complete Front and Rear Brake Cable Set

AARNAV
Aarnav Complete Front and Rear Brake Cable Set Cover
AARNAV FRONT REAR BMX MTB BIKE CYCLE BRAKE CABLES, Outer & INNER, Complete Brake Cable Set for Bicyle (Black Front Cable Set)

The Aarnav Brake Cable Set includes everything you need for optimal braking performance on your bike. The front cable features a 20.5-inch outer housing and a 26.5-inch inner cable, providing the right lengths for effective control. The rear cable measures 56.5 inches for the outer housing and 61.5 inches for the inner, ensuring a perfect fit. Made from high-quality materials, these cables are friction-free and low compression, making them suitable for both cold and warm weather. Enjoy a smooth and reliable braking experience on all types of bikes.

What We Like
Friction-free and low compression
Durable and firm construction
Suitable for all bike types
High-quality steel wire

Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes

W5097SS
Silver/Red
305 cm
Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire for Bikes Cover
Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire - 3060mm Universal Steel Brake Cable for Front and Rear Brakes for Mountain Bikes (MTB), Hybrid and Road Bikes

The Clarks Brake Wire is an excellent choice for replacing control cables on your mountain, hybrid, or road bike. Its stainless steel construction ensures that your brakes will last longer, providing peace of mind during your rides. With 3060mm of wire, you have enough length for more complex setups, allowing for easy installation. The crimp-on wire end covers help prevent fraying, enhancing durability and making your maintenance routine simpler. This product is compatible with all major brake systems, ensuring hassle-free replacements.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Ample length for complex setups
Prevents wire fraying
Compatible with all bike types
#TOP 9

Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire 2100mm

Clarks Cycle Systems
W5089SS
Black
One Size
Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire 2100mm Cover
Clarks Stainless Steel Brake Wire - 2100mm Universal Steel Brake Cable for Front and Rear Brakes for Mountain Bikes (MTB)

The Clarks Brake Wire is designed to enhance your cycling experience with its durable stainless steel construction. This cable is suitable for mountain, hybrid, and road bikes, ensuring compatibility with all major brake systems. With a generous length of 2100mm, it provides the flexibility you need for various bike setups. Additionally, the crimp-on wire end covers prevent fraying, ensuring your brakes maintain their longevity and reliability. Enjoy hassle-free maintenance and improved performance with this essential bike part.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel material
Compatible with all bike types
Generous 2100mm length
Prevents fraying for longevity
#TOP 10

Bicycle Gear Cable Kit for Mountain & Road Bikes

WUIOWPPIC
White
Bicycle Gear Cable Kit for Mountain & Road Bikes Cover
Bicycle Gear Cable Kit, Bike Gear Cable Rear Gear Cable Mountain Bike Universal Bicycle Shift Cable Set with Front Rear Accessory for Mountain & Road Bike Bicycle Change Cable with Housing (White 4)

The WUIOWPPIC Gear Cable Kit is an essential upgrade for your bike. It includes a comprehensive selection of cables and accessories, ensuring you have everything needed for maintenance. The universal brake cable design allows you to customise the length, making it incredibly convenient. Its protective features prevent cable damage and scratches, ensuring smoother gear changes. Made from stainless steel, this kit is durable and resistant to corrosion, providing reliable performance in all weather conditions.

What We Like
Comprehensive cable selection
Customisable length for convenience
Durable and corrosion-resistant
Smoother gear changes
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our rear bike cable research, we found 133 rear bike cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,656 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rear bike cables list. We found that most customers choose rear bike cables with an average price of £4.90.

The rear bike cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rear bike cables, including Clarks Cycle Systems, Vitel Cycles, Clarks, Jagwire, AARNAV. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 161 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.