Brake cable

A brake cable is the steel inner wire that runs from a mechanical brake lever to the caliper, inside protective housing. Mechanical disc brakes and some scooter brakes use them.

What it's used for

Pulling the lever pulls the cable, which closes the caliper. Fresh cable and housing restore a smooth, firm lever on a mechanical brake.

What to look for

• The right cable end. Park Tool says cables usually come with two ends: a mushroom or teardrop end for drop bar levers and a round barrel end for upright bar levers (Park Tool brake cable guide).
• Brake housing, not shift housing. Park Tool warns that shift housing should not be used for brakes because braking force may cause it to fail (Park Tool). It describes wound housing as strong and inexpensive, and braided housing as more rigid but costlier (Park Tool).
• End caps and cable end crimps to finish the job. A cable cutter with a crimper helps (Park Tool cable cutter).

Using it safely

• Cut housing as short as possible while still entering stops in a straight line, so it doesn't kink or bind (Park Tool).
• File off burrs and lightly lube the inside of the liner to keep water out (Park Tool).
• If your e-bike has a motor cut-off sensor in the brake lever, test the brakes and the cut-off after any cable work (Check brake cut-off and throttle).

Best price we found

• Jagwire Universal Sport Brake Cable Kit at Performance Bicycle: $24.99, checked Nov 9, 2026 (back order)
• Jagwire Universal Sport Brake Cable Kit at REI: $25.00, checked Nov 9, 2026

This kit is for cable brakes and includes front and rear cables with housing. Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.

Guides that use it

• Adjust mechanical disc brakes
• Check brake cut-off and throttle
• E-bike brakes

Sources

• Brake housing and cable installation: upright bars, Park Tool
• CN-4 cable and housing cutter, Park Tool
• Performance Bicycle: Jagwire Universal Sport brake cable kit $24.99
• REI: Jagwire Universal Sport brake cable kit $25.00