Shifter cable

The shifter cable is the thin steel wire, running inside housing, that connects the shifter to the rear derailleur. When it frays, rusts or the housing gets kinked, shifting turns slow and vague.

What it's used for

Replace the cable and housing when shifting stays sluggish after adjusting the rear derailleur, or when the cable is frayed at the shifter or the derailleur clamp. Cut housing cleanly with Cable cutters.

What to look for

• Shift cable, not brake cable. Jagwire's shift kits use a 1.1 mm inner cable with LEX-SL shift housing (Performance Bicycle, Jagwire 1x Sport shift kit), while its brake kit uses a 1.5 mm cable with CGX-SL brake housing (Performance Bicycle, Jagwire brake kit). Don't swap them.
• Shimano or SRAM style end. Jagwire lists its sport shift kits as compatible with Shimano and SRAM shifters (Performance Bicycle).
• One derailleur or two. Most e-bikes have only a rear derailleur, so a 1x kit is enough. A 2x kit adds a front cable (REI, Jagwire 2x Sport shift kit).
• Length. A long cargo or step-through frame may need more housing than a standard kit. Measure your old housing first.
• The maker's kit. Rad Power Bikes sells shifter cable kits for its bikes, including one for all Radster models (Rad spare parts).

Best price we found

• Jagwire 1x Sport Shift Cable Kit at Performance Bicycle: $17.99, checked Nov 9, 2026 (back order)
• Jagwire 2x Sport Shift Cable Kit at REI: $25.00, checked Nov 9, 2026

Rad Power Bikes lists its own shifter cable kits at $15, shown out of stock when checked Nov 9, 2026 (Rad). Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.

Where to buy

1. Your bike maker's parts store, such as Rad Power Bikes.
2. A large bike retailer, as above.
3. A local shop, through find a shop.

Guides that use it

• Adjust rear derailleur
• Cable cutters
• Derailleur hanger

Sources

• Performance Bicycle, Jagwire 1x Sport shift kit, performancebike.com
• Performance Bicycle, Jagwire brake kit, performancebike.com
• REI, Jagwire 2x Sport shift kit, rei.com
• Rad spare parts, support.radpowerbikes.com
• Rad, radpowerbikes.com

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.