Best Bike Shift Cables & Housing in 2022

Last update: December 8, 2022

Are all bike gear cables the same?

There are many types of bike gear cables, but they are not all the same. The most common type of cable is the derailleur cable, which is used to shift gears on the bike. There are also shifter cables, which are used to change gears on the shifter. There are also brake cables, which are used to apply the brakes on the bike.

Can I use brake housing for shifter cables?

No, you cannot use brake housing for shifter cables. The two types of cable housing are not compatible with each other and will not work together.

Do Shimano shifters come with cable housing?

Shimano shifters are designed to work with Shimano cable housing and other Shimano components. The shifters come with cable housing that is the correct length for the shifter, and the housing is cut to fit the shifter's internal routing. Shimano also makes a line of aftermarket cable housing that is compatible with their shifters.

Does cable housing affect shifting?

Cable housing is the outer casing that contains the inner wire that runs between your shifters and derailleurs. While it’s not the most exciting topic, it is important to choose the right cable housing for your bike because it can affect shifting performance. In general, thicker-walled housing is more durable and provides better protection from the elements, but it can also add friction that can make shifting feel less precise. So if you’re looking for the best possible shifting performance, you might want to consider using thinner-walled housing. Of course


JAGWIRE MOUNTAIN SHOP KIT - Shifter / Derailleur Cable & Housing Kit - SRAM/Shimano MTB Review:


On my mountain bike, I questioned whether or not I should replace the cables, but after adjusting the hanger for the derailer, cleaning and lubricating the derailer, and cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the chain, I was still dissatisfied with the shifting. By eliminating the friction of the cable, the new cable made shifting into lower ratios much simpler for me. It also made shifting into higher speeds quicker because the derailer did not have to remove the old, worn cable. I'm lot more content with the change now.



corki Universal Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set for Shimano Sram Derailleur Review:


After viewing a video on YouTube, I just finished setting this up for my front derailleur with a Shimano shifter. Although I still need to put it to the test on the road, the quality seems to be extremely nice. Just keep in mind that you might need to purchase two of these sets to have enough outside cable to completely replace your front and rear derailleurs, depending on the routing method of your bike. I only have enough outer wire to replace the front and back of my Fuji with one set, but there is a little 5-inch segment at the far back where the outside cable is configured to run constantly through the frame. You should be able to replace both the front and rear cables with only one set if the exterior of the frame only has outer cabling. However, I highly advise using decent cable cutters, particularly for the outside cable, as pliers will only squash it and you'll probably need to exert a lot of energy. These were quite simple to cut through with the Park Tool CN-10.



Sunlite Lined Brake Cable Housing, 5mm x 50ft Review:


Although it will take time to see how well this housing stands up, from an install and first impressions standpoint, it is a tremendous winner. Despite being inexpensive, the quality and color options are excellent. For the greatest results, make sure you install this (or any other) housing using the correct tools and that you purchase some ferrules for the ends.



BlueSunshine 10 Pcs 1.8m Length Bike Replaceable Cycling Shifter Cable Set OR Brake Cable Set and Silver Alloy Cable Cap End Tip Crimp Set, 10 Pack Review:


I'm not sure why you gave them a rating of less than 5 stars. They are precisely what you would expect to get: 10 functional stainless der cables. The cables were bundled together and packed in a packet, and there were enough tips to finish each one. As an added bonus, there were extra end caps for your housing and housing clamps for bikes that need them. Except for tips, you don't typically obtain these things for free at the stores. There isn't much that can be done to improve the offer other than to lower the price, and because the pricing is already competitive, there is no need to do so.



SHIMANO Road Bicycle Shift Cable Set - OT-SP40 Review:


I'm not sure why you gave them a rating of less than 5 stars. They are precisely what you would expect to get: 10 functional stainless der cables. The cables were bundled together and packed in a packet, and there were enough tips to finish each one. As an added bonus, there were extra end caps for your housing and housing clamps for bikes that need them. Except for tips, you don't typically obtain these things for free at the stores. There isn't much that can be done to improve the offer other than to lower the price, and because the pricing is already competitive, there is no need to do so.



JAGWIRE ROAD SHOP KIT - Complete Brake & Shifter Cable and Housing Kit- Black - SRAM/Shimano Review:


My preferred option is the whole cable system for the Jagwire Road Pro, but it appears that no longer exists on Amazon, and the component kits cost twice as much as the complete kit did.These cables arrived without instructions and in non-OEM packaging. Particularly, the brake cable housings have been noticeably upgraded from the "Pro" version (significantly heavier, more difficult to cut). The inner shift cables are made of normal steel rather than the "Pro" version's smooth Teflon covering. Although Teflon initially feels more slippery, in my experience it tends to jam up after about 5,000 miles, thus I actually prefer these regular steel wires. Be prepared to crimp right away after cutting because the shift inner cables look especially prone to fraying.After installation, shifting and brakes work well. I am unable to suggest these cables to beginners because they don't come with instructions.



SHIMANO Dura-Ace OT-SP41 Polymer-Coated Derailleur Cable Review:


Shimano advises against using these polymer coated cable sets with older shifters and derailleurs since they don't have knurled clamps like the new ones, which could cause the cable to slip. I had older shifters and derailleurs. I simply removed the coating where the clamp is by cutting a little piece of 220 grit sandpaper, and I haven't had any issues with it slipping since. Now it shifts like a dream. In order to remove the original grease that had hardened and was still obstructing smooth shifting, I had to shoot some oil into the shifters. I employed a pistol. These things change like new after doing that. At the same time, I worked on the brake wires. The ferrules in this kit have a notch for the newer shifters, so they wouldn't have fit properly, thus I had to purchase a few 4mm Id ferrules for the shifter side ends.


How do I know if I need new shifter cables?

If your bike's shifting is feeling sluggish, it might be time for new shifter cables. Here are a few signs that your cables might need to be replaced: 1. The shifting is not as crisp as it used to be. 2. The cables are frayed or kinked. 3. The housing is cracked or damaged. 4. You can see rust on the cables or housing. If you're unsure, take your bike to a local bike shop for a tune-up. They can help you diagnose the problem and recommend

How long do bicycle shifter cables last?

Bicycle shifter cables are not built to last forever. With regular use, they will eventually need to be replaced. Depending on the quality of the shifter cables, they can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

How long does a shifter cable last?

How long does a shifter cable last? A shifter cable typically lasts around 3,000 miles, but this can vary depending on the quality of the cable and how often it is used.

How much does it cost to get a shifter cable Replace?

If your shifter cable is starting to show signs of wear, it's probably time to replace it. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, the cost to replace a shifter cable can range from $50 to $200.

How often should you replace cable housing?

Cable housing is the protective outer casing that covers your bike's inner shifter cables. Over time, this housing can become worn or damaged, which can lead to poor shifting performance. As a general rule, you should replace your cable housing every 1-2 years, or whenever you start to notice shifting problems.

Is brake cable housing the same as gear cable housing?

No, brake cable housing is not the same as gear cable housing. Brake cable housing is made of a harder, more durable material that can withstand the higher temperatures and pressures associated with braking. Gear cable housing is made of a softer material that can flex and bend more easily, making it better suited for shifting gears.