Best Bike Cables for Mountain Bikes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Bike cables are an integral part of any mountain bike, as they are responsible for transmitting the rider's input to the brakes and gears. These cables are made from high-quality materials to ensure optimal performance and durability, even in harsh riding conditions. Mountain bike cables come in a range of sizes and styles to fit different bikes and riding preferences. Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned pro, investing in quality bike cables can improve your overall riding experience and keep your bike operating smoothly.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Universal Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit Cover #TOP 1
Universal Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Hapleby Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit Cover #TOP 2
Hapleby Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
weideer Bicycle Cable Kit Cover #TOP 3
weideer Bicycle Cable Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bike Cables for Mountain Bikes

Universal Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit

Boao-Derailleur Cable-D020
Black
Universal Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit Cover
Universal Bicycle Transmission Line Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit for Bicycle Mountain Road Bike Repair (Black)

This kit includes a universal set of bike shift derailleur cable and brake cable made of durable PVC and stainless steel material. The variable speed cable set allows you to easily adjust the length to meet your needs, and the wear-resistant brake cables provide safety to the cyclist. The kit comes with ample quantity including O rings, tail ends, brake copper sleeves, and cable ferrules. This kit is applicable to mountain bike, road bike, small wheel bike, and foldable bike for maintenance cables.

What We Like
Durable PVC and stainless steel material
Variable speed cable set with adjustable length
Wear-resistant brake cables for safety

Hapleby Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit

FS-011
Silver
Hapleby Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit Cover
Hapleby 10PCS Premium Bike Shift Cable, Professional Bicycle Shift Wire Kit for Mountain and Road Bicycle, for Free 5 O-Rings, 10 End Ferrules and 20 End Caps

The Hapleby 10PCS Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit includes a set of 10 cables made with high standard zinc-coated material that provides corrosion resistance and durability. The kit comes with free O-rings, sheath ferrules, and end caps. The low-friction and strong slick cable provide smooth operation, making it suitable for speed control systems. The kit is widely used by professionals and fits most bikes such as MTB, road bikes, BMX bikes, folding bikes, and recreational cycling. However, it's essential to keep in mind that after installing new cables, users need to adjust the tension after some riding.

What We Like
Durable and corrosion-resistant
Comes with free O-rings, ferrules, and end caps
Provides smooth operation and suitable for speed control systems

weideer Bicycle Cable Kit

K-103-54
Black
weideer Bicycle Cable Kit Cover
weideer Bicycle Brake Cable Shift Cable Bike Cable Housing Kit Bike Brake Cable Kit Bicycle Transmission Line for Bicycle Mountain Road Bike Repair

The weideer Cable Kit includes a variety of cables and accessories to meet your biking needs. With 2 road bike brake cables, 2 mountain bike brake cables, 4 shift cables, and ample cable housing, this kit ensures smooth bike operation. The PVC and stainless steel construction of the cables and housing make them heat and rust-resistant, providing durability. The kit also includes end caps, O-rings, and copper sleeves to protect your bike from wear and tear. Suitable for various bike types, this kit is ideal for replacing or repairing bike cables.

What We Like
Durable materials
Ample cable length
Includes various accessories
#TOP 4

Boao Bike Brake Gear Shifter Cable Kit

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

The Boao Bike Brake Gear Shifter Cable Kit, also known as the Boao Cable Kit, is a must-have accessory for any cyclist. Made with stainless steel strong PVC coated cable, this kit provides a smooth and wear-resistant experience, improving the speed and smoothness of your ride. The PVC material used in the construction of the cables ensures resistance to extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for all kinds of riding. With a 2-meter cable housing and variable speed cables, this kit is versatile and can be tailored to fit your bike's needs. The package includes everything you need for installation and replacement. Upgrade your bike with the Boao Cable Kit and enjoy a better riding experience.

What We Like
Smooth and wear-resistant
Resistance to extreme weather
Easy installation and replacement
#TOP 5

Jagwire Mountain Pro Brake Cable Kit

PCK400
Black
Jagwire Mountain Pro Brake Cable Kit Cover
Jagwire Mountain Pro Complete Brake Cable Kit - Black

The Jagwire Mountain Pro Brake Cable Kit is a high-performance cable kit designed for mountain bikes, compatible with SHIMANO & SRAM. The sleeve is fortified with Kevlar, making it highly effective and lightweight. The internal liner is pre-lubricated with slick-lube, reducing friction and improving the feel of braking.

What We Like
Highly effective and lightweight
Fortified with Kevlar for maximum braking performance
Pre-lubricated slick-lube reduces friction and improves braking feel
#TOP 6

Universal Bike Brake Cable Kit

Boao-Brake Cable-b012
Black
Universal Bike Brake Cable Kit Cover
4 Pieces Brake Cable Universal Bike Inner Brake Cable Housing Kit Bicycle Brake Cable Replacement for Mountain and Road Bike Gear Kit (Black)

This brake cable set includes 4 pieces of inner brake cables with a total length of 2.5m and 5mm thickness, suitable for both mountain and road bikes. The brake housing is made of strong PVC coat with stainless steel cable, providing smoothness and durability. It is wear-resistant and can sustain high cable tension forces without splitting, ensuring safety for the cyclist. This kit also comes with cable collars, cable ends, and O-rings, making it easy to maintain and upgrade your bike.

What We Like
Durable PVC coat and stainless steel cable provide smoothness and durability.
Suitable for both mountain and road bikes.
Comes with cable collars, cable ends, and O-rings, making it easy to maintain and upgrade your bike.
#TOP 7

Jagwire Mountain Pro Brake Cable Kit

PCK406
Orange
Jagwire Mountain Pro Brake Cable Kit Cover
Jagwire Mountain Pro Complete Brake Cable Kit - Orange

The Jagwire Brake Cable Kit is designed to enhance your mountain biking experience. Its Kevlar reinforced 5mm housing ensures a responsive brake lever feel, allowing you to stop precisely when you need to. The pro-level polished cables work seamlessly with Slick-Lube liners, providing improved braking performance. With a generous inner cable length of 1500mm for the front and 2800mm for the rear, installation is made easy for various bike setups. This kit is compatible with SRAM and Shimano mountain bikes, making it a versatile choice for any cyclist looking to upgrade their braking system.

What We Like
Enhanced braking performance
Responsive brake lever feel
Easy installation
Compatible with major brands
#TOP 8

Mecefeno Bike Brake Cable Kit

Mecefeno
Silver
10 PCS
Mecefeno Bike Brake Cable Kit Cover
Bike Brake Cable, 10PCS Bicycle Brake Cable Professional Bike Brake Cable Kit for Front and Rear Mountain Bike, Bicycle Brake Cable Line with 40pcs Free Cable Cap End Crimps Set (5PCS 1.4m + 5PCS 2m)

The Mecefeno Brake Cable Set includes ten durable brake cables, with five 1.4m cables for the front and five 2m cables for the rear. Made from high-quality zinc-coated materials, these cables are designed to resist wear and rust, ensuring smooth and safe braking. Installation is easy, allowing you to quickly replace your old cables while adjusting tension for optimal performance. Additionally, the cables can be cut to fit any bike, making them versatile for various types of bicycles, including mountain bikes and kids' bikes.

What We Like
Durable materials
Easy installation
Versatile length options
Includes useful accessories
#TOP 9

RISK Universal Bicycle Brake & Shift Derailleur Cable Set

RISK
RISK
Black
RISK Universal Bicycle Brake & Shift Derailleur Cable Set Cover
Universal Bicycle Brake & Shift Derailleur Cable (Housing & Cables) Complete Set with Aluminum End Caps S Hook Crimps for Mountain Road MTB Bike Replacement (Black)

The RISK Universal Bicycle Brake & Shift Derailleur Cable Set is a high-quality replacement cable kit for all types of bicycles. Made with durable materials, the housing cable features a PVC plastic layer that is resistant to low temperatures, intense heat, and tears. The stainless steel inner wire cable provides increased braking power and smooth operation. With sufficient cable length, you can easily cut them to fit your bike's needs. The set also includes aluminum end caps, 360-degree rotating S hooks, heat-shrink crimps, and a new design O Shape cable protector. Upgrade your bike's braking and shifting performance with the RISK Bike Cable Set.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Sufficient cable length
Universal compatibility
#TOP 10

Baby Flower Bike Brake Cables

Baby Flower
SCX-ZBH2P
Black
68.8in+28.9in
Baby Flower Bike Brake Cables Cover
Baby Flower bicycle accessories black brake cable bicycle front and rear brake cable front and rear mountain bike brake cable set(2pcs)

The Baby Flower Bike Brake Cables are suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, ordinary bicycles and karts. The brake cables are made of a new type of PVC material, which is heat-resistant and durable. The stainless steel cable provides greater braking force and smooth operation, and is not easy to damage. The package includes a pair of front and rear brake cables, and the length of the cables can be easily adjusted during installation.

What We Like
Durable and heat-resistant PVC material
Stainless steel cable provides greater braking force and smooth operation
Easy to install and adjust the length
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all bicycle brake cables the same?

While brake and gear inner cables are nominally similar, the housings are different – brake cables use conventional 'helical' housing which consists of a tightly-wrapped helix of steel wire lined on both inside and outside by a plastic coating.

2. Can you use MTB brake cables on a road bike?

Both the housing and the inner wire by any name brand are different on road bikes and MTBs. And this is not just only the shape of the cable end, which makes it physically impossible to attach a road bike cable to an MTB lever. It's also in the structure of the inner wire and the cable.

3. Are all bike cables the same size?

The main difference that I am aware of is the diameter of the cable. Most brake cables are 1.5 or 1.6mm in diameter. Most shift cables are 1.1 or 1.2mm, galvanized shifter cables are 1.3mm.

Editor's Notes

During our bike cable for mountain bikes research, we found 24 bike cable for mountain bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,556 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike cables for mountain bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike cables for mountain bikes with an average price of $8.59.

The bike cables for mountain bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike cables for mountain bikes, including Boao, Hapleby, weideer, Jagwire, Mecefeno. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 785 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.