Best Rear Bike Cables of 2025

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Rear bike cables are an essential part of any bicycle's braking system. These cables connect the brake levers to the brake calipers, allowing the rider to control the bike's speed and come to a safe stop. Made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, rear bike cables are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and exposure to the elements. They come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to fit different bike models and preferences. For a smooth and reliable braking experience, it's important to regularly inspect and replace worn or damaged rear bike cables.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Rear Bike Cables
Universal Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit
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.
Stainless Steel Bike Shifter Cable
The Stainless Steel Bike Shifter Cable is suitable for speed control system and helps you adjust bike speed, made of high-quality material that is strong, slick, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Its long length is perfect for the rear derailleur cable, and it can be cut shorter if needed. This shifter cable fits most types of bikes, including common bikes, mountain bikes, and city bikes.
Baby Flower Bike Brake Cables
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.
Hapleby Premium Bike Shift Cable Kit
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.
Mecefeno Bike Brake Cable Kit
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.
Schwinn Bike Cable Repair Set
The Schwinn Bike Cable Repair Set is a DIY kit that includes front and rear brake cables, front and rear derailleur shifting cables, and all the necessary small parts for repairs. The kit is compatible with most adult bikes and allows for smoother shifting and stopping. The plastic cable end caps, metal cable ferrules, and end tips make it easy to complete repairs.
Boao Bike Brake Gear Shifter Cable Kit
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.
Ciomszan 10PCS Bicycle Brake Cable Kit
Ciomszan Brake Cable Kit includes 5 meters of cable housing, rear and front shift cables, end caps, O-rings, tail ends, S-buckles, and Brake line buckle. The PVC and stainless steel materials make it heat-resistant, rust-resistant, and durable. Compatible with Shimano, Sram, and other brands, these cables are wear-resistant and provide safety. With front brake cable of 1.56 meters and rear brake cable of 2.1 meters, you can cut them to fit your bike perfectly. Plus, the product is carefully inspected, and you can get a refund if not satisfied.
Jagwire Sport Sealed Shift Cable Kit
The Jagwire Sport Sealed Shift Cable Kit is ideal for road, mountain, and gravel bikes. The Sport Slick Stainless inner cable resists corrosion and surface friction, while the Compressionless LEX-SL housing uses Slick-Lube liners to protect cables and ensure consistent performance. The single-ended SRAM/Shimano compatible cable ends are weld-cut for easy installation.
Clarks Tandem Rear Brake Cable
Upgrade your City Bicycle or Tandem with the Clarks Tandem Rear Brake Cable. The cable is made of durable stainless steel and is extra long, measuring 305 cm length by 0.15 cm diameter. Available in silver and red color, this cable will provide reliable and smooth braking performance for your bike.
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. Are derailleur and brake cables the same?
Differences go beyond cable thickness too. At the derailleur or brake end, both brake and gear cables have 'raw' ends that are fixed by a clamp. At the lever end, though, they have differently shaped nipples – the lumps of permanently affixed metal that hold them in the levers – again making them non-interchangeable.
During our rear bike cable research, we found 24 rear bike cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,332 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 $8.39.
The rear bike cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rear bike cables, including Boao, Qicfrk, Baby Flower, Hapleby, Mecefeno. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 785 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.