Best Bike Shift Cables for Mountain Bikes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Bike shift cables for mountain bikes are essential components that allow riders to smoothly shift gears while navigating challenging terrain. These cables are made from high-quality materials and designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. They come in various lengths and thicknesses to fit different types of mountain bikes and shifters. Bike shift cables are easy to install and maintain, ensuring that riders can enjoy optimal performance from their bikes. Whether you're a seasoned mountain biker or a beginner, investing in quality shift cables can make a significant difference in your riding experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

corki Cycles Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set Cover #TOP 1
corki Cycles Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Generic Bike Shift Cable Kit Cover #TOP 2
Generic Bike Shift Cable Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Giantree Bicycle Shifter Cable Set Cover #TOP 3
Giantree Bicycle Shifter Cable Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bike Shift Cables for Mountain Bikes

#TOP 1

corki Cycles Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set

CB001-21-Black
Black
corki Cycles Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set Cover
corki Cycles Universal Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set for Bike Derailleus - Black

The Corki Cycles Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set is a replacement set that includes both shifter cables and gear cable housing for front and rear gears. The set is available in a variety of gear cable housing colors to match your bike. The cables are made of 1.1mm stainless steel PVC coated inner cables for a smooth, rapid increase or decrease in gear. The set is compatible with both Shimano and Sram derailleurs and comes with clips, ferrules, and cable end crimps. The set also fits all bikes, including full-suspension mountain and road bikes.

What We Like
Smooth and responsive gear shifting
Compatible with both Shimano and Sram derailleurs
Comes with clips, ferrules, and cable end crimps
#TOP 2

Generic Bike Shift Cable Kit

Generic
argent
2.1m
Generic Bike Shift Cable Kit Cover
Generic 4 pcs Bike Shift Cable, Bike Shifter Cable,Stainless Steel Shift line, Bike Shift Wire Kit for Mountain and Road Bicycle, for Free 4 End Caps, 2.1m

The Generic Shift Cable Kit is crafted from high-quality martensitic stainless steel, ensuring smooth gear shifts and enhanced corrosion resistance. This means you can rely on its durability during your rides. Designed for a variety of bikes, including road, mountain, and BMX, it meets the needs of both casual and professional cyclists. The 2.1-meter length allows you to customize the cable to fit your bike perfectly, while the included end caps help prevent fraying. With four cables in one pack, you’ll have flexible replacements on hand for any situation.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel material
Customizable length
Compatible with various bike types
Includes replacement end caps
#TOP 3

Giantree Bicycle Shifter Cable Set

Giantree
Stil 1
Giantree Bicycle Shifter Cable Set Cover
Giantree Universal Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set, Universal Bicycle Transmission, Line Bicycle Shift Derailleur Cable and Brake Cable Kit, for Bicycle Mountain Road Bike Repair (Speed Change)

The Giantree Shifter Cable Set provides everything you need for a smooth ride. With ample components, including a 2-meter speed change cable and various inner cables, you have plenty to work with for your bike repairs. Made from durable PVC and stainless steel, these cables resist heat and rust, ensuring longevity and reliability. Installation is straightforward, allowing you to easily replace old cables for improved performance. If you're experiencing gear shifting issues, this set is a convenient upgrade that enhances your biking experience by ensuring smooth and precise gear changes.

What We Like
Durable materials
Easy installation
Ample components
Smooth gear shifting
#TOP 4

CNC Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set

CNC
20181215US05
Black
CNC Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set Cover
CNC Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing for Road/Mountain Bike/MTB, Black

The CNC Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Set is a universal derailleur cable replacement kit for Shimano/Sram, suitable for both mountain and road bicycles. The set includes a 1550mm long front shift cable, a 2100mm long rear shift cable, a 4mm x 2000mm shift cable housing, and various cable caps and clips. The 2000mm housing is designed to be cut to fit your specific bicycle. This kit is a great choice for replacing worn or damaged cables and housing.

What We Like
Universal replacement kit for Shimano/Sram
Suitable for mountain and road bicycles
Includes various cable caps and clips
#TOP 5

EASTERN POWER Teflon Shift Cable for MTB/Road Bike

20181215US05
Teflon
EASTERN POWER Teflon Shift Cable for MTB/Road Bike Cover
EASTERN POWER 2 Pcs Teflon Shift Cable, Bicycle Shifter Cables for MTB/Mountain/Road Bike

EASTERN POWER Teflon Shift Cable is a set of 2 high-quality shift cables for MTB/Mountain/Road bikes. Featuring a Teflon layer, the cables provide firm strength, effective corrosion resistance, and low friction for safe cycling. The 2.1m long cables are modulable to fit your desired length, and the gear cable end caps help fix the incision. These cables are compatible with Shimano and SRAM derailleurs and work well with both front and rear shift cable housing. They are universal replacements for front and rear MTB/Mountain/Road bike derailleur cables, making them a must-have for any cyclist.

What We Like
Effective corrosion resistance
Low friction for safe cycling
Compatible with Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Modulable to fit desired length
Universal replacements for front and rear MTB/Mountain/Road bike derailleur cables
#TOP 6

Ciomszan Bicycle Shift Cable Kit

Ciomszan
For Mountain Bike
Ciomszan Bicycle Shift Cable Kit Cover
Ciomszan Universal Bicycle Shift Cable Housing Kit MTB Gear Shifter Derailleur Cable for Mountain Road Bike Repair (Shift Cable Set Black)

Upgrade your cycling experience with the Ciomszan Shift Cable Set. This kit includes 3m of cable housing, rear and front shift cables, end caps, O-rings, tail ends, and S-buckles. The PVC and stainless steel materials ensure heat resistance, rust resistance, and durability. Compatible with Shimano, Sram, and other brands, these cables offer wear-resistant, cold-resistant, and antioxidant properties. With sufficient length to fit any bicycle, this set guarantees a smooth and safe ride. Plus, enjoy the value for money and 24-hour customer service for 100% satisfaction.

What We Like
Durable materials
Compatible with major brands
Adjustable length
#TOP 7

Dymoece Ultra Slick Shift Cables for Mountain Road Bike

DM-SC-011
shift cable-2pcs
Dymoece Ultra Slick Shift Cables for Mountain Road Bike Cover
Dymoece Bicycle Shifter Cable Ultra Slick Shift Cables for Mountain Road Bike

The Dymoece Bicycle Shifter Cable Housing Ultra Slick Shift Cables are made of high-quality stainless steel material, which is corrosion-resistant and durable. The ultra-slick cable surface allows for more braking power and smooth operation. With a length of 2.1m x 1.2 mm, the cables are long enough to custom the shift cable length, making them an ideal replacement for mountain MTB road BMX folding Cruise bike, etc. This package includes two shift cables and four cable end crimps(black+silver).

What We Like
The shift cables are made of high-quality stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable.
With an ultra-slick cable surface, you can benefit from more braking power and smooth operation.
The length of 2.1m x 1.2 mm is long enough to customize the shift cable length, which is perfect for mountain MTB road BMX folding Cruise bike, etc.
#TOP 8

Trinkrittey Bike Brake Cable Set

Trinkrittey
591437_1_IyMRTmj7P
Black
Trinkrittey Bike Brake Cable Set Cover
Trinkrittey 2 PCS Bike Brake Cable Universal Bicycle Brake Cable Gear Shifter Cable Wire Set Mountain Bikes Brakes with Bicycle Cable End Caps Professional Bicycle Brake line for Mountain and Bike

The Trinkrittey Brake Cable Set includes two durable shifter cables, each measuring 2.1 meters long, making them suitable for various bicycle types. Crafted from stainless steel, these cables are built to last, ensuring they won't easily break or wear out. Their smooth surface and low-friction design allow for seamless shifting, enhancing your riding experience. This is particularly beneficial for those who ride across different terrains and require reliable speed control. Whether you have a mountain bike, road bike, or folding bike, these cables will meet your specific needs with ease.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel material
Long 2.1-meter length
Smooth shifting operation
Compatible with various bike types
#TOP 9

Jagwire Mountain XL Shift Kit

MTBPROXL
Black
Jagwire Mountain XL Shift Kit Cover
JAGWIRE MOUNTAIN XL SHOP KIT - Shift Cable & Housing Kit

The Jagwire Mountain Shift Kit is designed for cyclists looking to enhance their bike's shifting performance. It features a durable 3.0 m cable housing that is reinforced for strength and has a slick lubrication to ensure smooth operation. The kit also includes 2.3 m galvanized shifter cables, providing reliable and long-lasting performance. All necessary end caps and cable tips are included, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. This XL version caters to those needing extra length for their setups, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of bikes.

What We Like
Durable cable housing
Smooth shifting performance
Includes installation components
Extra length for compatibility

Xmomx Bike Shift Cables

X-BSXx10
Black
Xmomx Bike Shift Cables Cover
Xmomx 10 pcs 2100mm Shift Cable Derailleur Cable Stainless Steel for Mountain and Road Bicycle + 10 PCs Black Alloy Cable Cap End Tip Crimp

Xmomx Bike Shift Cables are stainless steel cables that are 2100mm long and compatible with all road and mountain bikes. The cables are strong and slick, ensuring good quality. The package includes 10 shift cables and 10 alloy cable end tips.

What We Like
Stainless steel material
Compatible with all road and mountain bikes
Strong and slick cables
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are road and MTB shift cables the same?

One major difference in MTB vs road BRAKE cable is the different sizes and styles of head: road cables have mushroom like ends where as MTB brake cables have barrel like ends. Shifter cable ends are the same.

2. Are all bicycle shift cables the same?

Shifter (derailleur) cables come in two standards, main difference being the end barrel, though cable thickness also tends to differ: Campagnolo standard – 1.1 to 1.2 mm cable diameter, with a bit smaller diameter barrel at the end.

3. How long is shifter cable for MTB?

Shipping calculated at checkout. Bikes with high bars and bar-end shifters often need extra long cables, and tandems always do. If "122-inches" is foreign to you, it's the same as 3.1 meters.

Editor's Notes

During our bike shift cable for mountain bikes research, we found 24 bike shift cable for mountain bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,672 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike shift cables for mountain bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike shift cables for mountain bikes with an average price of $8.10.

The bike shift cables for mountain bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike shift cables for mountain bikes, including corki, Giantree, CNC, EASTERN POWER, Ciomszan. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 332 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.