Bike Brake vs. Shifter Cables – Don’t Mix These Up!

Ever wondered if you can use brake cables for shifting or shifter cables for braking? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think! In this video, I measure the differences, test fitment, and explain why swapping cables and housing can lead to sloppy shifting, weak braking, or even dangerous failures. If you want smooth shifting and strong braking, this guide is for you! 🔧 What You’ll Learn in This Video: ✅ The differences between brake and shifter cables (thickness, flexibility, and strength) ✅ Why brake housing compresses and why shifter housing doesn’t ✅ What happens if you try to swap brake and shifter cables ✅ A pro tip to reduce cable friction using Tri-Flow lubricant ✅ When it’s possible to use compressionless brake housing for shifting ⏱️ Video Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Can You Swap Brake & Shifter Cables? 00:39 - Measuring Cable Thickness & Housing Diameter 01:27 - End Connectors: Brake vs. Shifter Cables 01:54 - Why Brake Housing Compresses & Shifter Housing Doesn’t 02:33 - PRO TIP: Reduce Cable Friction with Tri-Flow 02:48 - What Happens If You Use the Wrong Cable? 03:15 - When Can You Use Brake Housing for Shifting? 03:35 - Final Verdict: Should You Swap Brake and Shifter Cables? 04:00 - Conclusion: Subscribe & Keep Pedaling! 🔗 Related Videos & Resources: 🛠️ Best Cable Lubricant – Tri-Flow Review ➡️ https://youtu.be/CmLUCCSOsHY?si=IVjJGa_2CxJwnRq2 🔧 How to Replace Brake Cables & Housing ➡️ https://youtu.be/_Siry6-uN_Y?si=T-fWC7bk_x1y8yp1 🚴‍♂️ More Bike Repair & DIY Tips: 💡 Subscribe for more quick bike repair, maintenance, and upgrade tips! 👍 If you found this video helpful, hit LIKE and leave a comment below! 📩 Have a question? Drop it in the comments—I respond to as many as I can! #BikeRepair #DIYBikeFix #BikeCables #MountainBike #CyclingTips #BrakeVsShifterCables #BikeMaintenance Links to the stuff I actually use: 🚲 Crank Brothers M19 multi-tool https://amzn.to/2SHxNnd 🚲 High rise MTB Handle Bars https://amzn.to/3xkkE1O 🚲 Shorter MTB Stem to reduce reach https://amzn.to/2RT9JNG 🚲 Comfy mountain bike grips that come in cool colors https://amzn.to/2Tv1nfp 🚲 A great cost effective bike stand is the Bikehand https://amzn.to/2Tpayy3 🚲Tools Bikehand sells a 37 pcs Bike Repair Tool Kit https://amzn.to/3pTncl1 🚲 I love my Quad Lock Phone Holder get the Mount https://amzn.to/3wpweJc 🚲 You'll also need a phone case lots to pick from https://amzn.to/3wn3d0r 🚲 You can also check out the UPGRADED machined aluminum Quad Lock mount https://amzn.to/3wnCIYK 🚲 Quad Lock also sells an adhesive mount to hold your phone in the car https://amzn.to/3wnCIYK ************************************************************************* I only recommend items I actually OWN and use. The links above may provide a small advertising commission at no added cost to you.