How To Change Your Brake Cables

Replacing your brake cables is a pretty simple task - when you know how of course!

You'll need some new brake cables, an allen key and a set of cable cutters. Firstly remove the upper part of the bar tape, loosen the crimp bolt off and pull the cable through the shifters. Remove your outer cable and keep it to use as a marker to ensure the lengths are correct on your new outers.

Next put it all back together again in reverse and simply repeat for the rear brake.

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[patrickgrenier]

I never repared a bicycle in my life but with your video i was able to change the rear break of my girlfriends bike. You are a great teacher. Thanks

[aleemahmed]

Thanks guys 😁
9 years later and this is still invaluable

[aDotFromTheFuture]

The level of detail you guys go in these how to videos, is truly very much appreciated. Even though I don't need help with this basic stuff, I can see how some one new to this would find these to be very helpful indeed (even someone like me who knows this stuff, can find some new tips and tricks from these). So thank you for making the best and the most detailed cycling related videos on YouTube.

[KsNewSpace]

I can also recommend using some chain lube on the cables before you stick them through the outter ones. That makes them even more smooth!

[markzzzsmith]

Hi, this video helped me replace my inner and outer brake cables yesterday, so thanks! One tip I worked out while doing it was to use some Velcro cable ties to either hold the outer cables in place while you're using electrical tape to fix them in place on the handle bars, or to hold the shifter lever in while inserting and threading the inner cable. Velcro cable ties are normally used to organise computer cables, so they'll usually be available at stores that carry computer supplies. They should also be pretty cheap - I have a number lying around as they were a free bonus when I bought other cables from an online computer cables shop.

[asmarinodude]

just changed my brake cables for the first time. this feels good! thanks Boss.

[connyank]

Um - one hand to squeeze the brakes, one hand to pull the cable tight, and one hand to tighten the nut - sounds like someone has three hands

[KieranFarnes]

I always squeeze the caliper manually, let it off slightly then tighten the crimp bolt. Nice to know I'm doing it the pro way :)

[marchooghiemstra]

To avoid pinching the outer cable when cutting I always insert a small nail in the end and then cut the outer cable and nail at the same time.
This way the outer cable won't pinch.
A clean cut always!

[TheRoygbiv]

Use triflow oil on the cables to help the cable slide. Put oil inside the cover then slide the cable through. Always put the oil in the direction you push the cable through. Also do for gear cables.

[RoadGravelBike]

I can strip a bike and put it back together like new but sometimes it's the little tips like filing the cable outers that make me punch myself and think; 'why haven't I done that before!' Great video again guys :)

[jamiewiley]

that intense look on his face while he was taping the outer cable to the handlebars

[roncooke]

would you recommend a light oil on the inner on the rear just to avoid rust mainly with bikes that live in the rain

[fvdb]

'What group do you have?' 'I have Ultegra A Few Years Old.' 'Ah, ok.'

[IanWalker-zsxi]

Thanks this video has helped me do more like changing the brake cable and brake blocks

[gafindio]

Thanks mate it works
- Used pliers to cut the wire it f***ing jocked up.

[RichChh]

Hi Dan. How do I figure out the correct length to cut housing if I don't have old cables as reference or if the old cables were cut wrong in the first place?

[johndeal]

Thanks this helped me. My shifter was different and easier to deal with since you just needed to squeeze the brake lever and it exposed the end of the brake cable. Just pushed it a bit from the other end and the shifter end popped out. Pulled the old cable right through.

[thepope]

Guys, would you possibly be able to make a video on How to prepare for the upcoming winter rides...e.g Kit, bike mods etc. Thanks

[perwiratempur]

Can you show a guide on how to wrap the handlebar, with common and alternative methods?