Brake/Gear Cables

Steven A in California has a strange question about using gear cables instead of brake cables, we don’t think this is a great idea and explain why:

Question:
I was wondering if I can use the smaller dia. shifter cables for my brakes too? I realize the tips are different, but they still fit safely in the shifter body. I have to believe that the smaller cable would hold a ton of weight

thanks,
Steven.

Hi Steven.

I have used a gear cable instead of a brake cable in an emergency, but I wouldn’t thing it was a good idea to use one permanently.

The thickness of the cable is not the problem; as you can buy thin brake cables the same diameter as gear cables but with the proper cable end nipple. The problem is the gear cable nipple end, it is much smaller and if it pilled through at the brake lever when you need to stop then this could be, at the worst, fatal or at least very dangerous.

Using thinner cables with normal size brake outer cable housing also leaves space for water or grit and dust, this can rust and interfere with your braking. I’ve also found that the thinner cable stretch and don’t last as long as the thicker cables.

You will also find that the cable end nipple will get stuck in the brake lever because when you put the pressure on the lever it pulls the nipple end into what it the wrong shaped nipple end holder and it will quash into a different shape and will prove very difficult to get out when it comes time to change the cables.

Sorry Stephen, but I wouldn’t do it. My question is why you would want to, except in an emergency?