long brake cables

[Mussels]

I need a new brake cable inner for my back brake, does anyone with experience know if standard cables from the LBS are usually long enough for bikes with the battery behind the seat or if they are a bit stingy with the length supplied?

 

[JuicyBike]

They are and you could get a gear cable, which would be longer...

 

[catsnapper]

Usually around 1.8 metres long, if you need longer get a tandem brake cable. Make sure you get the right nipple end, or a dual cable. MTB, road and gear cables are all different.

 

[Kenny]

I just buy tandem cables for my xtra-cycle cargo bike. I don't think there much dearer and too long is better than too short.
(crossed with Catsnapper's post)

 

[oigoi]

You could take the old one with you to the bike shop to make sure

 

[Mussels]

Thanks chaps, I'll look for a tandem one. I can't take the old one with me as I want to keep using it until I replace it, it has frayed so I'd never get it in again.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Save your money. Go to Wilkinsons. They have them for about 99p -very long ones.

 

[barrycoll]

.......and when you cut them to shorten them, make sure you have a good pair of cable snippers (worth the expense) or you will fray the cable end even before using it

cheers barryc.

 

[Mussels]

I found a spare cable in my toolkit, it came in a Lid bike spares box. I offered it up and it was about the right length so I bit the bullet and cut the old one off, slid the new one in and there was about 5cm to spare. I measured the cable and found it was about 170cm so the standard ones should fit ebikes fine.
I’ve got a good cable cutter so when my new pads arrive I can use the old rear cable to replace the front frayed one.

I’ve tried organic pads and semi-sintered, now I’m going for cheap Kevlar pads which are meant to be the best of both worlds.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Don't forget to go to Wilkos and get some spares. they're so cheap that you can buy a load for that rainy day when you'll need them.

 

[Synthman]

I remember when I had this problem, I bought one in Wilkinson, but it actually wasn't long enough. I also wrecked the cable when I tried cutting the end off. Local bike shop had the cable and did it straight away.