In many cases we simply call it a brake cable. The correct name for the sheath and the wire cable inside is "Bowden cable". The mechanical effect results from the interaction of the sheath. Many people have already got to know the system as a child when mending their own bicycle.

The strand, i.e. the wire rope, which is only 2 mm thick, has to withstand amazing forces: Our brake strand for the front brake has a tensile test force of 2.7 kN. So you should be able to suspend a mass of 270 kg from it.

Seven wires twisted together form a strand, seven of which are twisted together again. A cylindrical nipple is attached to one end of the cable, which is then hooked onto the brake.

Because our vehicles are usually braked with the electric motor brake (recuperation), the brake cable is not moved very often. To prevent the brake wire from rusting, we use an extra stainless steel wire. This means that the mechanical brake is always ready for use.