Bicycle gear and brake cables are also known as Bowden cables. A Bowden cable is a type of flexible cable used to transmit mechanical force or energy by the movement of an inner cable (most commonly of steel or stainless steel) relative to a hollow outer cable housing. The housing is generally of composite construction, consisting of a helical steel wire, often lined with plastic, and with a plastic outer sheath.
The Bowden mechanism was invented by Irishman Ernest Monnington Bowden (1860 to April 3 1904) The first patent was granted in 1896. The device did not work particularly effectively and was never used on bicycles. It is reported that E. M. Bowden granted a licence to The Raleigh Cycle Company of Nottingham. At this signing they became members of 'E. M. Bowden's Patent Syndicate Limited'. They perfected the cable design which remains with us today.