A cable end is an aluminum or plastic cap that is placed over the severed end of a brake or shifter cable in order to prevent its fraying.
If not equipped with protective tips, cut shift and brake cables will split when they are being repaired or installed. The ends of the cables are compressed together with pliers, allowing the cable to function and last longer. Clean cables in reliability races, where reliability is of utmost importance, minimize the likelihood of shifting or braking issues for the race. Tips for the cables can be colored or have varied finishes as an appearance option, but their function is plain: keeping your gears operating smoothly always.
