We investigated the negative electrode behaviors of several mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) heat-treated over 2000°C in 1M LiPF6/propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte under various charge–discharge current densities. A higher current density provided improved (a highly graphitized MCMB)/Li cell cycle stability as lower graphitized MCMB electrode was used. In addition, two pre-cycles at a higher current density also provided better cycle stability in subsequent cycles at a lower current density. For example, MCMB 6μm in diameter and heat-treated at 2800°C cycled stably at a current density of 0.2mAcm−2 after 2 pre-cycles at 0.5mAcm−2. A higher current density may provide an adequate surface film at the first charging.