JagwireRoad Elite Link Brake Kit(Return to Product Page)

Traditional compressionless housing is very rigid - tighter bends are not easily achieved. Although a lot of people will buy this kit for its weight-saving benefits, I like it because it allows for compressionless cable routing without the rigidity. The kit is essentially a narrow, flexible plastic tube that you put metal "links" on. There's a generous amount of components provided, but actual setup is cumbersome. I subtracted stars because (not faulting BTD) it is expensive for what it is, and the interfacing housing (lever -> link housing) is not compressionless, wrather it is traditional coil. They could have made it interface fit directly into the lever somehow, but didn't.

Functionality is on par with other top of the range cables (Dura Ace), but their weight is about half of standard housing. The total installed weight was 150 grams for the Jagwire Elite Link brake and shifter housing and cables.

I did need some initial post install adjustment as the cables "seated" over braking and shifting, so test ride about 50-100 miles before a big event.

The install is time consuming and the directions are a bit cumbersome, but once installed, it will be easier to do it the second time and thereafter. Oh, the second install should only require new cables and the inner liner (assuming no damage occurred to the beads).

One great thing about this system is that everything is included in the package (end caps, cable donuts, paint protectors, etc.)

Lastly, the housing looks really good, too.

I picked up a used time trial bike that had cracked housing and replaced it with this kit. I ended up running full housing to the front & rear (under bottom bracket) brakes without using up all of the links. Brake feel instantly improved and it handled the internal routing better than anything else.

Pros: corrosion isn�t really an issue, strangely lightweight, individual links can be replaced, bendy, replacement liner is available & inexpensive

Cons: price, other bikes are jealous

These are expensive cables no doubt, but they're effectively a buy once product because the sealed lubrication keeps them lasting a long long time. Performance is absolutely top notch in terms of low cable friction, good modulation and slippery smoothness. You'll also lose a good chunk of grams with these if you're coming from traditional housing. All said and done, they're absolutely worth the cost premium.

My rear shift cable makes a hard almost 180 degree turn from the end of the bar tape to the head tube (2012 Trek Madone). All other cable housing I have tried tends to steer the bike and eventual bind up and crack. Jagwire has solved my problem.

If you like light, this is the product. Another advantage is the lesser stress put on the side brakes so brake frame won�t rotate sideways