Jagwire Racer gear/brake cable set

Supplied as a complete brake and gear cable system and a claimed thirty per cent lighter than standard models, the Jagwire Racer kit is a complete cable overhaul for your road steed. It incorporates some very clever detailing, and performance is better than most. They're unusually pleasant to install and are fairly keenly priced to boot.

The flexible Kevlar outers employ a unique concertina section to improve cable runs on aero brakesets where they exit the lever. This coupled with Teflon inserts translates into very low friction: exactly the standard demanded from increasingly sensitive ten-speed derailleur transmissions. Double ended stainless inner wires are what you’d expect, guaranteeing a near universal fit, although the wires temselves aren't markedly better than other reputable brands.

Installation is a delight, the flexible outers and clever concertina section ensure graceful, flowing and friction free performance, even entering the rear mech. While lacking the fit and forget simplicity of the latest generation of weather-sealed systems, they’re much quicker to dial in and don’t feel like a builders hose. However, while they're reasonably forgiving of mistakes, razor sharp cutters and/or hydraulic arms are essential for a clean cut. Completing the package are clever rubberised frame protectors that slip atop the outers, protecting frames and livery from abrasion-especially around the head tube, eliminating the need for expensive patches that lift and peel at the first hint of dirt.

Paired to reverse action TT levers and pursuit bars, they’ve been buttery smooth from the outset with no additional lubrication and transformed the performance of a budget dual pivot brake. Gear cables improved the shifting performance of a very highly strung ten-speed setup. While they're designed as a road system, with a periodic shot of Teflon based lube they’ll cope admirably with cross and rough stuff duties. Four-season slave bikes, especially those in coastal regions might be better served by trickier to fit, fully enclosed weather sealed systems but otherwise the Racers are a very fine cableset.

Verdict

Nicely designed and reasonably priced performance cables.