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Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

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“What have you seen that’s interesting?” That’s a question that we often get at various trade shows, and it’s one that the answer is usually reserved for the biggest launches. But every once in a while, there’s something small that only the true bike nerds will appreciate that catches our eye. For me at Frostbike this year, one of those items was the new Pro Dropper Kit from Jagwire. Created to address a very specific issue, the cable kit should lead to better functioning cable operated dropper seat posts in the very near future.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

How do you make a dropper post specific cable set? Apparently you start by creating a much thinner inner cable wire. Instead of the traditional 1.2mm cables used for shifters, the dropper cable measures just 0.8mm. Jagwire says this results in a more flexible cable which is superior for the tight bends often associated with internal cable routing as the dropper cables transition from the downtube to the seat tube. Like their higher end shift cables, the dropper cable is polished stainless steel to make it as slippery as possible.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

The kit also includes a new Flex-SL cable housing which is still a 4mm outer diameter with the same linear strand construction as shift housing, but it uses a more ductile steel alloy, again for increased flexibility. Combined, the two parts work together to create a system with lower friction overall for better dropper post functionality. Note that Jagwire specifically says that this kit is not compatible with shifters – so it won’t be the answer to crazy internal routing for tri bikes and the like.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

Sold as a kit for $19.99, the Pro Dropper cable kit includes the housing, cable, and necessary hardware – including two pieces of 0.8mm to 1.2mm heat shrink to use as a shim for certain dropper post/lever cable anchors. Not every dropper post/remote will need the shims, but some will need it to ensure a tight clamp on the smaller cables. These shims are apparently one time use only, so Jagwire includes two with the kit. In production now, the kits should start shipping in late May/early June.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality  It may seem like a bit of a departure for Jagwire, but the company is now branching out into bar tape as well. Their thought is that if you’re replacing your cables, you should probably be replacing your tape – and vice versa. By offering both, the company hopes that it may put both at front of mind when you’re doing your next routine maintenance.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

But it also means that you’ll be able to get bar tape that perfectly matches your cable color. Jagwire is starting out with black, red, and white, but will expand to include all of their housing colors in the future – and they’re making sure that the colors of each batch sync up between the two.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

Built from a 3mm, 3 layer tape with a polyurethane outer, the tape was supposedly developed for just the right tacky feel in all weather conditions. Sold with a set of locking bar end plugs, the tape will sell for $37.99.

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

Dropper post specific cables? Jagwire Pro Dropper Kit makes it a reality

Finally, Jagwire announced that they would be doing a few new colors in their Elite Link cable kits – but as an annual limited edition. First up is this green kit that will be available soon as a limited edition version, and once it’s gone they’ll move onto a new color.

jagwire.com

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i
i
5 years ago

When I saw that headline, the only reason I clicked was to see what their stupid reasoning was as to why this cable was dropper-specific.

But you know, I do have the problem they say they were trying to solve with this – cable exits the DT at about 2 o’clock, there’s about 2.5″ of it out, then enters the center of the ST. Housing is definitely more the issue than the wire.

One thing I wonder though: why use metal at all for these? Polymer ropes are more flexible than steel cables, in general. Isn’t there some company making synthetic cables? Can’t remember the name, but I recall it being stupid; the kind where they use a Z instead of an S.

MaraudingWalrus
MaraudingWalrus
5 years ago
Reply to  i

Might be thinking of PowerCordz. They were kinda weird. They maybe don’t quite exist right now. I know in some climates that the Cordz has some issues getting sort of gunked or gummed up more easily than metal cables. Or breaking. Both are bad!

Matt S
Matt S
5 years ago

PowerCordz were the first main stream polymer cables and they were a pain to set up. Had to have special clamps or tie knots around existing cable anchor points.

Shafty
Shafty
5 years ago
Reply to  i

The lame part is that these cables attempt to solve the symptom, but they can’t always solve the cause. That’s typically poor cable routing, and many frames place the holes improperly or “creatively”. The other is the situation you mention, which is semi-internal routing. At that rate, I would just route it externally up to the seat tube. Paragon Machine Works has some nice clamps that use a bottle cage mount that would help.

RobertW
RobertW
5 years ago

I have had trouble with kinked cable housing. I’ll give these a try.

dave
dave
5 years ago

brake housing is more flexible than derailleur housing and works fine for droppers. I’d try 50 cents worth of brake housing before spending 20 on this.

Marc L
Marc L
5 years ago

For what it’s worth, that Pro Dropper kit is the real deal: it makes the standard Wolf Tooth ReMote feel almost like the Light Action version but with shorter throw. Win and win.

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