At some point, every mechanic working on a bike with internal routing has wished for an easy button. Zeno may be making that a reality with their latest Q-Connector V2 – a hydraulic quick coupler meant to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect hydraulic brake lines.
Hydraulic couplers are nothing new (and popular on travel bikes), but historically, many of the connectors have been too large to fit through frame ports and internal routing ports in cockpits. That’s where the new Q-Connector V2 comes in. At just 6.5mm in outer diameter, the V2 claims to represent a 45% reduction in volume. It may not fit through every internal routing scenario, but it should make a number of situations easier.
In addition to being physically smaller, the stainless steel V2 is extremely fast and simple to use with a simple push and twist to lock. Reversing the procedure will unlock the Q-Connector. Zeno claims you can do this repeatedly without needing to bleed the brakes.
Users will have two options for adding a Q-Connector V2 to their bike. Zeno will sell hose kits with the connectors pre-installed, which will be best for consumers. Zeno will also offer a shop crimping tool and a connector kit, which will allow the connectors to be installed anywhere in an existing line. Note that there are mineral oil and DOT-specific versions of the connectors.
While on display at Eurobike, Zeno says that the Q-Connector V2 will start shipping in Q4 of 2025.
