Jagwire has two new top-level disc braking updates that they say will help you stop faster now, and more consistently over time. They developed both new Pro LR3 brake rotors and vented Elite brake pads to “target heat fade, durability and braking consistency” for the higher braking forces experienced by today’s technical mountain bike, gravel bike, and eMTB riders.

Plus, the new rotors feature a smart, simple low-tech solution to make sure you know when it’s time to replace them. There’s simply a wear indicator etched into the braking surface showing you when it’s time to replace your rotors!

Jagwire Pro LR3 brake rotors & vented Elite pads boost your current disc brakes(All photos/Jagwire)

Bikes are heavier, eMTB especially. Trails are rougher, and longer-travel suspension lets us hit ’em harder. And off-road riding on gravel bikes has us pushing their ‘road’ components further than ever. So logically, our brakes need to make up the difference. And Jagwire thinks their latest rotor and pad designs will help your existing brake system catch up to these higher demands.

Pro LR3 disc brake rotors

Their first avenue of attack is an all-new 2-piece rotor design. Both the precision-ground steel braking surface and machined alloy carrier have been completely redesigned to deliver more consistent braking performance, less affected by heat build up.

“According to Jagwire testing, the LR3 delivers up to 10 percent increased braking performance compared to the previous generation [LR2] while improving resistance to rotor deformation.“

The carrier itself improves with a more carefully optimized structural layout, swapping the previous round carrier for a more angular-hexagonal design with less excess material at the hub. The new braking track features larger slotted openings around its circumference to deliver more stopping power and better stability under heavy braking load.

Plus, the LR3 now features a new patented tech Jagwire calls a “J wear indicator”. It is essentially just a Jagwire logo laser-etched into the braking surface. But it’s a very smart design, because when the surface of the rotor gets worn down from braking to the point that the J is no longer visible, it corresponds to the 1.5mm minimum rotor thickness, telling you it’s time to replace your rotors. No, measuring with calipers required, by either you or your friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic.

Vented Eilte semi-metallic brake pads with Graphene inside

Add to the tougher, more consistent braking the new rotors provide with a set of Jagwire Elite disc brake pads. The new all-weather, semi-metallic pads add an all-new “graphene-enhanced thermal management tech” to the brands aftermarket braking line. What that actually appears to be, is a Graphene-based surface treatment promising to quickly transfer excess heat from the brake material through the first (presumably steel) pad backing plate and into the alloy backing plate behind it that is connected to the machined alloy external cooling Aero-Fins.

“Internal testing indicates rotor temperatures can be reduced by up to 27 percent, while brake fluid temperatures may be lowered by up to 13 percent compared with conventional pad designs. By reducing heat accumulation, the system is intended to minimize brake fade and help preserve consistent lever feel during extended descents.“

Jagwire’s vented Aero Fin pads also shape their fins mostly to be open inwardly (and nested together) in a design that looks less likely to fill up with mud as you ride in wet conditions, while still providing a lot of additional surface area for active cooling as you ride and air passes over and through them.

Jagwire Pro LR3 rotors and Elite vented brake pads – Pricing, options & availability

The new Jagwire Pro LR3 rotors are available now in both centerlock and 6-bolt mounting, in sizes from 140mm up to 220mm. 6-bolt rotors are cheaper, selling for $60 / 59€ in 140 & 160mm, $65 / 63€ in 180mm, $73 / 68€ in 203mm, and $85€ in 220mm. Centerlock versions add a couple bucks for each, $70 / 65€ for 140 & 160mm, $75 / 70€ for 180mm, $80 / 75€ for 203mm, and $95€ for 220mm rotors.

The vented pads suggested retail price is $32 / 24€ per pair (one brake) in fits designed for Shimano road & MTB, SRAM road, Code, Guide/G2, and Magura MT4/8. The whole Elite brake pad range is also now available through regular Jagwire distributors and dealers worldwide. And we’ve pads selling for quite a bit less already.

Jagwire.com