Originally Posted by ypsirider
could you tell me what you mean by "saftey levers"?
Safety levers were the extensions fitted to brakes levers so the brakes could be operated with the hands on the flat portion of the handlebar, next to the stem. They were popular on entry level bicycles from the early 1970s through the early 1980s, as most new riders favoured the more upright position permitted by riding the 'flats'. The levers were not used on most high end bicycles, because the more experienced riders that generally purchased these models were supposedly used to riding in the crouched postion, in which the brakes levers readily accessible. Unfortunately, the brake levers had to be precisely situated for the safety levers to operate effectively. Incorrect postioning could put the safety levers too low and out of reach or too high, in which case the travel was only sufficient to slow the bicycle and not stop it.
Some companies such as Sekine avoided this problem by postioning the brake levers at the factory and taping the handlebars. This prevented ignorant shop mechanics from improperly postioniong the levers. This did wonders for their reputation. The shop owners and mechanics appreciated the reduced time to assemble the bicycles, while the customers appreciated the superior braking.
The safety lever was originally invented by Dia-Compe. In return for the right to use the safety levers on their brakesets, Weinmann permitted Dia-Compe to copy their design. This is why the Weinmann and Dia-Compe centre-pull brakesets are virtual clones. Other users had to pay Dia-Compe a royalty and they made a fortune off the invention.