FamilyMan007

My son was born without a right hand – when he first started riding two-wheelers my research led me to using a Primo Pervert cable splitter to facilitate safe braking (both brakes operated by a single lever, set-up so that rear brake is applied just before the front brake).

My son does not ride a lot, but this ‘Pervert’ mechanism has operated flawlessly. It has been transferred to successive bikes – most recently a Trek FX hybrid, where the Trek store did a tremendous job for a nominal cost (they also ‘mixed & matched’ to enable operation of both derailleurs - front using a trigger mechanism, & rear using a twist mechanism).

Attached three photos show:
~ overall set-up , with the ‘Pervert’ shown in lower left corner;
~ close-up of other side of ‘Pervert’ when brakes (i) applied and (ii) not applied to try to illustrate how it operates.

We are now wanting to set him up with a bike for university – the Trek is too nice, so will buy a cheap second-hand one. We therefore need another mechanism to operate both brakes from one lever. As far as we can see from the internet, Primo have discontinued making the Pervert cable splitter (perhaps they could have chosen a better name?).


Does anyone know whether we can still buy a Primo Pervert cable splitter, or whether anyone can recommend a mechanism which will achieve the same end result (reliable safe braking).

Late news: I have found a single lever which purports to operate two brakes at once – anyone have any experience with this product https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Alloy-Mountain-Cable-Brake/product-reviews/B000AO7H16/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?showViewpoints

Bezalel

Get a Problem Solvers Cable Doubler 1:2. Any shop with a QBP account should be able to get one.

Problem Solvers

FamilyMan007

Bezalel,

Thanks for the recommendation - the Problem Solvers Cable Doubler 1:2 seems likely to achieve the objective

jayforty

I have one of those on my MTB - didn't know it was called a pervert!

I have a newer one of a slightly different (and better) design on my latest bike which I bought from my local shop. I've seen the double lever, but only over in the States (I'm in the UK) because that will make a neater solution.

However, I'm currently looking to sort a Y-splitter for a hydraulic line.

KNIFEMASTER

I've been looking at something called the brake director from America, does anyone know if this is any good. I like the idea that the cam increases the braking pressure from one hand and distributes evenly

How does Brake Director™, the one-hand bicycle brake work?

fietsbob

Reads like if you ask the LBS to order it from them and thus be an authorized seller-installer you have a guarantee to fall back on ..

Buying direct & DIY .. you will not ..

this is the 1st time I've seen this , conceptually, as a Mechanic, it seems a practical piece.


BTW Re: 1st picture : Warning ! its time to replace the 1 cable that pulls the other 2. its fraying ..

FamilyMan007

Thanks - I missed that

Walter

I have been riding one handed for the last 20 years due to a motorcycle accident. My left hand was not amputated but it is paralyzed as is most of my left arm. I've been using the splitter, or similar products, fot most of that time with good results and think that's the best way to go.

The lever that pulls 2 cables will work but I wonder how many different style bars it'll work on? I ride, amongst others, modern road bikes and it wouldn't work well. I'm not familiar with the other mechanism.

One caveat: Since some efficiency is lost using the coupler the longer the brake lever the better for leverage. My brakes on an older bike with older style Campy levers are better than the newer bike with the slightly smaller Campy levers. Both ar adequate but the older longer levers do pull better, for obvious reasons.

tigat

I agree with Walter on the splitter. The second advantage, at least for road biking, is it gives you the option of setting up two levers, one on the hood and a cross or interupter brake on the
top bar, in front of the splitter.







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