Mountain Biking - Need new brake levers: Any Suggestions?

I finally broke something! I crashed and bent my left brake lever 90º! It was pretty neat. So anyways, I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions at inexpensive mountain rim brake levers.

Many thanks! Also, if I replace levers, what else do I need to buy?

Thanks

What kind do you have now? And are they integrated with the shifter pods? How much are you willing to spend? Take a look at some Avid levers. Even their highest end models are pretty inexpensive and work extremely well.

When my no-name stock levers broke I went and brought some Shimano Deore Levers. I never really even considered they would be any better. But they where. Easily one of the best £15 (about $10) I've spent on my bike. Of course if you have more bread you could LX or above. Avids have a good rep too, but I've never used them.

If your replacing levers you may as well replace the cable (you don't have too).

Avid sd5's.

What kind do you have now? And are they integrated with the shifter pods? How much are you willing to spend? Take a look at some Avid levers. Even their highest end models are pretty inexpensive and work extremely well.

hmmm, I took a gander at www.bikeroom.com, the biggest Canadian retailer and their highest end avid levers ran $200. I'm not sure if that's inexpensive to you, or if they're just over priced. Can anyone provide me with some links to stores?

Many thanks.

(Also, the Sd-5's ran I think $70 which I think is too much. I'd be willing to spend around $30 or so)

hmmm, I took a gander at www.bikeroom.com, the biggest Canadian retailer and their highest end avid levers ran $200.

Erf... I forgot about the extra-bling Ultimate levers. You're right, those are a little bit much.



I'm not sure if that's inexpensive to you, or if they're just over priced. Can anyone provide me with some links to stores?

Many thanks.

(Also, the Sd-5's ran I think $70 which I think is too much. I'd be willing to spend around $30 or so)

More than USD$30 though...
Avid SD-SL (http://www.phattire.com/avspdislbrle.html) has adjustable leverage and reach, magnsesium body for lighter weight, "bend-zone" so only the finger lever will bend (which can be replaced) before the rest of the body
Avid SD7 (http://www.phattire.com/avsd7brle.html) same as above but doesn't have magnesium

For less than USD$30 check out the...
Avid FR-5 (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13169-035_AVDF54-3-Parts-46-Brakes/Accessories-/Avid-FR5-Brake-Levers.htm) doesn't have adjustable leverage or the even cheaper
Avid FR-1 (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BL507A00-Avid+Fr-1+Brake+Levers+Oe.aspx) which is like the FR-5 but doesn't have the bend-zone.

Note that these levers are sold in pairs.

Erf... I forgot about the extra-bling Ultimate levers. You're right, those are a little bit much.




More than USD$30 though...
Avid SD-SL (http://www.phattire.com/avspdislbrle.html) has adjustable leverage and reach, magnsesium body for lighter weight, "bend-zone" so only the finger lever will bend (which can be replaced) before the rest of the body
Avid SD7 (http://www.phattire.com/avsd7brle.html) same as above but doesn't have magnesium

For less than USD$30 check out the...
Avid FR-5 (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13169-035_AVDF54-3-Parts-46-Brakes/Accessories-/Avid-FR5-Brake-Levers.htm) doesn't have adjustable leverage or the even cheaper
Avid FR-1 (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BL507A00-Avid+Fr-1+Brake+Levers+Oe.aspx) which is like the FR-5 but doesn't have the bend-zone.

Note that these levers are sold in pairs.
Ooo thanks for that.

So you mean I can replace just teh finger thing? Because that's what I broke! I didn't bend the rest of the body or anything, just that little lever.

I'll go hunt for that little part tomorrow.

Thanks!

So you mean I can replace just teh finger thing? Because that's what I broke! I didn't bend the rest of the body or anything, just that little lever.

It depends on the damage and the brand/model of lever. Some manufacturers will be able to sell you just that part but others may not. It looks like Avid has made a consciencous effort to design some of their brake levers so that the finger portion will brake/bend before damage can be transferred to other parts (kind of likie replacable derailleur hangers) so it's assumed they will sell you a replacement.

Uhh yeah, I paid ebay prices for my sd5's, I could never pay shop prices for name gear.

Are you using linear pull (V-Brakes) or canti's The levers aren't interchangable. The amount of cable pull is different. I have used Avid's and love them, but you can't go wrong with Shimano either.

I thought avids sucked but I don't remember what model came with the sd7's the shimano servo wave brake levers are rpetty good. they take very little movement to get the full effects and you get more power with less fingers. I think I liked them better I think then the paul components I have. I got them for 10.00 or less on ebay.

I dont think levers matter too much but still don't get ones that are too cheap.

Make sure you dont tighten them to the bar too much- this is what probably caused your old ones to bend.

I dont think levers matter too much but still don't get ones that are too cheap.


I thought that to, then I got some decent ones and there is a difference and it is noticable.

Get some XTR's (Ebay?), they're dead sexy.

I dont think levers matter too much but still don't get ones that are too cheap.

Make sure you dont tighten them to the bar too much- this is what probably caused your old ones to bend.


No, I crashed :D

I'll take a gander on ebay. They are super generic brake levers. So I probably can't replace just that part then eh? :(