Bicycle Mechanics - Putting on new brake lever covers/hood covers?

My second bike/touring road bike needs new rubber covers for the brake levers, not sure the right term? Anyways, does the tape have to come off and the brake levers and cables to get these installed? Is it difficult? Pokey - I know, read the book - but Im at work right now!

Get back to work, you! ;)

What brand of brake levers are they, nikos?

I have slipped new hoods over older non-aero (cable comes out the top) brake-only without removing them from the bar. Obviously you have to remove the cable and housing. I wet them down with rubbing alcohol for lubrication and slipped them on. I don't think I would try it with STI levers which are much bulkier. Those I would remove from the bar and slip the hoods on from behind. As long as you have to take everything apart anyway it is a good time to replace cables and housings.

By the way, when you need to lubricate something like hoods or grips for installation, rubbing alcohol is a good choice. It leaves no residue and dries quickly. You don't have to worry about trapped moisture causing rusting on steel parts.

thanks for the tips Rainman. I will give it a look.

I think the most difficult time I had building
my bike was putting new hoods on Campy
old style (pointy top) ergo levers.
what a pain in the butt.

I have non ergo levers on my Trek (and soon
wifes Eisentraut) and its MUCH easier to
swap hoods.
Nikos, Don't forget if you're using Ergo or STI
levers you need to remove cables before
removing old hoods.

Marty

Originally posted by lotek
Nikos, Don't forget if you're using Ergo or STI
levers you need to remove cables before
removing old hoods.

Marty

Unless, of course, they're so totally rotted and you can rip them right off! :D