Bicycle Mechanics - re-mounting STI levers

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roadbuzz
12-14-02, 01:12 PM
Calling all shop monkeys...

Inclement weather, boredom, and spare time have all conspired to cause me to do the unthinkable... replace all cables, housings, and "service" my STI levers. The STI service consisted of removing them from the h-bars and flushing the mechanism thoroughly with WD-40.

My question: Does anybody know a good trick for getting the levers mounted perfectly even? I marked the top and bottoms of where the clamps wrap around the bars, but after remounting they're still slightly off. Any suggestions, or is it strictly a trial and error thing?

Thanks,
da 'Buzz

TLN
12-14-02, 05:50 PM
For me it has always been trial and error. But I can get it right on the second or third time.
urban_assault
12-14-02, 05:58 PM
I go by feel.

I used to run a straight edge from the tip of the lever to the bottom of the drop.

then I tried putting a straight edge at the bottom of both levers and using a level to even them out.

Now I just put them on and go for a short spin, taking my allen wrench with me, and adjusting them to where my body remembered them to be.

pokey
12-14-02, 09:24 PM
Originally posted by roadbuzz
Calling all shop monkeys...

Inclement weather, boredom, and spare time have all conspired to cause me to do the unthinkable... replace all cables, housings, and "service" my STI levers. The STI service consisted of removing them from the h-bars and flushing the mechanism thoroughly with WD-40.


Thanks,
da 'Buzz So why did you hose them out?If they were working propely,you probably did more harm than good. I measure from the end of the bar to the calmp,holding a flexible tape against the bar.
roadbuzz
12-16-02, 10:31 AM
Originally posted by pokey
So why did you hose them out?If they were working propely,you probably did more harm than good.
They were operating a little rough, like maybe there was an accumulation of roadgrime, or something. Why would it cause damage, by flushing out factory lube?
pokey
12-16-02, 10:43 AM
Originally posted by roadbuzz

They were operating a little rough, like maybe there was an accumulation of roadgrime, or something. Why would it cause damage, by flushing out factory lube? Did you replace it?
MichaelW
12-17-02, 05:39 AM
Put a straight edge on to of the hoods. Also, ride a few times before you put bar-tape on.

I like to play around with the rotation of levers around the bars. I find that a little inwards cant makes them much more comfortable.