Touring - Should I get rid of my B-Levers?

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spinnaker
07-21-06, 10:01 PM
I have a Cannondale with B-Lever brake levers. They are a nice addition but I was taking a closer look at them and to replace a cable, looks a bit complicated. Should I remove these before going on tour? The other upside is that it would leave a lot of extra room for a handlebar bag.

fthomas
07-21-06, 10:25 PM
I've run into the same question and problem. Go out and take a look at the Akel site for a solution that works with brifters and bar bags:http://www.arkel-od.com/technical/shiftersBB.asp#

I installed new shift cables and the Avid Rollamajig and it worked wonderfully. You do not say what model of Brifters you have, but for the Shimano 105's it is simply a matter of disconnecting the cable at the derailleurs and squeezing the brake lever open and forcing the end of the cable out of it's position. The installation of new cables is just as easy. You will not find any problems with the Brifters / shifting adjustment by following the instructions that come with the Rollamajig.

See: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=RD707Y00
spinnaker
07-21-06, 10:42 PM
I've run into the same question and problem. Go out and take a look at the Akel site for a solution that works with brifters and bar bags:http://www.arkel-od.com/technical/shiftersBB.asp#

I installed new shift cables and the Avid Rollamajig and it worked wonderfully. You do not say what model of Brifters you have, but for the Shimano 105's it is simply a matter of disconnecting the cable at the derailleurs and squeezing the brake lever open and forcing the end of the cable out of it's position. The installation of new cables is just as easy. You will not find any problems with the Brifters / shifting adjustment by following the instructions that come with the Rollamajig.

See: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=RD707Y00


I have not thought about the cable being in the way. Thank you. But $8 a piece for those little things? Yikes! :)

I was thinking the bag itself interfering with the levers that are mounted on top of the bar. Cannondale calls these "B-Levers". They are a Cannondale product. I have dropped bars with Tiagra shifter / brake levers. The brake cable runs from the Tiagras and threw the "B-Levers". It looks a bit complicated and I was worried about changing cables on tour.

BTW This is an SR500. A sport road bike and not a traditional tourer.

We are going to be traveling light. Staying at hotels and hostels etc. I know the SR500 is not the best tool for the job but it is what I have and it should get the job done consider the light touring.

I was thinking of adding a handle bar bag to carry my camera and a few goodies up front. Plus it will come in useful for weekend rides. I can take the rack off of the back.