Brake lever options for bull bar type handle bars

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ronfinch

Hi all, I like riding long distance and am thinking of getting some 'bull bar' type handlebars. I currently have flat bars + bar ends, and tend to move onto the bar ends only when I am not likely to brake/change gears (I have shimano brake levers on the flat bit of the bar). I am wondering if brake levers are available like old fashioned racing handlebar brake levers so I can brake both when on the flat part of the bar, and on the bar end bit of the bar? Have looked around and dont seem able to find any - most racer type brake levers seem to be just positioned on the drop bit of the bar nowadays.

Cheers!

Ron

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Bacciagalupe

I used to use flat bars with bar-ends, and did a century and a few tours on them. Functionally they're about the same as bullhorns, although with bullhorns you have a little more room in the forward position.

For what it's worth, you might want to consider drop bars with what are called "interrupter" or "cross" brakes. In addition to the standard brakes on the drop bar, the cross brakes are a second set on the tops (the part next to the stem). The Jamis Aurora uses a setup like this.

Keep in mind that if you convert an existing flat-bar bike to either bullhorns or drops, you will likely need to replace the shifter as well.

Godwin

There are a lot of bull horn bar users in the ss&fg forum. You might want to try asking over there. In general long distance cyclists tend to prefer drop bars because there are more positions available.

ronfinch

Thanks for the tips might try the ss/fg forum as you suggest. I do do centuries on my hybrid bike at the moment, but even though I am sure I am probably as safe as I am currently I just hate being too low in trafic, hence not wanting drop handlebars...!
Will research the Jamis Aurora and cross/interuppter brakes now.

ronfinch

By the way, are these levers compatible with disc brakes does anybody know..! Sorry for the remedial question...

RFC

Here are a couple of options for brakes on bullhorns on my C&V TT bikes. Brifters will also work well with bullhorns.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_2746a.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_2700a.jpg

Bacciagalupe

As long as we're showing pictures... :p

Courtesy of Harris Bikes:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/BR7312.jpg

You can set these up with bullhorns or drops, obviously. Might get in the way of some handlebar bags.

RFC: just out of curiosity, what's the longest ride you've done with bullhorns?

RFC

I use these two bikes for shorter, faster rides of 15-25 miles and no more that 30-40 miles at a time. Keep in mind, however, that both of these bikes have extreme aero drops from seat to bars. I think that if set up higher as one would set up road bars, they could be quite comfortable on longer rides.

ronfinch

Sorry bit confused. Anyone know if any of these are compatible with disc brakes? / Can you get interruptor/cross brakes that are compatible with discs. If so does anyone have any particular recommendations..?

Cheers

cminter

If you have road disc brakes like the Avid BB-7 then you will be fine with road levers. If not then you could look at using a travel agent like these http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/cable-hardware-brake.html#travelagents good luck.

Rowan

I use bullhorns on my main century and LD bike. I have an ordinary pair of Shimano aero levers on them the same as REC's blue bike. They work for me with caliper brakes.

If using disc brakes, I would check the amount of cable pull offered by the levers compared with that required to operate the brakes. You could experiment, and I am not sure, but the pull required to actuate disc brakes might be similar to cantis, just judging from my MTB (actuation of the brakes, as opposed to brake lever movement).

disco_stu

ronfinch

Hi all, thanks for the tips.

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