Touring - Aero brake level with top cable??

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imi
04-22-09, 01:34 PM
Sorry people I've googled everywhere but can't find old style "aero" brake levers where the cable comes out the top!... Can anyone point me in the right direction? BTW bullhorn levers are not an option for me, just something like Shimano BL400s but with the cable going straight up. Hope this makes sense... Thanks

Michel Gagnon
04-22-09, 10:30 PM
I can't find it clearly in Sheldon Brown's glossary, but what you want is "non-aero" brake levers. I think they stopped manufacturing them 20-25 years ago. Your best bet would be to visit a shop that recycles bikes, sells old parts, etc.
surreal
04-24-09, 09:26 AM
Ebay

surreal
04-24-09, 09:27 AM
ps- nothing wrong with aero-levers. They're a PITA for like 20 seconds during the install, maybe half that when you change cables/housing. Afterwards, you'll love having less cables to weed thru whil mounting handlebar bags, lights, etc.

-rob
norwood
04-24-09, 10:50 AM
Sorry people I've googled everywhere but can't find old style "aero" brake levers where the cable comes out the top!... Can anyone point me in the right direction? BTW bullhorn levers are not an option for me, just something like Shimano BL400s but with the cable going straight up. Hope this makes sense... Thanks

Aero brake levers = Cables routed out the back, wrapped under the bar tape.

"non" aero levers = Cables routed out the top of the lever, exposed.
rodar y rodar
04-24-09, 08:45 PM
Yeah, what you`re looking for are non-aero, and I don`t think anybody has made them for a long time, but used ones are very easy to find. Personally, I like them too. I don`t think the cables get in my way and I prefer not to bend the housings around the bars like you have to for aero levers. That said, I have barend shifters on both of my dropbar equiped bikes and I bend THOSE housings around the bars even though most people don`t.
SlowRoller
04-25-09, 01:37 AM
Yeah, what you`re looking for are non-aero, and I don`t think anybody has made them for a long time

They're around: http://www.velo-orange.com/diacompe.html

I've never used them but I hear that they may interfere if your preferred position is on the hoods...
rodar y rodar
04-25-09, 05:41 AM
That`s good to know- since they still say DiaCompe, I suppose they`re old stock? Isn`t Dia Compe Tektro now?

And I can see how somebody used to riding the hoods with aero levers might not get along well with non-aeros. I use the ramps as my "normal" position except I feel the need to keep a few fingers on the levers.