Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Recommendations for aero brake levers?

Howdy folks. I'm modding a classic steel bike to make it a little more comfy on long rides. It currently has non-aero brake levers and downtube shifters. I really like the downtube shifters, but I'd like to switch to aero brake levers to permit a hands-over-hoods riding position (like what I have with my ultegra brifters on another bike).

I see there is a great variety of hood shapes out there, so I'd really appreciate any suggestions you can make from your own experience. I'm not terribly concerned about aesthetics, more comfort and function.

If it matters, I'm using a Nitto Noodle bar and single-pivot dura-ace brakes.

Thanks very much in advance!

Howdy folks. I'm modding a classic steel bike to make it a little more comfy on long rides. It currently has non-aero brake levers and downtube shifters. I really like the downtube shifters, but I'd like to switch to aero brake levers to permit a hands-over-hoods riding position (like what I have with my ultegra brifters on another bike).

I see there is a great variety of hood shapes out there, so I'd really appreciate any suggestions you can make from your own experience. I'm not terribly concerned about aesthetics, more comfort and function.

If it matters, I'm using a Nitto Noodle bar and single-pivot dura-ace brakes.

Thanks very much in advance!

My suggestion would be to get ' STI ' levers. I find them to have a more comfortable position to rest my hands on.

Since you really like using your downtube shifters, it wouldn't matter to you if the STI levers shifting mechanism didn't work properly. Lots of people seem to have trouble with the shifting mechanism 'gumming up', so they either throw their levers away, or sell them cheap.

Hope this helps you.

How big are your hands? The Shimano Tiagra/Dura-Ace style are excellent levers but they have a thinner body. I have these and I like them OK, but my hands are not big.

The Tektro/Cane Creek levers have bodies that are bigger, more like STI bodies. If I were buying new levers I would think about these. The Tektro ones cost less than the Cane Creeks, but they don't have cool lizards on the hoods.

TEKTRO levers... the best ergonomically, and the fact that they are only 25 bucks... I mean, it doesnt get any better (IMO) I like the version for smaller hands- the only difference being that the lever sits a bit closer to the bar. Ive retrofitted three bikes with these so far.

TEKTRO levers... the best ergonomically, and the fact that they are only 25 bucks... I mean, it doesnt get any better (IMO) I like the version for smaller hands- the only difference being that the lever sits a bit closer to the bar. Ive retrofitted three bikes with these so far.

+1

I have Tektro R200A levers on both my rando bike (with Nitto Noodle bar, BTW) and my single speed commuter. For me they are far more comfortable than the Shimano Ultegra STI levers I used to have.

Another vote for the Tektro R200A (or R100A if you have small hands), I have 'em on both of my bikes. Apparently they're modeled after the Campy brake lever shape, they're well-made, and the QR button works very well.

The Tektro levers are the most comfortable I have tried.

another vote for Tektros. $25 at the LBS, or marginally lower on-line. I'm putting them on my commuter too, can't take the old school campys any more, particularly since the hoods go for twice what the tektros cost.

TEKTRO levers... the best ergonomically, and the fact that they are only 25 bucks... I mean, it doesnt get any better (IMO) I like the version for smaller hands- the only difference being that the lever sits a bit closer to the bar. Ive retrofitted three bikes with these so far.

Dead on.

Just the advice I was looking for, thanks a bunch!

As long as the Tektros don't have a 'cheap' feel that comes with their affordable price, I'll see if I can grab a pair...

+1 for the Tektros -- cheap and comfy, very similar to pre-2009 Campag Ergo. That's what I use on my Bleriot (http://www.veloweb.ca/mybikepages/blerioso.html) and have recommended and sold to many, many cyclists. No complaints.

I picked up a pair of Shimano 600's, with a minimal amount of wear on ebay. I have to say, they feel entirely more solid than the R200A's, and the cost was less than my LBS had the Tektro's for.

If you are concerned about "cheap feel" I would look for used DA/Ultegras on ebay . . . the Tektro's didn't feel cheap, they just felt a little "cheaper".