Classic & Vintage - New (TEKTRO) or Retro Aero Levers for Lotus Classique

Hi:
I just acquired some wide Aero bars to replace the original non-aero on a mid 80's Lotus Classique. Now, of course, I need some replacement aero levers. I have been thumbing thru Ebay for used varieties (with hoods) and came across TEKRO brand. Anyone with experience with this brand and is this a good alternative.
They still seem to retain that vintage appearance. It would be nice to find some old but cherry Dia Compe or Shimano but you still have to consider the condition of the hoods!

Bill

Tektro is an excellent brand. They OEM manufacture for several big brands. Good stuff.

I don't think with aero levers it really makes a big difference. They haven't changed a lot. You can find new hoods for old brakes.

The Tektro R200/R200A levers have very comfortable hoods. They are a great improvement over the old Campy/Shimano/Dia Comp hoods. The design takes a lot of pressure off the hands. Also there doesn't seem to be a lot of rubbing on the side of the hands.

I notice the older pointy style hoods can bite into the hand if you have larger hands like I do. The Tektro comes in two sizes. Small and large. Get the large. If you have tiny hands the large will feel like a pillow.

They're good levers but I'd have to say the fit is a personal thing. I have relatively large hands, but the Tektro levers still feel too wide. (I've only tried the large ones.) I guess I'm just used to my old non-aero levers, but to me they feel a bit awkward; the sort of feeling I suppose I'd have if I used a 2" diameter handlebar. I notice it especially if I'm out of the saddle holding the hoods.

These are my favorite Tektros. I think they're from the late '90s. They don't have a quick release like the newer ones, but I don't miss that feature because I've never had a lever with a quick release. I like the way they feel and I like the way they look. The new stuff looks wrong on a vintage bike, IMHO.

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/41766/2168420150068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2168420150068014369gCrAWC)

Tektros are my non STI brake of choice.

Tektros are my non STI brake of choice.

Yup! I've used the new Dia Compe "Blaze" ones too, and there's no comparison.

The modern Tektro levers are more or less copies of the Campy Ergo lever. Well more actually. Which is a good thing. It's a nice combination of what was good about the old aero levers with a few modern tweaks like the lever shape and a longer body to fit the hand better.

If you want something perfectly period correct looking this isn't it, but only us bike dorks would recognize the difference anyway. They'll look fine on any bike that would've had aero levers in the first place.

Oh, they're inexpensive and work great. I've got them on two bikes right now.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I will try these Tektros. The Lotus will under-go some other upgrades including a triple crank and a Cyclone MKII RD. I will post picks.

Thanks, Bill

I've used the Tektro's on a number of bikes. Just FYI - a little aluminum polish and a buffing wheel on a dremel will take the "Tektro" word off the top of the lever off in about 10 seconds flat.