Classic & Vintage - What's your favorite Aero levers from the 80's?

Mine were the Shimano 600 ax levers. They seem to fit my hands well. I still have them but hoods are non existent. Anybody else have a favorite that can look good on a vintage 80's bike? I would go with the new Sram S500 levers but kinda $$$$.

I think the only 80s aero levers I've used are Shimano 105 SLR. I like 'em.

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_6/web.jpg?ver=12904701330001

1-Shimano 600, the 6400 series ("tricolor).
2-DiaCompe Aero 400 or Aero 500. They just fit.
3-Suntour GPX.

I've spent most of my time on 105s also.

I like BL-1052 better than BL-1051

Thumbs up for the 105's.

The Shimano 7401 levers for me.

http://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=8BCBC0E1-511D-4235-9810-BAFFB04ECA49&Enum=118&AbsPos=0

I am now fearing the day when the hoods die as I have no replacements.

I'm a fan of the Sugino 75 carbon levers. I used to have 'em on an '85 Cannondale until I found the correct Gran Compes and sadly they (along with the matching brakes) are now waiting for an appropriate frame.

I like Shimano Dura Ace (BL-7402) and 105 (BL-1051).

I don't know what these are, but they're better than most aero levers I've tried.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Trek%20760/Levers.jpg

Those are Dia-Compe Aero Gran Compe, Auchen.

^^ Every once in a while I think about getting those in white to go with my white Royal Gran Compe calipers.

I don't know what these are, but they're better than most aero levers I've tried.

According to the '86 catalog they're the AGC251 model Aero Gran Compes. I have a set that I've never mounted - I should probably do that sometime.

Edit: Plus, I'm slow coming up with information, too.

The levers seem to serve such a simple function, it's hard to determine which one does it's job better. I think it is more about the fit in you hand and the look. Fit is purely subjective of course. The Suntour Superbes with the notches cut in them looked the coolest, the Dia Compe Royal S levers have a nice feel, but look a little top heavy IMO. I've never tried any Campy, but I think the look and feel of the Shimano line-up is my favorite. The 105's are the best value, but the DA 7401's just had a refined look and feel about them which makes them my favs. Although, I'm looking at some 600 6209's with white hoods that look damned similar.

I'm not sure the exact models but i really like the aero Suntour levers. They had a good amount of hood to them, similar to modern brake levers.

+1
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs071.snc3/13837_697334089938_20720392_41055214_1489196_n.jpg

My hands are larger (hold the comments) and I just haven't found levers that work. Too many of the vintage levers have the scoop to them and it cramps my hands. The current Cane Creek levers are perfect for my hands, retro looking and cheap.

-GG-

The current Cane Creek levers are perfect for my hands, retro looking and cheap.

-GG-

I agree that they're comfy on the right bars, but I don't consider them retro looking.

The general consensus is that they are garbage, but I have always liked Modolo Kronos/Orion levers. I have had bikes with them since they first came out in the 80's and perhaps it is simply a question of getting used to them.

I agree that they're comfy on the right bars, but I don't consider them retro looking.

I use the Cane Creeks but also like the Shimano 105 SLRs.
what bars would you consider "right" for the Cane Creek?

I use the Cane Creeks but also like the Shimano 105 SLRs.
what bars would you consider "right" for the Cane Creek?

I didn't like them on narrow bars (80s 38cm SR Champions) or really wide bars (46cm Nitto Noodles). I found them comfortable on randonneur bars with the bars tilted back quite a bit. I've found rando bars to be uncomfortable for me if the drops are anywhere near parallel to the ground. It's all subjective, though.

I see lots of votes for shimano and few for DiaCompe and Suntour, however my favorite lever from the '80s is the original Chorus/Athena lever. they are very simple no fancy return srpings, and simple QR built right into the lever. the size is a bit much for some but struggling uphill I find they are a nice solid grip. I also like that I can run them noaero ro traditional and still have a larger lever to hold, and I have the same feel on the hood on most of my bikes.

http://velobase.com/CompImages/BrakeLevers/FB0E5F70-0521-4057-8D1E-A7221CF9A78B.jpeg
Photo courtsey of VeloBase http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=202c644d-9335-4213-8816-bd2fb11d5697&Enum=118

SLR all the way...Aero or non-Aero, either is good.
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_6/web.jpg?ver=12904701330001

I love my Cane Creek Levers and I think the Tan hoods look acceptable on an updated vintage build.

1. Suntour Superbe Pro aero
2. Shimano SLX Sante
3. Dia-Compe Aero Gran Compe

runner up - I love the look of the Modolo Ergo Aero levers, but have never used them.

http://i.ebayimg.com/20/%21CDVO7egBGk%7E$%28KGrHqR,%21g4E0fNuEPHQBNOKztoqOQ%7E%7E_12.JPG

runner up - I love the look of the Modolo Ergo Aero levers, but have never used them.

http://i.ebayimg.com/20/%21CDVO7egBGk%7E$%28KGrHqR,%21g4E0fNuEPHQBNOKztoqOQ%7E%7E_12.JPG

Wow! I've never seen these before. Thanks for posting. I wonder if they work as good as they look? They are sharp!

Aero Gran Compe:

188345

...of which I think mine were the first pair in Seattle - bought 'em at the New York bike show the year they first came out. Still got 'em too.

SP
Bend, OR

I made a mistake, my favorite wasn't 600 ax aeros, they were called dura ace ax . Wow, pretty price on ebay. Those Modolos are bad ass but too flashy for me. I like low key...

Hate all of the ones I've tried. Especially the 600 tricolor ones. Painful. On the other hand I love the tektro r200.

Hate all of the ones I've tried. Especially the 600 tricolor ones. Painful. On the other hand I love the tektro r200.

I've got the Tektro's on three bikes (two for my kids and one of mine). They were less expensive and fit nicely even if they aren't very retro. After having Campy Ergo levers for a long time I found my hands like the wider lever bodies than narrower ones.

That said these are the three that I'm using now that I like the best - not sure of models though. The ones with white hoods are Campy, then Dia Compe and Shimano for the other two.

Campy:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5273.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5274.jpg

Dia Compe
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5275.jpg

Shimano
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5276.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5277.jpg

I have a set of the Aero Gran Comp with the black handle but haven't put them back on a bike because they were a little narrow to fit comfortably. I'll save them for a later project more than likely.

I'd love to see what the sram s500 looks like on a retro steel bike. I like the way brifters feel. I know they don't look retro but...I like to stop.

http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/SRAM_S500_BRL.jpg

I'd love to see what the sram s500 looks like on a retro steel bike. I like the way brifters feel. I know they don't look retro but...I like to stop.

http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/SRAM_S500_BRL.jpg

Hmm they look nice!

The levers (s500) are same as brifters. I like brifters cause they fit my hand just right. The angle of the lever is close to the bars. Kinda pricey for those s500 though. Maybe for the summer....

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/levers_125.jpg


My Mavic SSCs of course! However, they ain't cheap. I had to find a NOS set from the Netherlands to get 'em for less than $200 new.'

My Superbe Pro levers are my second faves, but not Aero.

Wow! I've never seen these before. Thanks for posting. I wonder if they work as good as they look? They are sharp!

I've only heard good things from the friends of mine who have these on their bikes.

I've got a pair of these vintage carbon Sugino 75s coming from Japan:

http://velobase.com/CompImages/BrakeLevers/891F02D3-0D5E-4830-B809-FA3B7934FB07.jpeg

SLR all the way...Aero or non-Aero, either is good.
http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100185/My%20Photo_6/web.jpg?ver=12904701330001

nonaero SLR levers??


After having Campy Ergo levers for a long time I found my hands like the wider lever bodies than narrower ones.

The ones with white hoods are Campy, then Dia Compe and Shimano for the other two.Campy:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/scozim/Bike%20stuff/IMGP5273.jpg

these appear to be the original Record levers from the Record Corsa (aka C-Record) group.

The levers (s500) are same as brifters. I like brifters cause they fit my hand just right. The angle of the lever is close to the bars. Kinda pricey for those s500 though. Maybe for the summer....

Try tektro r200's. They're very cheap and are designed similarly. They also have quick release pins on the levers, which makes them more versatile. They're all I use for DT shifter bikes :)

http://www.velobration.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/r200.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-cars-models/diecast-car-image-large/new-tektro-r200-r200a-road-bike-aero-brake-levers-black_200454318526.jpg

doule post

Got those and like them.

I'd love to see what the sram s500 looks like on a retro steel bike...
http://www.motoringalliance.com/gallery/data/638/medium/DSCN2138.JPG

http://www.motoringalliance.com/gallery/data/638/medium/DSCN2138.JPG

Sweeet!

Try tektro r200's. They're very cheap and are designed similarly. They also have quick release pins on the levers, which makes them more versatile. They're all I use for DT shifter bikes :)

http://www.velobration.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/r200.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-cars-models/diecast-car-image-large/new-tektro-r200-r200a-road-bike-aero-brake-levers-black_200454318526.jpg

I have the Cane Creek version of this. I put it on my friend's fixie. I have no cash so I told him I need it back :)

I really like the Sram S500's though. I think I'll eventually get those this summer.

actually, I have the cane creek SCR-5C on my bike and I don't really like them, neither with classic bars nor with a modern Modolo Gran Fondo, so I ordered the Shimano R400, which should be similar to the 105 SLR as far as I can tell (which I like a lot)