Bicycle Mechanics - Looking for brake levers that go around bar tape

I'm currently interested in this track handlebar/stem, but there is already bar tape on it that I don't want to take off. Is there any brake lever that has a clamp wide enough to bypass the tape when mounting it?

Depending on bar diameter, a lever like this may work: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BL307E04-Odyssey+Monolever+Trigger+Brake+Lever.aspx

If I may suggest, don't be lazy. Get the right levers and rewrap the bars.

To my knowledge, the answer is NO, but you may be able to use a lever made for alloy bars if you have a steel 7/8" bar. The difference in diameter might be close enough to the thickness of the tape.

Levers always clamp to bare metal to ensure a secure fit and because that's the only reliable diameter. Imagine trying to design clamps for over tape and having to allow for the variation in tape thickness, and amount of overlap - especially at the curves.

If nothing else, clamping the levers around the tape will provide an insecure and sloppy fit and the levers may rotate when you don't want them to. Do it properly for safety.

If the bars were wrapped from the top and you heat up the tape with a blowdryer you might be able to unwrap the bottom half, install levers and rewrap bottom half.

I'd go for fresh tape after new levers personally, though.

Thanks for the reply everyone. The reason I don't want to unwrap is because the tape is Brooks leather tape (i.e. expensive) and in really good condition from what I can tell. I might try something like a cross brake or BMX brake lever but would need a clamp that goes around the tape.

Dude, you really don't wanna put it over the tape. Surely there must be some bare bar near your stem, right? Check out your bar diameter and if it's right, get that Odyssey lever that jsharr recommended. Its clamp is hinged so you don't have to slide it onto your bar.

Do you know the make/model of the bar?

As others noted, clamping around the tape is not a good idea. Aside from ruining the tape you are trying to save (once you clamp on it, that section will be toast), you will not have a firm foundation to pull against when you brake. Just carefully unwrap the tape, install the levers and rewrap the tape. I've done this with cheap cork tape that had been in place a while so would think it would be possible with the leather.

There are cross levers for oversize and 26mm center sleeves, they mount on the center..
BUT
they are not made to be the sole brake lever, but only in the middle of a cable .

Track Bars and you want to put a brake on .
say mis application of a fixed gear bike on the street, but it's your neck son.

It's a thoroughly mongered trend I know ..

Have a classic Cinelli Steel track Bar not being used .. I had road brake levers on it.

I realize now I'm unclear. I want the clamp to be wide enough to clear the tape when I put it on so that I don't interfere with the tape. I will clamp it to the actual handlebar though, NOT on the tape. Bar is Ntto, but don't know model. The bar is attached to a Nitto Jaguar stem, so 25.4 size?

Track Bars and you want to put a brake on .
say mis application of a fixed gear bike on the street, but it's your neck son.

It's a thoroughly mongered trend I know ..


How do I respond? Safety first? This is a hot topic debate and I'd rather not get into it, but I'm putting on $10 brakes to avoid landing on asphalt. Yes, I know it's a track bar and brakes take away street cred (I don't care), but it's not as if you have to be playing basketball every time you're wearing basketball shoes.

Just thought of this. Diacompe Gran Shot. Designed for track bars, so 25.4. Pulls from either side. Mounts on bar next to stem. Hinged clamp. Bit spendy to pull a $10 brake, but still fits your bill and can be had in a variety of colors it appears.

http://www.amazon.com/BRAKE-LEVER-ROAD-DIA-COMPE-22-2MM/dp/B0045WEONS

I realize now I'm unclear. I want the clamp to be wide enough to clear the tape when I put it on so that I don't interfere with the tape. I will clamp it to the actual handlebar though, NOT on the tape.

Ahh, now it makes sense. I'd also suggest a hinged brake lever like the one posted above, so you can install/remove it whenever you want without having to mess up the tape. In fact, if you got a lever like that you could easily swap out handlebars/stems too.

I might have to look into those levers... (for a bike to go between drop bars and flat bars.)

^The Diacompe looks perfect, but is a little pricey for me. That's as much as a wheelset I just bought. I might just skip the potential buy altogether. $120 for Nitto Jaguar, Nitto drop, and Brooks honey tape? Seems a bit high to me. And add $20 minimum for brakes. Bleh.

Here is one, the FX2 that will fit your bars and is $10

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?id=BPC318040

My wife has these on her cross bike. they are hinged

http://www.canecreek.com/component-other?product=road-crosstop

yeah, but the cross levers need something else to anchor them, no? Or is there a way to use them as the only lever (at least that's what the OP appears to want).

Here is one, the FX2 that will fit your bars and is $10

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?id=BPC318040

You've been really helpful jsharr. I really appreciate it, and appreciate everyone's comments and advice overall.

Question: The Tektro says that it fits 25.4mm bars but is listed at 22.2mm???

There's also this one: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=22804&category=669
-it's listed at 24.0mm but also fits 25.4mm???

I give up. What "size" should I be looking for? I'm building a fixed speed with this and looks are about 90% of the bike's value, so I'm real particular with colors. That means I'd likely have to search ebay for the perfect brake. Sellers usually just put stuff on there, so what "size" should I go for?

A 1"/25.4 center is usually associated with a 7/8" 22.2 for the rest of the bar. AKA mountain.
road sizes are 26mm, 23.8 for the rest of the bar, 15/16".

There is counseling for OCD .. :innocent:

(obsessive compulsive disorder)

A 1"/25.4 center is usually associated with a 7/8" 22.2 for the rest of the bar. AKA mountain.
road sizes are 26mm, 23.8 for the rest of the bar, 15/16".

There is counseling for OCD .. :innocent:

Thumbs up for free schooling! Now I know what to look for.

And what's OCD? ;) Off-center dishing? (I make that reference because I asked in another post what OCR was)