Bicycle Mechanics - Q: Installing Dia-Compe levers

Hey!

I bought a pair of Dia-Compe levers (http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/dia-compe-brown-hooded-drop-bar-brake-levers-1849-p.asp) but I have some problems installing them.

How do I keep the brake cable covers locked in position in levers as there is no adjusters(clamps?) in them? Do I need to buy pair these little parts seperately and why they weren't included in first place?

These pair of levers seems to have them:

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/gran-compe-brake-levers.html

Or am I missing something completely?

Best,
Sami

I think you need some of these: http://aebike.com/product/dia-compe-94-alloy-brake-lever-end-button-for-non-aero-levers-5.0mm-id-bag-of-10-sku-br1240-qc30.htm Bike shops should have plenty of them.

You shouldn't need anything to lock the cable covers in place. As the cable is under tension, the cover will just be squeezed between the slot in the brake lever and the cable stop at the frame/brake

Only time you should be needing to add a component is if the seat/hole where the cable cover needs to go is obviously too large, in which case you need a ferrule like the one mechBgon posted. If you buy replacement cables, it may well come with that set.

What you see protruding on your 2nd pic is a built-in barrel adjuster, not a cable cover retainer.
While it's neat to have one easily accessible like that, it's not actually required. Usually there's be another one "downstream" in the brake assembly. Either at the brake itself, or at a cable stop.

Thanks for replys guys. I think I need to buy pair if those ferrules mechBgon posted, as the hole is about 8 mm wide, therefore too large.

Back in the days, those ferrels used to come with the cables; the fact that the levers are being sold today without them seems a cheesy to me. http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIA-COMPE-BRAKES-CABLE-in-clear-Old-School-/370625874735?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564b060b2f.

ssalo, I'm surprised that they're not included in a new set.

Brad

Back in the days, those ferrels used to come with the cables; the fact that the levers are being sold today without them seems a cheesy to me. http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIA-COMPE-BRAKES-CABLE-in-clear-Old-School-/370625874735?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564b060b2f.
Most current "aero" and brifter lever sets don't require ferrules for the brake cable housing so it's not surprising the ferrules aren't included.

Most current "aero" and brifter lever sets don't require ferrules for the brake cable housing so it's not surprising the ferrules aren't included.I didn't mean supplied with the cables, I meant supplied with the levers; if one is going to sell vintage non-aero brake levers, you would think they would either a) include them or b) advise the buyer of the need for the end buttons.

Indeed I was a bit surprised they weren't included in the set, but I thought there could be some other clever way to install cables without them.

Anyway, I nicked them from some old levers and it's all good now. Thanks!