Bicycle Mechanics - What type of levers to use with old centerpull brakes?

I am converting an old '81 Takara 12 speed into a backup commuter bike. I plan on replacing the drop bars with a short riser I already have. I want to keep using the original Dia-Compe centerpull brakes (this conversion is being done on the cheap), but I need new levers to use on the riser bar. Would something like these Nashbar jail brake levers (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=69&subcategory=1013&brand=&sku=2442&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=) work? Any other suggestions on cheap, simple brake solutions on this bike? Also, can someone explain why certain levers work only with certain brakes (aside from lever/bar clearance)? Thanks!

PS Some might suggest to singlespeed or fixie this bike, but I know how much weight (stuff and me) I lug around and the hills here in Atlanta aren't going to let me do that right now.

Sure, those Nashbar levers would work fine. You may have to get new cables though; the fittings on the lever end of the cables is most likely different. The main difference between levers for drop bars and upright bars is the drop levers are curved to conform to the curl of the bar. On an upright bar, you couldn't pull them in far enough. I've seen folks bend those levers into a shape resembling upright levers, too. On the bikes I've switched from drops to uprights, I've bought the old Weinmann levers on eBay because I wanted them to match the age of the bike; they show up pretty frequently.

I am converting an old '81 Takara 12 speed into a backup commuter bike. I plan on replacing the drop bars with a short riser I already have. I want to keep using the original Dia-Compe centerpull brakes (this conversion is being done on the cheap), but I need new levers to use on the riser bar. Would something like these Nashbar jail brake levers (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=69&subcategory=1013&brand=&sku=2442&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=) work? Any other suggestions on cheap, simple brake solutions on this bike? Also, can someone explain why certain levers work only with certain brakes (aside from lever/bar clearance)? Thanks!

They work.Use the Canti mode.

I am converting an old '81 Takara 12 speed into a backup commuter bike. I plan on replacing the drop bars with a short riser I already have. I want to keep using the original Dia-Compe centerpull brakes (this conversion is being done on the cheap), but I need new levers to use on the riser bar. Would something like these Nashbar jail brake levers (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=69&subcategory=1013&brand=&sku=2442&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=) work? Any other suggestions on cheap, simple brake solutions on this bike? Also, can someone explain why certain levers work only with certain brakes (aside from lever/bar clearance)? Thanks!

PS Some might suggest to singlespeed or fixie this bike, but I know how much weight (stuff and me) I lug around and the hills here in Atlanta aren't going to let me do that right now.


I'm trying to think why you couldn't just use the original levers (Dia Compe?) on the riser bar. I have an old-style non-aero Weinmann brake lever mounted on my fixed gear with a MTB bar, works fine.

Oh, and I'll put a plug in for fixing that thing even though you said no. Are you talking about commuting with a heavy bag, or hauling bricks? I frequently commute with about 30+ pounds of cr*p (clothes, shoes, lunch, books, files...) on a fixie on moderate hills, 69 (42x16) in. gear. I love it, I'll never go back to gears for commuting. Try one before you rule it out, because it's a helluva lotta fun, much easier to maintain an abused fixed beater, and climbing with the same gear on a fixed is easier than the same gear on a derailleur bike. I've had the same argument with a couple riding buddies. I lent them one of my fixies, and the argument stopped. Fix it!!!

ZenNMotion, I think I will at least try the original Dia-Compe levers--can't hurt. I haven't ruled fixed, maybe just taking the long way there. ;)

mswantak and sydney, thanks for the advice.

I have made the same conversion on a couple of bikes with excellent results. I converted a road bike with Dia-Compe centerpulls to use upright bars and Acera rapidfire 7 sp. shifters and levers. My wives bike has side pull calipers and I put some Tektro canti levers on and they work great also. If I was going to install moustache style bars then I'd use the original curved road levers, but with a flat bar, like mswantak said,
a set of old Weinmanns are best.
Also check out what Sheldon Brown has to say about lever/brake compatibility and his explanation of mechanical advantage.