Old bike new brake levers?
04-28-07, 06:13 AM
#1
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Old bike new brake levers?
I have a Bianchi Limited. Not sure what year it is as I bought it used.
I'm thinking about buying new brake levers for it. The ones I currently have aren't aero and don't have any hoods, so it is mildly uncomfortable to ride on the top of the brakes. Also it is my understanding that new brake levers have a much nicer mechanical advantage and pull smoother. Is this true?
Is this upgrade a good idea or a waste of money? Will there be any issue with putting new brake levers on an old bike? If I go through with this will I need to buy other parts to work with the levers or will just the levers be all I need.
I'm thinking about buying new brake levers for it. The ones I currently have aren't aero and don't have any hoods, so it is mildly uncomfortable to ride on the top of the brakes. Also it is my understanding that new brake levers have a much nicer mechanical advantage and pull smoother. Is this true?
Is this upgrade a good idea or a waste of money? Will there be any issue with putting new brake levers on an old bike? If I go through with this will I need to buy other parts to work with the levers or will just the levers be all I need.
04-28-07, 06:26 AM
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You will need the levers, and very likely new housing, cables and bar tape. Aero levers work fine with any road caliper or center pull brake. You should be able to find some good NOS levers at an LBS at low cost or, Shimano, Campy, Tektro and Dia Compe all make a current version. I believe Nashbar sells the Tektro levers under their house-brand name.
You should avoid the Dia Compe's model 287V levers as they are intended for disc brake use only.
You should avoid the Dia Compe's model 287V levers as they are intended for disc brake use only.
04-28-07, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
You should avoid the Dia Compe's model 287V levers as they are intended for disc brake use only.
They'll work with mechanical disc brakes that have the same cable pull as linear pull brakes, but the most common use for them (and the reason Dia-Compe originally offered them) is to use with linear pull brakes.
04-28-07, 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by bigdufstuff
Also it is my understanding that new brake levers have a much nicer mechanical advantage and pull smoother. Is this true?
04-28-07, 07:06 AM
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This is an excellent upgrade, go for it. The "bang-for-the-buck" factor here is way higher than your average road bike upgrade.
04-28-07, 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by well biked
They'll work with mechanical disc brakes that have the same cable pull as linear pull brakes, but the most common use for them (and the reason Dia-Compe originally offered them) is to use with linear pull brakes.
04-28-07, 09:18 AM
#7
You Know!? For Kids!
Tektro R200A is a nice choice. I bought mine at triathlete.com for under $20 before shipping.
https://www.triathlete.com/store/product.php?id=22336
https://www.triathlete.com/store/product.php?id=22336
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