Looking for advice on using a Travel Agent, on my brakes
 

Because I never could do things the easy way, and just get a new brake lever, I've decided to use a Travel Agent on my brakes. What I'm worried about is the amount of dust and dirt the back of the bike sees, when the trails start getting dusty. I'm wondering if I shouldn't spend the extra, and get the inline version of the Travel Agent, so that it can be positioned to not be constantly taking a dirt bath.

I did a couple of searches, but couldn't find anything about how well they hold up to excessive amounts of dirt. But, my search-fu has always been weak. :o

I prefer the angled version, as it allows you to get rid of the noodle too. Sure, it will collect some dirt, but cleaning it out isn't much of a chore. If the whim takes you I'm certain that some creativity and a piece of duct tape could be used to form a shield to hold the most of the muck off.

I might be wrong but I don't think there's a choice. I think the inline version requires a mounting point on the bike frame. At any rate, I do quite a bit of tandem stuff so I've been working with Travel Agents for over a decade. Setting one up the very first time can be a trip but, after that, I've found them to be a very reliable piece of hardware.

Keep in mind that the amount of rotation the Travel Agent's double pulley actually experiences is very small so jamming it or wearing out the axle is highly unlikely.

I've been using a Jtek Shiftmate to convert 10-speed Campy brifters to shift a 9-speed Shimano cassette and rear derailleur for three years and 13,000 miles with absolutely no problems. The Shiftmate works on the same double pulley principle as a Travel Agent and is located right at the rear derailleur so it's exposed to as much dirt, water, etc. as any Travel Agent.

I was thinking clear plastic bent over the flame from a Zippo, and Shoe Gooed in place. I do ghetto on an entirely different level. :)

It can always be zip tied to the frame. Though, I'd want to put a frame saver under it. I'm glad to hear that they're that reliable, over the long term.

I hadn't thought about how little movement, it actually goes through. It's good to know that that kind of mechanism holds up well to that kind of abuse.

Thanks everyone, for the replies. I hate the cold, so I'll probably be thinking on this, until spring. Hearing your opinions and experiences definitely lets me make a better informed decision.

I've got the regular noodle-replacing travel agent, running SRAM Rival levers with mini-V brakes. They work great, and in black with black brakes they're much less of an eyesore than the inline version.

They got all gunked up since I don't take good care of my commuter and worked just fine. They cleaned up real easy when I finally got around to wiping them down.