AgMotobecane

I've been riding on Weinmann center pull calipers for years (Mathauser pads) and I have always been at ease with their stopping power. But lately I've been noticing how comfortable the Nitto Noodle bar with Shimano Aero levers looks. Lots of room, and a more relaxed wrist position. The question is, are the Shimano Tiagra Aero levers compatible with Weinmann Vainqueur 999s? One mechanic says that the Shimano will not provide enough pull, another seller says they'll work fine. I'd really like to make this change, but not if it means sacrificing reliable stopping power. If the Tiagra lever is not compatible, do I have any other options without changing the brakes? Thank you.

jacksbike

I do not believe that the Aero levers will work with Weinmann center-pull brakes. These brakes require a lot of pull from the brake levers in order to stop. If you ever look at a 70's era road bike with drop bars, the brake levers had a very large distance from the tip to the bars. They took a tremendous amount of pulling power, compared to today's bikes with short-reach side-pull brakes. You could also see the brake hangers, mounted at the headset and seatpost, flex when the levers were pulled. I just don't see how ,with a noodle bar and aero levers that you are going to get any pulling power in order have the brake calipers close against the rims properly. You could probably utilize some kind of tourist or mountain lever with these center-pulls. Or you may have to change the brakes to a long reach side - pull if you want to use the aero levers. Good luck, either way.

well biked

No, they'll work fine. In fact, the advantages of aero levers will likely improve the braking performance.

nlerner

I use Tektro aero levers w/ centerpull brakes (and with cantilevers), and they work fine. Plenty of pull there. In fact, I have several bikes with upright bars and levers, which have far less travel than aero drop-bar brake levers, and they also work fine with Weinmann centerpull brakes. Just make sure you have the brake calipers set up properly or relatively close to the rim braking surfaces.

Neal

jacksbike

Thanks everyone, I stand very corrected in my thoughts.