FuzzBox44

Hi

Will you please help me find brake levers that will fit my handlebar?

I recently changed my handlebar because my old one broke off.
This means that the diameter of my handlebar has changed so my brake levers won't fit where i want them - as close to the stem as possible. From what I could measure my handlebar is 24,6mm in diameter closest to the stem.
The clamp on my brakes are 22,2mm so that won't work.

I've been trying hard to find levers that will fit, but I haven't suceeded. It seems hard to find description of clamp diameter on levers online.
Does anyone know of any levers that will fit?
They need to fit a pivot side-pull caliper brake.

To begin with I really wanted them in blue.
Since that was impossible I decided on silver.
Now I really don't care about the color I just want ones that fit!

I will appreciate any help.

cleanupinaisle3

Well, if your handlebar clamp diameter has changed then presumably you've changed your stem as well? 24.6 is not a standard diameter. I'm guessing you measured it wrong. What type of bars are they? "Standard" bars will have a clamp diameter of 26 mm, while riser and BMX bars may have a clamp diameter of 25.4, which is slightly less.

Brake lever clamp diameters, however, are not the same. They are usually smaller, and are NOT meant to fit right next to the stem on the clamp area, but at least an inch or two area on a thinner area of the bar. Generally oversize cross levers can still be mounted sturdily on 31.8 clamp areas, but levers meant for 26 mm bars will not generally fit reliably next to the stem. That's just the reality of it. If you really want to use your old levers, just get new bars that were the same diameter as your old ones.

Squirrelli

BMX bars' clamp size and grip size are 22.2mm all around. I've owned a set of old steel road drops that has 22.2mm clamp size though. I've never seen a bar with 24.6 clamp size; however, Cinelli did use 26.4 clamp size. You should measure your bar with a digital caliper again.

cleanupinaisle3

Sorry, I meant mountain bike bars I think. Those are 25.4, no? And some road bars, but few.

FuzzBox44

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm sure I have measured it right, but I guess the problem is, that I want to fit my brakes on a part of the handle bar that wasn't meant for brakes. The handlebar is actually 22,2 mm in diameter, but it gradually gets a little bigger 24,6 mm at the stem where it is mounted. And that is where I want to fit the breaks. I've cut off a lot of the handlebar to make it short and maneuverable, which is why I want the brakes as close to the stem as possible to make room for my hands.

But I guess what you're telling me is that it can't be done, and that I have to buy a new handlebar?

cleanupinaisle3

It sounds like you've purchased the correct brake lever for the correct bar, but you're just trying to use them in a way they weren't designed to be used.

So yeah, you need to rethink it. Cutting down your bars excessively (so much that you wouldn't even have room for a brake lever) isn't usually a good idea. "Short" and "maneuverable" are NOT synonymous. You've got it backwards... narrow handlebars are even less maneuverable than wide ones (which give you a wider hand position and thus llots of leverage on the bars for easy steering).

Squirrelli

That is a weird dimension, I've never heard of a 24.6mm clamp size.
Can you post a picture of your bar, because this is interesting.

Try to get your brake clamp as close as to the stem as possible without touching the stem clamp area.

FuzzBox44

There is room enough for my hands as it is right now with the brake levers, I just wish I could move them even more. I think by maneuverable I meant that they don't get caught up or stuck in everything when riding in tight traffic and trying to glide through the narrow passages.

I was planning to buy new bike levers that could fit and use my old ones on another bike. But I quess it won't be possible to find any brakes that can be fitted?

I'm sorry I don't have picture of the bar right now. It's just a regular straight bar that I've cut down.

Squirrelli

The closest you could get is either 26mm or 24mm, 24mm won't work because it will break. The only opinion is to shim a 26mm with something.
https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1067

FuzzBox44

Thanks Vixtor. I guess I'll have to go for a 26mm and find some material to shim it with.

FuzzBox44

Those you've referenced to are cyclocross levers, and I don't suppose they can be used solo? Can a cable be attatched to them as the only break?

Squirrelli

Of course, a lot of us use cross brakes. Just make sure you use the right cable. Most brake cables come with two ends, a circular column end and the more spherical end, use the latter one.

FuzzBox44

Perfect. Thanks a lot for all your help