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Question about brake levers

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Old 09-03-12, 04:28 PM
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Question about brake levers

Right now I'm using a Dia Compe Gran Compe Shot lever. While there's nothing wrong with the lever, I've decided I don't actually need the dual lever design. It also makes its harder to mount a light on the bars. I do like the length of the short lever, and am wondering what other traditional lever would be most comperable. The Dia Compe Goldfinger seems to be a tad shorter, and the Dirty Harry seems to have a much more extreme curve to it. Anyone have any suggestions?
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Old 09-03-12, 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by smurray
Right now I'm using a Dia Compe Gran Compe Shot lever. While there's nothing wrong with the lever, I've decided I don't actually need the dual lever design. It also makes its harder to mount a light on the bars. I do like the length of the short lever, and am wondering what other traditional lever would be most comperable. The Dia Compe Goldfinger seems to be a tad shorter, and the Dirty Harry seems to have a much more extreme curve to it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Dude. You start soooo many threads. In the last 2 months you've started over 50 threads (55 to be exact).

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...h=188_482_1208
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Old 09-03-12, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by carleton
Dude. You start soooo many threads. In the last 2 months you've started over 50 threads.

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...h=188_482_1208
I guess I'm confused as to why this is a problem. Would you prefer I ask a question about brake levers on my thread about centering my wheel? I thought this was a community where people could ask questions if they had them. Didn't realize I'd be criticized for being active on the forum. Guess I'll start going elsewhere for help.
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Old 09-03-12, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by carleton
Dude. You start soooo many threads. In the last 2 months you've started over 50 threads (55 to be exact).

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...h=188_482_1208
Is he 1st Place or what? Who's in 2nd?
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Old 09-03-12, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by smurray
I guess I'm confused as to why this is a problem. Would you prefer I ask a question about brake levers on my thread about centering my wheel? I thought this was a community where people could ask questions if they had them. Didn't realize I'd be criticized for being active on the forum. Guess I'll start going elsewhere for help.
I think the point is you can ask some of these questions in tandem, or in something like the "Ask Scrod" thread.

I'm sure Carleton can chime in with how many posts a typical user starts. I think in my time on BFSSFG, I've started maybe 5 tops?
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Old 09-03-12, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by smurray
I guess I'm confused as to why this is a problem. Would you prefer I ask a question about brake levers on my thread about centering my wheel? I thought this was a community where people could ask questions if they had them. Didn't realize I'd be criticized for being active on the forum. Guess I'll start going elsewhere for help.
It's not a problem. If it were, we mods would do something about it.

It's just an observation.
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Old 09-03-12, 05:44 PM
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What's wrong with using one of the many BMX levers out there? Also, what bars?
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Old 09-03-12, 05:47 PM
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The Goldfinger is a tiny, one finger-type lever and is cool for emergency situations but not for full on stopping all the time.

You could always just use a cross lever if you don't like the look of BMX levers.
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Old 09-03-12, 05:48 PM
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Waddya mean by traditional lever?
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Old 09-04-12, 08:12 AM
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What the difference between a cross lever and a bmx lever? I assume cross levers were made for cyclocross and obviously bmx levers for bmx/freestyle, but I'm wondering if there's an actual difference in how the levers work.
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Old 09-04-12, 08:14 AM
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In short, cross levers (when used on their own) push the housing while BMX levers pull the cable, which results in exactly six of one/half-dozen of the other.
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Old 09-04-12, 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Bat56
Waddya mean by traditional lever?
By traditional lever I mean a single lever design, not the dual lever design of the gran compe shot. I like that lever in theory, but in practice I don't like the hand position it forces me to use when braking. I don't like having my hands slammed that close to the stem. I'd rather place a lever a little closer to the bend of the bullhorns, so I can grip the bars right around where my fyxation pursuit bars start to drop and reach the brake.
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Old 09-04-12, 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
In short, cross levers (when used on their own) push the housing while BMX levers pull the cable, which results in exactly six of one/half-dozen of the other.
Gotcha, thanks!

I'm leaning towards the dirty harry lever right now. I think the extreme bend may let me place the lever a little further away from my stem without hitting where the bars curve forward. Kind of how it is in the following picture.

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Old 09-04-12, 02:10 PM
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If you're using bullhorns, have you thought of using a bar end brake lever? Just an idea, and you will have all kinds of bar hand space.
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Old 09-04-12, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by bfloyd6969
If you're using bullhorns, have you thought of using a bar end brake lever? Just an idea, and you will have all kinds of bar hand space.
I'm not a fan of TT levers. I don't like how they look when you only have one brake, and I prefer having my hands on the other part of the bars when braking.
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Old 09-04-12, 04:05 PM
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why in the world are you wanting to put your levers so far out on the tops & take away a place where people normally put their hands?

when you were asking about that gran compe shot lever everyone advised you against it

this time around...just get smart & get a cross top lever
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Old 09-04-12, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by markaitch
why in the world are you wanting to put your levers so far out on the tops & take away a place where people normally put their hands?

when you were asking about that gran compe shot lever everyone advised you against it

this time around...just get smart & get a cross top lever
"Everyone" advised me against it after I had already purchased it...
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Old 09-04-12, 04:38 PM
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Old 09-04-12, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by smurray
Gotcha, thanks!

I'm leaning towards the dirty harry lever right now. I think the extreme bend may let me place the lever a little further away from my stem without hitting where the bars curve forward. Kind of how it is in the following picture.

Those brakes are un-useable from any angle.
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Old 09-04-12, 05:57 PM
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Seriously!
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Old 09-04-12, 05:59 PM
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Ok, guess no on the Dirty Harry's. Gonna head to the LBS tomorrow and see what BMX levers they have. Thanks for the input guys.
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Old 09-04-12, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by markaitch
just get smart & get a cross top lever
This.
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Old 09-04-12, 06:08 PM
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Only reason I've been looking more at Dia Compe BMX levers is because they come in a 25.4mm clamp, which matches my bars. Most cross levers seem to be either smaller or larger, but never 25.4mm.
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Old 09-04-12, 07:05 PM
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Get a lever with a 26mm clamp and shim it like everyone else. Problem solved.
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Old 09-04-12, 08:50 PM
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I'd rather place a lever a little closer to the bend of the bullhorns, so I can grip the bars right around where my fyxation pursuit bars start to drop and reach the brake.
I think you're going to have trouble with this. Before the bend and your lever is going to stick out funny. After the bend and your hands will not be in a natural position. Are your wrists deformed?

You gotta post a pic when this is done!
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