nemeseri

I'm new here and I'm about to upgrade a 2011 Bianchi Pista Steel single speed bike to make my commute a little bit more comfortable. Most important thing I want to upgrade are the brake levers because the stock ones are super uncomfortable.

I'm looking for a nice brake lever and I think I have Sram (900/500), Shimano (R600/R400), Cane Creek (Drop V, SCR-5) on the table.
So here is the problem: I also want to install my spare Ultegra BR-6500 brakeset along with the brake levers and I can't find any compatibility information. Can I use the Sram levers (I prefer the look and feel over the Shimano ones) with the older ultegra brakes?

I'd appreciate any information on this or any personal experience with brake / brake lever combination on a single speed bike. Thanks!

seau grateau

Should work fine.

Caliper

Most brake compatibility issues center around the V brakes on MTB's and on road vs mountain versions of cable discs. Sidepull and double pivot caliper brakes should all have about the same cable pull requirements and work with typical road brake levers.

nemeseri

Thank you guys!

veganbikes

Just as of note I do like my SRAM 500s as others have said they will work just fine with pretty much any road brake. I wouldn't go with the 900s because I think the carbon brake levers are overkill especially for a commuter bike and not as sturdy and durable as the 'luminum five hundys. If you want more lever in the hand l I would avoid the SRAMs because they are a thinner lever made for aerodynamics and such.

I am hoping to upgrade to ultegra brakes (because I found them cheap on my local craigslist and I needed new brake pads so for a little over retail price for new pads I can just get a newish and better brakeset) I am just waiting to hear back from the seller.

bowzette

I replaced the Tektro levers with SRAM 500 (900 is overkill IMO). They work great with the Tektro calipers which I think is a Shimano knockoff. The 500/900 levers are great if you have small hands or nubby fingers.