Old 03-23-15 | 06:58 PM
  #4  
eschlwc
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 29
From: on the beach

Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson

i can appreciate the op's "side-goal to improve the vintage aesthetic" with non-aero levers. here's the catalog page:



just know, by '85, makers were beginning to use aero levers on their high-end bikes. around '84, tdf riders were using aero levers. and by '85, most probably were using aero. so, with an '85 bike, aero levers certainly don't look out of place.

either way, just replace the cable and housing. shop on ebay for the least expensive prices on stainless cables and colored/lined housing.

the one thing i really don't like about his setup is the cable entry for the caliper is on the left side. so if you go with a replacement non-aero lever, you can't cross the stem with the cable. go ahead and take the cable over the bar, but stay on the left side of the stem.

non-aero levers can usually be had real cheap ($7) if you have a co-op nearby or lbs that specializes in vintage bikes. you might also think about buying some lever hoods when you replace the cables.

Last edited by eschlwc; 03-23-15 at 07:09 PM.
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