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Old 06-26-21 | 06:28 AM
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BikingViking793
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 574
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From: Wisconsin

Bikes: 1973 Schwinn Paramount, 2017 Raleigh Clubman Carbon, 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 2017 Giant Anyroad 2, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2

Explain Old Drop Bar Brake Levers

So I recently bought what I believe is a 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour. Really nice riding bike, but it is making me wonder about the old brake levers. I have a 1974 Le Tour and it has the levers I'm familiar with where it has the brakes for in the drops and the safety lever for on the straight bar. Now I think the Super has the original brakes, but these have no safety bar.

In the catalog they are described as having lever hoods. The ones I have look like the right age, but not sure they look like the same brakes pictured in the catalog. Did these originally have rubber hoods? Pretty sure I've seen other supers for sale with these same brakes. As best as I can tell, even with rubber hoods you couldn't ride on them and still brake. Later there are brakes that you ride on the hood and can still brake like modern brifters I believe? So I guess I'm just hoping for a rundown on how the brake evolved and insight into what ones I have on this super. I think I'm going to replace them with some Tektro ones you can ride on.
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