Originally Posted by Buglady
After riding this bike on my commute this morning, the Brooks saddle moved up the list a bit
I think I will also need to take another look at replacement brake levers - not so much for the reach, but I think I need some with a lighter touch. I've tightened the actual cables as much as I can, but the geometry of the existing levers has left my hands quite sore. I want to be able to feather the brakes from the hoods, rather than going into the drops every time I need to brake, and right now the angle just doesn't work! I'm not actually sure that moving them up on the handlebars (as planned) will be enough.
Or I may have to re-visit cyclocross levers in the middle of the bars - I had decided against them because they'd interfere with a handlebar bag, but I can probably figure something out.
So far I am looking at about $200 in parts and labour for this bike (not counting the saddle as it will move from bike to bike, I suspect). It's a good lugged steel frame that fits me (not an easy thing to find as I am long-limbed and short in the torso) so for me it makes sense to work with it for a few years.
Sounds like it's a great bike to work with. What kind of calipers/cantilevers does the bike have and what kind of brake levers? Perhaps some of us on the form can suggest combintation for lighter action. I find a more modern caliper (dual pivot aside) like shimano SLR (dura ace is best) or late model campagnolo (i.e. any post 1987 caliper (not delta). have stronger springs and if they are adjusted to have very little clearance between the pads and rim braking from the hood is more effective because the lever need not be depressed as much and modulation is improved.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear