Originally Posted by
Dirtdrop
Somebody posted here recently that aero levers give a 10% increase in braking power, so I decided to try a set on my PX-10. The Tekro and Cane Creek levers are are hard to resist, but I just can't see putting them on a vintage 1974 bike. I've been holding out for some Campagnolo levers, but not having much luck. The last pair I bid on went for $100.10 on eBay.
An aero handle provides about 4.5:1 leverage instead of traditional handle's 4:1. The calipers themselves are close to 1:1 (centerpulls are 2:1, but with two systems in parallel). There is no free lunch -- increased leverage requires increased cable travel, which in turn requires truer rims and closer spacing of the brake pads in the released position.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069