Thanks T-Mar - more good information. That is the thing that is a pain with shifters on the frame - trying to change gears smoothly uphill under pressure. I dont fancy my chances finding blue rubber hoods to replace on my brakes.

These are what I have - but I am not paying all that just to get the hoods!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SHIMANO-Dura-A...QQcmdZViewItem

Rob