I would like to get a set of these , because I need the longer reach . But because they would be going on my vintage Centurion Ironman I want to stay with the Shimano 600 levers . It says basically don't do it , but how bad could it be ?
Shimano Tiagra BR R451 CS57 Caliper Rim Brake Super SLR Dual Pivot Silver Rear | eBay

Try it.

From what I know (haven't tried the combination), old levers will pull less cable than SLR levers. That means you'll need to put brakes really close to the rims, so that when you pull levers all the way, brake pads reach the rim.

The opposite combination is worse - old brakes with SLR levers - you feel the brakes firmly touch the rims, but you need very strong pull on the levers to make brakes brake hard.


If I got this wrong, please correct me.

Cable out the top road levers , Generally, Pulled a bit More cable than Under the tape Aero brake levers do.

But Less than the current V brake compatible Levers. so some where between the 2..

The long reach will also reduce the mechanical advantage of the caliper; you will get more movement of the pads but will need to squeeze harder.

All great answers guys thanks . I should have said Aero levers . Here is the reason I ask , I bought a new set of forks for my bike the old ones were 360mm from axle center to brake bolt center . New forks are 370mm , bummer . But they are really cool chrome (RT). Anyhow I was thinking of a drop bolt , do they make drop pads ? I'm also looking at Tektro and others , any ideas ? I would like to stay with Shimano . Or I might just store them with the pile of other parts that don't fit . Thanks for looking .

For non SLR levers, I'd go with Tektro, if they have a non-SLR model.

Thanks for that Slaninar , I had to look up SLR . A quick Sheldon search was interesting .

You may have to hire the drop bolt made... in a Machine shop . LA has Many..

" they" stopped making them a long time ago for single pivot brakes..

You also raised the frame head by 10mm altering the steering trail.

I am a fan of Tektro R559 brakes. If you need more power, go with Koolstop Salmon pads.

Always the best answer...

fietsbob , good call on raising the frame head 10 mm . , now I got's ah choppah ! Ha ha . Ms westi is so proud of my pile of parts that don't fit , so proud that she told me I could go sleep on the boat and make my own dinner .