bikeman9000

My old cables are frayed in places and I'd rather do everything new if I'm going that route. If I order 6 feet of cables + housing I'll have enough for the job?

SurferRosa

With brake housing, I would go 7' or get a kit like the one Jagwire sells:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275709943644

SurferRosa

"Should be replaced"?

Opinions are like ********.

icemilkcoffee 

The BR620* brakes are pre- SLR though. The correct aero levers would be the BL6209

rccardr 

Well, true, but in this case based on actual experience with these exact bits.
Couple years back had a Schwinn Tempo (yeah, one of many) set up with the longer 620X calipers. Braking not so good, so replaced the pads with modern Shimano holders and Kool Stop pads. Braking slightly better but still not so good. Replaced the calipers with modern Shimano units using the Kool Stop pads. Braking better still but not…good, especially with regard to modulation. Replaced non-aero 6207 levers (they were new, too, hated to see them go) with later SLR levers. Braking now superior. End of story, lesson learned.

rccardr 

If they can be found. 400’s are cheap and all over the place. Hoods,too.

bikeman9000

I'm reading that the older brakes had very strong springs because there was none in the levers. Now the aero levers have springs and the modern brakes have weaker springs. Maybe that is why the levers made such a big difference?

One thing for sure is that the 600 levers look way better, but oh well.

bikeman9000

Thanks for this. I emailed the shop to see if they can do 7 feet, and if I can buy everything in that kit separately from them.

3alarmer

...the aero levers were a redesign. I forget what they did in the redesign, but IIRC it had something to do with the fulcrum, so they modulate better in response to hand pressure. You can probably find it with a Google search. Most of my knowledge about the topic comes from experience in use.

It's not a big deal, and it's your bicycle. Buy what you want to use. It will still be better than what you have now.

icemilkcoffee 

In general aero brake levers work better because of better leverage. This is especially true when braking from the hoods.

But to dispel some confusion: The Shimano 'SLR' series of brake levers have springs in the levers. These are meant to go with SLR type brakes. They are also compatible with dual pivot brakes. Not all Shimano aero levers are SLR. Shimano made aero levers before SLR came along: BL7401 and BL6209 for example. Shimano also made NON-aero SLR levers, like the BL1050 and the very rare BL6400.

bikeman9000

I see, so the spring issue really is irrelevant when using dual-pivot brakes then.

The decision is too tough since I like each option for entirely different reasons. I'll have to flip a coin eventually, or maybe just go with what my girlfriend suggests (which, unsurprisingly, is the "safer" option). rccardr saved the day a few weeks ago when it came to fixing my freehub issue, so I am also liable to take his suggestion.

bikeman9000

Sorry for the delay, but here are a few more pics I promised SurferRosa. Too bad about how dirty the gumwalls are :/






I also decided to go with the Tektro brakes and the new levers as well. Thanks yet again to everyone for your input. I learned quite a bit.

bikeman9000

Finally finished sprucing the old bike up (just in time for winter!) and thought I would share in case anyone is interested.

Side note that I ended up taking the bottom bracket apart after a mechanic at my co-op noticed some play in the cranks, and what a disgusting rusty mess it was. I'm amazed the cranks turned even remotely smoothly.

Anyway thanks very much again to everyone for the advice/feedback/etc.