Multi-purpose brake levers, as efficient?
06-08-08, 12:15 PM
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Multi-purpose brake levers, as efficient?
I'm looking into a pair of Tektro RT345AG/MT 2.1/MT 4.0 brake levers for my bike. My front brake requires a canti brake lever and my back brake requires a v-brake lever.
I am wondering, are these brake levers as efficient as single-purpose brake levers or are they a compromise?
I am wondering, are these brake levers as efficient as single-purpose brake levers or are they a compromise?
Last edited by pluc; 06-08-08 at 12:18 PM.
06-08-08, 12:19 PM
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06-08-08, 02:08 PM
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I Googled Tektro but I couldn't find that exact model.
Some brake levers have two different positions for the brake cable - one for cantys and one for linear pull brakes. If these brake levers have that design, I'd say you're golden.
I'm sure there are those who will argue with me. On a personal bike I wouldn't hesitate to use linear pull levers with canty or caliper brakes. They'll stop the bike just fine you'll just have to squeeze harder. I wouldn't use a canty lever with a linear pull brake because the lever will bottom out against the handlebar.
Lastly, Tektro makes some good products, but I don't trust their marketing people. They're the people who marketed the "Mini-V" as the answer to combining linear pull brakes with road brake levers. To me that's just an unacceptable combination.
Some brake levers have two different positions for the brake cable - one for cantys and one for linear pull brakes. If these brake levers have that design, I'd say you're golden.
I'm sure there are those who will argue with me. On a personal bike I wouldn't hesitate to use linear pull levers with canty or caliper brakes. They'll stop the bike just fine you'll just have to squeeze harder. I wouldn't use a canty lever with a linear pull brake because the lever will bottom out against the handlebar.
Lastly, Tektro makes some good products, but I don't trust their marketing people. They're the people who marketed the "Mini-V" as the answer to combining linear pull brakes with road brake levers. To me that's just an unacceptable combination.
06-08-08, 03:21 PM
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Yeah, that's what I figure too. I wouldn't typically mind v-brake lever + canti brake, but the combination I have right now is v-brake lever + drum brake in the front (which usually requires a canti lever), and there just ain't enough braking power to me. If I were only doing weekend trips, it would be okay, but it's not sufficient for city use. I almost crashed into a stopping car the other day so that made me start to look for new levers. 
My back wheel is still a v-brake, so that's why I'm looking at a set that can do both.
My back wheel is still a v-brake, so that's why I'm looking at a set that can do both.
