maartendc

Hello everyone,

I have a 1989 Cannondale R400 road bike, and the rubber hoods are very grimy and dirty, I would like to replace them.

The brake levers are Shimano 105, they also state SLR on them. (see attached photos)



Does anyone know where I would find the correct replacement part for these?

I am assuming the newer ones wont fit, such as these?
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-ST-570...mano+105+hoods

Do I need to buy vintage ones on Ebay? They seem to be very expensive, such as these:
Shimano Brake Lever Hoods 105 Aero White BL 1055 RX 100 Vintage Bike 2 Sets | eBay


Would these fit me? They seem to be the right ones, but I would prefer white.. Do these exist in white?
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-BL-105...ct_top?ie=UTF8


Any help in finding the right ones would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Maarten

rms13

This is what I used for my 1989 era Shimano 600 levers (should be the same as 105)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-R600...item51cf29ac0a

Ex Pres 

You need to verify your model number, because the hoods are specific, eg. 1055 hoods don't fit the 1051 series, etc. IIRC the model number is listed on the blade and can be seen when you pull them.

due ruote 

Your last link looks right to me but check the model no. as mentioned. Black will hold up better and won't look terrible as it ages, and would look good with your black bar tape imho. If you insist on white and can find them, I would buy a couple pairs.

maartendc

The model number of the levers is BL-1051.

Would the hoods for the 1055 not fit on the 1051 at all? They seem to me about the same shape. It's hard to imagine the difference would be very big?

EDIT: I just read one of the Amazon reviews for the 1055 hoods that they work pretty well with 1051 levers. It is not a perfect fit aparently, but close enough. They are functional. So I am going to go with those, instead of paying an insane amount on Ebay for 'vintage' ones.

You are right Due ruote, black would probably work well too.

Thanks a lot for the replies!

b dub 

If they don't fit exactly I wouldn't get them. I would either look at the Shimano r400 or Tektro levers.

rccardr 

They won't fit properly. Your best bet is to buy a nice set of complete new levers with good hoods on eBay, expect to pay $30-35, less if you're lucky. R400's, RSX, RX100, etc. are all good choices.

Unfortunately, during the late 80's and early 90's, Shimano seemed to design a just-slightly-unique set of hoods for every different model of brake lever, and the brake levers evolved every year or two. So most of them arnot interchangeable.

old's'cool

If they're only grimy & dirty but otherwise in good shape, you can get them sqeaky clean with hand cleaner or Goo Gone, for instance. I suspect turpentine or kerosene would do a good job also.

maartendc

Hello everyone,

Thanks a lot for your replies and suggestions.

Since cleaning the original hoods did not work out, I went ahead and got the BL-1055 off Amazon here: Shimano BL-1055 Aero Hood Covers (Road) | Amazon.com: Outdoor Recreation

As you can see below, they fit quite well. They only slightly deviate from the originals at the top of the lever, where they sit a little bit too 'high'. But this is barely noticeable at all, and they look and feel great on the bike. It was quite easy to get the old hoods off and put the new ones on. It took a little bit of force, but it was done in 5 minutes.

I also went ahead and replaced the black bar tape (which was sticky and unraveling) with new SRAM white cork tape. Much more comfortable, and it looks pretty cool I think. The original color of the 1989 Cannondale SR2000 was white bar tap and white seat, so I went ahead and made mine match that color scheme. Although I think mine is a SR400 with the Shimano 105 groupset.



So all in all, I can recommend these hoods for anyone looking to replace BL-1051 Shimano 105 SLR brake lever hoods! Much cheaper than going on Ebay and getting vintage hoods or replacing the entire brake levers.

Cheers!
Maarten

Ex Pres 

Thanks Maarten, I may have to buy a set to replace my "melting" hoods. Definitely better than what I'm dealing with now.
EDIT: done

NDL

awesome, mine is melting away as well, couldn't find any replacement online.

jdawginsc 

Now if they could start doing replacement hoods for older 600/DA levers that would be nice...