On my latest build , a Centurion Comp TA . I was not happy with the hoods that I bought (Cane Creek) they are brown . I found these Rustines but they were advertised for Campy I have Shimano EX I even had one Bay vendor tell me don't try it , I can't blame her I know those people get beat up over the smallest thing . The color was perfect for me so I decided to try them , they fit better then the Canes . Still not 100% perfect but really close .

IMG_0174 by mark westi, on Flickr

IMG_0179 by mark westi, on Flickr

markwesti-

Those Cane Creek hoods are for the older Weinmann/Dia Compe 144 levers and don't fit Campy style levers. The Dia Compe 204 hood is more suitable if the Rustines prove unsatisfactory.

Love Rustines myself. The Mafac half hoods are perfect, I have a set on my PX-10. The other models work well too, Yes, pricier than the Cane Creeks - but worth it IMO.

Thanks for the reply's guys , right [MENTION=297217]bertinjim[/MENTION] about the Canes . The Ebay add that I bought from said a close fit . I was OK with the fit but not the color . Well I'm not doin' so good no worry I'll recover . I got a roll of Newbaum's dark grey bar tape to replace the light grey , I have never used that stuff before . Must be careful with it , it likes to stick together . And haha one roll does one side , so I need one more roll and another set of Rustines . I ripped one .


IMG_0181 by mark westi, on Flickr

No plans to shellac [MENTION=470129]natterberry[/MENTION] , or at least right now . I like the feel of the fabric and the color . I'm afraid the shellac would turn it to dark . Mark .

Try isopropyl alcohol to ease the rubber hoods. I use it to remove and reinstall hoods, and grips. Makes it much easier and the alcohol evaporates, leaving no residue to mess up the tight fit. Probably best to use plain isopropyl alcohol, not the green rubbing alcohol that often contains a little oil and wintergreen.

Rustines are actual gum rubber just like vintage hoods, which is why they look and feel like vintage hoods. In fact, I suspect they manufactured many of the hoods of various name brands BITD. It's an old company. Pretty much everyone else these days uses synthetic rubber.

Sorry that you ripped one. Usually, if it seems any lube is needed, plain water works for me. Alcohol is fine, but not required IME, though it does have the advantage of not leaving water stains.

I think I've used the Cane Creeks on 2 bikes- Arabesque levers and slotted Z series levers- they fit and felt fine for me.

I do have some Gran Compe levers that need new hoods... I should try out the Rustines...

In addition to Rustines hoods, Velo Orange also sells Dia Compe replacement hoods for non-aero Gran Compe levers.

I've used the Rustines Campy hoods on two sets of Suntour Superbe levers with good results. They stick up a little at the bottom of the lever slot, but that hasn't caused any problems, so I've suppressed any thoughts of trimming them down a little . . . so far.

Clear shellac on the gray tape shouldn't alter the color much, if at all.

My Schwinn Volare (first gen D-A) came with Cane Creek hoods. Pretty awful fit. I tried a set of the SOMA hoods recently (made for Campy, but advertised to work with my levers). Better, but still not great. I eventually rescued a set of Shimano 600 hoods from some idle levers in the parts bin. Slightly better, but still not perfect. At least the brand is now correct.

Thanks again for all the reply's and tips . This was my first time with Rustines and Newbaum's tape , quite the learning experience . I really like the look and will use what you guys are telling me . Thanks all .

It made me sad to have to lose the "Gran Compe" branded hoods- but they were effectively gone.

Not mine- but like these: