dell500

I'm making the switch to Avid Single Digit 7's on my 54cm LHT.

I'm having a big problem finding levers that might fit me. I've heard that the Tektro RL520's are a bit big for smaller hands and the Cane Creek Drop V's are the same as the Tektro's. Just rebadged. I'm planning on swamping out my stock handlebars with Salsa Moto Ace Bell Lap anatomic bars because they feel amazing to me. I love the flair and anatomical feature. I'm just wondering if the levers will work or not with the bars.

Anyone got any suggestions on what I should do? Any and all comments welcomed!

RT

I use the RL520's and they work perfectly with V-brakes. I am not aware of another long pull aero brake lever.

FunkyStickman

I just built a 54cm LHT with linear brakes, also using the Tektro RL520's, they have a little button you can pop out which increases/decreases reach a little. The bottom part of the lever is pretty wide, they're very comfortable, I've got no issues with them.

igknighted

I might grab a set of the SRAM levers (essentially a copy of their road hoods w/out the shift mechanism), they are so comfortable to ride on (especially for those with smaller hands). You could then get a different V brake designed for shorter pull levers or use a travel agent with the SD7's.

HardyWeinberg

I have those tektros on my 54cm LHT. I don't know if my hands are otherwise larger/smaller than yours but they work great for me. I have them on my other dropbar bike too.

dell500

I'm having the same issue. The reach on the stock levers+drops were quite uncomfortable. It was a task trying to reach the levers while in the drops. Not only that, I took a spill on the way home one night and it bent the bars. That's why I'm getting new ones. I also decided to switch the stock brakes out due to stopping power.

Anyway, not being able to reach the levers in the drops made me conclude that my hands were small. I'm gonna go see if the LBS has some rl520's on some bikes so I can test them. But what's the comparison with the stock levers ( R200's) vs the RL520s?

Also, what can you suggest for shorter pull linear pulls?

HardyWeinberg

Mini-Vs work w/ 'regular' levers: https://www.amazon.com/Tektro-V-Type-.../dp/B000C17NPC

dell500

Thanks for the suggestion. If the levers don't feel comfortable, then I'll plan on trying those.

hopperja

I used a travel agent on my Surly Crosscheck (with an Avid Single Digit 7) on the front. This allowed me to use my stock front lever. It took a while for the cable to mesh perfectly with it, now I don't even notice it.

CliftonGK1

That button isn't for increasing/decreasing reach. It's the QR bail for single/dual pull calipers with wide tires, so the brake pads will clear an inflated tire after fixing a flat. You're changing the overall pull of the lever when the bail is open; don't use them like that.
The brake's cable bail alone often isn't enough to clear tires wider than 25mm. On my 105 calipers I have to wedge my 28mm tires through them even when the bail is open.

dell500

So I felt the Tektro RL520's and they feel the same as my Tektro R200A's that I have that came stock. I've been looking around for information on calibrating canti's and I'd much rather have an easier system and better MA (mechanical advantage) when stopping. I know it's not always best to have the most MA, but I like the aesthetic feel and the functionality along with ease of installing/cleaning. I'm gonna order all the parts and hopefully I get some pics on my blog (https://pyshcedelicbikecommute.blogspot.com). Thanks everyone!

dell

RT

Please pardon the tape job. I was in a hurry to finish last night so I could ride this morning. The Tektro RL520 is a great lever for those of us who like concealed cabling. The cables look funny from the front because the cable routing on this frame is a bit different. Great ride this morning.

HardyWeinberg

dell500

So I got the RL520's. Along with the anatomic Moto Ace Bell Lap handlebars is like complete bliss for my small hands. It feels so good and I bet it'll feel even better once I add the brook's leather tape. I hope to get some pics up soon.

But ya, I got the wrong cable set. I got the MTB cables/housing that go with brake levers for a MTB. What do you suggest I do for cables?

warnette

Any regular no name road cable works just fine. Also you are correct most of the tektro levers are rebadge cane creek at a fraction of the cost.

531phile 

I am surprised no one has mentioned this already, but there are more options for smaller hands with Cantilever/road specific (short pull) levers like the Tektro R341 https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=38214 than V-brake specific levers. Actually there are no (zero) road bike levers for small hands that is V-brake specific. You can use the Tektro R341 with Problem Solvers' converters that allows you to pull more cable.