PedalingAlong

What is the difference between Aero and Non Aero brake levers. I've seen the pics but is it just cosmetic or what.

johnny99

I haven't heard those terms in a long time, but I seem to remember that aero brake levers have the cables coming out the side, under the handlebar tape. Non-aero levers have the cables coming out the top, above your thumb. Aero levers started becoming popular in the mid-1980s.

PedalingAlong

Thanks. You explained that perfectly and gave me the answer I was looking for. The cable part is what answered my question. Maybe this will help other newbs besides myself.

Retro Grouch 

Sheldon Brown says the aero version is superior because they have a return spring in them or something. That means that you get better functioning to go along with the visual bling factor. That's good enough for me.

PedalingAlong

Thanks RG. I am going to buy Aero levers with quick release so I can use my old calipers. Ive not did much research on the return spring but with your answer I don't have to... thanks for the help.

Sheldon Brown

Thanckx for the plug, but it's not the spring. All modern brake levers (1990 onward) have springs.

The thing with the "aero" is that the pivot is located differently, in a way that makes braking from on top of the hoods way better than the old style. There's also less cable friction in most cases.

See also the "aero" entry in my Bicycle Glossary.

Sheldon "Aero" Brown

PedalingAlong

Thanks for the info...also Holy Cowl its Sheldon Brown. Read a lot of your stuff. Just ordered the down tube clamp from Harris to convert to bar end shifting. Glad to read about braking from the hood being better cause I ride 75% of the time on the hoods or on the curve of the top bar.

Atomictom

R.I.P. Sheldon