Which brake lever?
07-03-22 | 10:10 AM
#1
Thread Starter
^that guy^
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 577
Likes: 156
From: Bakersfield, CA
Bikes: '17 Wabi Classic, '17 Trek DS3, '12 S-Works Tarmac SL
Which brake lever?
Decided I'm too old to run brakeless.. just want one for safety reasons. Going to run a 5800 105 caliper. Any recommendations on levers that'll go with the aesthetics of the bike? Bar is the Cinelli Valencia, it has a 24mm diameter. I was thinking Dia Compe Goldfinger or the Tech 99 w/ a shim. Thoughts?
07-03-22 | 07:42 PM
#2
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
I've got the Tech 99 and like it, because you can get all four fingers on it. I'm not a fan of one finger braking. I assume you will locate the lever at the end of the bar, and not at the middle next to the stem. If it were me, I'd get a 22.2mm bar, so that I could install some nice grips on it, instead of bar tape.
2014 Soma Rush
2014 Soma Rush
07-03-22 | 08:08 PM
#3
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 63
Likes: 143
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Surly Steamroller 48/17 | Aventon Cordoba 48/15 | Cramerotti TVT Ultra 48/13 | 2016 State Bicycle Co. Black Label
I am a fan of one finger braking, and I did slam the lever all the way to the stem. Pretty janky, but worked well for me for a few thousand miles before I decided to go brakeless.
I love the Paul e-lever, it's pricey but the machining is great and it certainly adds some aesthetic internet points. I've also had good experiences with Avid FR-5 levers.
Sweet build and best of luck.
I love the Paul e-lever, it's pricey but the machining is great and it certainly adds some aesthetic internet points. I've also had good experiences with Avid FR-5 levers.
Sweet build and best of luck.
07-03-22 | 09:13 PM
#4
Thread Starter
^that guy^
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 577
Likes: 156
From: Bakersfield, CA
Bikes: '17 Wabi Classic, '17 Trek DS3, '12 S-Works Tarmac SL
I've got the Tech 99 and like it, because you can get all four fingers on it. I'm not a fan of one finger braking. I assume you will locate the lever at the end of the bar, and not at the middle next to the stem. If it were me, I'd get a 22.2mm bar, so that I could install some nice grips on it, instead of bar tape.
