MIN 

I recently converted my cross bike to a 1x9 drivetrain using downtube shifters. I have Tektro aero installed currently but under a temporary basis. It's like a cold sore on a otherwise hot chick.



I really like the Campy Record carbon levers but the $180 price gives me diarrhea.



Anything else I should consider before I pull the trigger? I ask you people since aero levers are generally used on single speed bikes these days.

operator

You're going to spend $180 for levers that are functionally no better than the ones you have now just for looks?

MIN 

Yes.

redxj

Welcome to BFSSFG!!!!

nox tuboid

I am a campag FREAK but I would not drop the dime on those levers. Tektro makes really nice campag knock off, They come in black or silver and you can find them new on ebay for about $25. The quality and finish are surprisingly good - they're just a little heavy that's all. This is from someone who runs full record on their geared bike. Good luck.

Hirohsima

If you can find NOS Dura Ace SLR levers they are really nice but have a narrower hood than the Campy/Tektro hoods which some find uncomfortable.

I have seen Record Levers go for as little as $50 on fleabay, and usually sell for $120 for used but perfect shape.

MIN 

Cool good to know.

bonechilling

This is the guy who has spent probably upwards of a grand "upgrading" his Poprad, but apparently has never actually raced cyclocross, despite living in Portland.

schnee

Why not grab the Cane Creek SCR-5C levers?

Exact same shape, full black, not carbon, way cheap, better internals than Tektro?

MIN 

Oh wow, I haven't seen this gum hooded version. Thanks. The main reason for my search for new levers is that the return spring sucks on the Tektro and the hood design doesn't feel as polished as the Record Ergo levers, which I've ridden extensively.

marqueemoon

I'm slowly putting together a budget semi-weenie road build with downtube shifters so I've done some research on this.

I'm a fan of Cane Creek SCR-5s - basically the same lever as the Tektro. - 270 grams

Campy Record Carbon is 220 grams and costs 4 times as much.

I'd rather spend that extra money on saving weight somewhere else.

shogun17

Who cares what he spends. Many people spend upwards of a grand 'upgrading' their track bikes while they have never actually raced track.

monstertrack doesn't count.

schnee

Glad to help! Actually, you'll want the SCR 5 - not the C - the C is 'compact' for small hands.

Unless you have small hands, and in that case, knock yourself out.

I can verify from my own use that the Tektro innards die a lot faster than Cane Creek stuff. I've used the Cane Creeks on several bikes and they're like Formula hubs - great bang for buck, and you need to spend a lot more to get a substantially better lever.

schnee

Oh, please hate me! I have a $4,000 mountain bike and I don't race.

blickblocks

You could send me those Tektros if you really don't like them. I'd pay for shipping.

MIN 

Dude, when I get new levers I will be happy to ship you these. I will PM when I get the new ones (whatever they are) in.

blickblocks

Hey thanks! My girlfriend will appreciate it, she needs levers for her bike.

Schnee-Are you sure that the internals on the Cane Creek version are actually different? I thought they were the exact same lever with a different hood texture.

schnee

My LBS recommended them and said the internals were better and didn't rust out as quickly. I've seen statements to that effect elsewhere on bikeforums, and I've had Tektros go bad and Cane Creeks that haven't. So, I could be totally wrong (and would appreciate being corrected if I am), but I got my info from a few different places.

MIN 

"Bike forums, the one-stop place for bourgeois class struggle and fancy aero lever reviews."

abeyance

on a seperate note, tektro makes carbon and carbon look aero levers. i have the "look" ones and the return spring is fine.

blickblocks

Please stop posting personal attacks everyone, thanks.

marqueemoon

There you go with your "personal experience" again.

shogun17

I'm actually supporting your situation, damn I'm confused.

Who cares what you spend.

but if you're into it, I can organise threatening emails or something.

shogun17

Please stop posting general requests blickblocks, thanks.

bonechilling

Don't worry, I'm sure that blicky is going through the process of deleting my comments and issuing me a very important messageboard citation at this moment.